BMW Smart Transport Robots.

Autonomous driving also plays an increasingly important role in logistics. An initial fleet of ten selfdriving Smart Transport Robots (STR) is transporting components through logistics at the Wackersdorf plant. What is unique is that the selfdriving transport robot does not need floormounted induction loops for navigation, but moves freely through the logistics hall, powered sustainably by preused batteries from the BMW i3 and is able to transport containers weighing up to 500 kilograms. The STR measures the distance to wireless transmitters to calculate its exact position and route. Using sensors to identify and react to critical situations, it is able to share the route with humans and other vehicles. After five months of prototype operation, the project will be transferred to preseries production, where the ten STRs will be used for the first time in everyday operations and perform transport assignments independently. In the next phase of development, a 3D camera system will enable even more precise navigation. The BMW Group has launched this project in conjunction with the Fraunhofer Institut IML in Dortmund.

The BMW Group will increasingly rely on innovation, digitalisation and sustainability for logistics in the future. A fullynetworked supply chain, autonomous transport robots and the use of existing vehicle information for the delivery process will make logistics even more flexible and efficient. Every day, a total of 30 million parts need delivering to the right place at the right time, so that around 9,000 new vehicles can be produced at the BMW Group’s 31 production locations worldwide.

“Logistics is the heart of the BMW production system – and the use of innovative and digital technologies will become a key factor in our complex logistics processes,” according to Jürgen Maidl, head of Logistics for the BMW Group production network. He continued: “At the same time, sustainable, resourceefficient solutions are also important to us. We are already testing the technologies of the future in a whole series of pilot projects.”

From augmented reality goggles to autonomous transport systems to electricpowered trucks, the BMW Group is testing a wide variety of different technologies and innovations. Marco Prüglmeier, project manager for innovation and industry 4.0 for BMW Group inbound logistics: “We have a clear vision of the future and are already exploring the technologies of tomorrow. We have identified potential for innovation in all phases of the logistics process, from inbound delivery of parts to our plants to outbound delivery of new vehicles to dealers all over the world.”

The BMW Group supply chain consists of a globally distributed supplier network, with close cooperation with various logistics service providers. In the future, full data transparency throughout the supply chain will enable us to know where each item is and whether it will be delivered on time. This information allows us to respond immediately if there is any delay. If, for example, a truck is involved in an accident, the Connected Supply Chain automatically calculates alternative courses of action and initiates corresponding measures.

At the same time, the status of processcritical parts can be monitored by sensors, using socalled “condition monitoring”. This enables early identification of damaged parts and whether a replacement delivery is needed, thereby reducing costly extra runs and alternative processes and allowing any errors in the process to be resolved.