At its Spartanburg factory, BMW is using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to optimize production procedures and reduce costs. The business has already saved $1 million annually by deploying a single AI-powered application.
In South Carolina, at Plant Spartanburg, where it produces the X3 through X7 SUVs as well as the recently introduced plug-in hybrid XM top M model, BMW is relying increasingly on artificial intelligence. What form does AI take in the “home of the X” models? BMW Group Manager Curtis Tingle spoke with CNBC to discuss the advantages, which are mostly found in the body shop.
Up to 400 metal studs can be welded by robots onto the frame of an X vehicle per day, producing a daily production of about 500,000 studs. BMW has integrated AI technology to ensure that all studs are put precisely in order to eliminate human error. In addition to improving quality, it also increases productivity because the production is far higher than it would be if each car’s studs were checked manually.
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In fact, according to Tingle, compared to what BMW believed was possible, the AI-assisted corrective laser’s effectiveness has increased by about five times. The luxury business has also been able to transfer six employees to other positions within the Spartanburg production thanks to this reliable method.
The car manufacturer is saving more than $1 million a year by using AI for stud correction. In the big scheme of things, that’s not much, but these days, every dollar counts because so much money is being invested in electric vehicles.
In order to prevent an SUV from being delivered to its rightful owner with a defect, flaws that the AI discovers are automatically highlighted and repaired by human intervention. Artificial intelligence has made it possible to check every car, which was not conceivable before. Because X vehicles are exported globally, BMW would not have been able to increase manufacturing to meet rising worldwide demand.
By 2030, Plant Spartanburg will have undergone significant alterations as the facility will be producing at least six entirely electric SUVs on the Neue Klasse platform. It will cost a staggering $1 billion, plus an additional $700 million to build a new battery assembly facility in Woodruff.
BMW expects to increase productivity, cut waste, and optimize resource use as it continues to investigate the potential of AI in its manufacturing processes. The company’s focus to leveraging the power of AI and innovation shows how committed it is to staying at the cutting edge of manufacturing technologies in the automotive sector.