BMW’s shop floor digital transformation: Driving standardisation, AI, and human-centric innovation BMW layers lean manufacturing principles with the application of digital technologies to develop standardised, human-centric production processes. Nick Holt
Key steps to building flexibility into production operations The need for agility and flexibility in automotive manufacturing operations is greater than ever. AMS spoke with Trent Randles, Engineering Manager - Transfer Case Assembly & Operational Excellence at BorgWarner, about key steps towards developing agile production processes. Nick Holt
BMW reinvents its Munich plant with AI, automation and digital logistics to support Neue Klasse production and meet rising demand in a constrained city-centre location Speaking at the recent Automobil Produktion Kongress in Munich, Dr. Michael Nikolaides, BMW’s SVP of Production Network, Supply Chain Management and Logistics, laid out the company’s roadmap for the digitalisation of production and logistics operations. Ilkhan Ozsevim Nick Holt
Automotive expert Tunç Kip: Human-machine interfaces essential in boosting flexibility, quality, and performance in global manufacturing From the factory floor to upstream design, digital human-machine interfaces are enabling smarter, leaner, and more flexible vehicle production - but humans need to be at the centre of gravity for it to work. Ilkhan Ozsevim
How Arno Güllering wants DRÄXLMAIER Group to harness shopfloor visualisation and genAI in production and maintenance The tier-1 supplier has established a highly connected production and logistics network, with a strong emphasis on data visualisation and a roadmap for AI. But to stay competitive and resilient, COO Arno Güllering wants to ensure both plants and HQ have a mindset ready to embrace change. Christopher Ludwig
Mercedes-Benz blends AI, humanoid robots and craftspeople at its Digital Factory Campus to redefine the boundaries of human-machine collaboration in vehicle production At its Digital Factory Campus in Berlin, Mercedes-Benz is pioneering new forms of human-machine interaction, from generative AI agents to humanoid robots, blending physical and digital intelligence in its production system. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Augmented reality, AI, cobots and digital twins are transforming automotive production by enhancing worker training, planning, inspection and collaboration Human-machine interfaces are becoming central to car production. With AR, cobots, AI inspection and digital twins, OEMs like Ford, Volvo, GM and Mercedes are reshaping the way people and machines interact. Ilkhan Ozsevim
BMW develops next-level digital manufacturing at Landshut and Regensburg plants BMW’s Landshut and Regensburg plants showcase how AI, automation, and smart logistics are transforming component production into digitally driven, future-ready operations. Nick Holt
The rise of HMI: Human-machine synergy in smart manufacturing Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) are no longer simple control panels; they are intelligent, connected systems that empower operators with real-time insights, intuitive workflows and predictive guidance. As HMI technology evolves, it is reshaping how workers interact with automation, improving ergonomics, safety and efficiency, while bridging the gap between cyber-physical systems and human expertise. Anushka Dixit
5G networking: How JLR is building smarter factories As manufacturing operations become more data-driven, traditional network technologies are struggling to keep up. Steve Mason, JLR’s Advanced Digital Technologies Manager for Global Industrial Operations speaks to AMS about the integration of 5G networks into factory environments. Nick Holt
Digital twins: Boosting productivity in automotive manufacturing The digital transformation of production operations is continuing at pace and while there is still much more potential to be realised, the focus is now firmly on digital tools making a practical contribution. Nick Holt
Honda’s $1bn redevelopment of its Ohio plants sets a global precedent in integrating EV, hybrid and ICE production with smart manufacturing and supplier transformation. Honda North America’s upgraded Ohio operations will be its template for flexible production of ICE, hybrid and electric vehicles on a single line. Project lead Mike Fischer speaks to AMS about the goals, planning and execution behind this major production shift. Nick Holt
BMW drives CO2 reduction with workforce engagement: Transformation only succeeds with head and heart The BMW Group is driving forward decarbonisation, digitalisation and modern leadership with ambitious CO2 targets and a clear strategy. Human Resources Board Member Ilka Horstmeier outlines the economic policy opportunities and challenges in this Q&A. By Andrea Hoffmann-Topp
Thomas Dose discusses leadership, diversity, and challenges at BMW’s Chennai Plant How do you go from being a consultant to being a plant manager? Thomas Dose, managing director of the BMW plant in Chennai, India, talks in an interview about his path, the challenges and opportunities in India and the importance of diversity and sustainability. Ronja Schmiedchen
Automotive OEMs and suppliers look to continued development of smart factories and the deployment of digital tools to optimise production operations The concept of the smart factory offers highly efficient, optimised production operations. Ford, ZF and PPG reveal how they are working to realise this potential. AMS
