Audi is increasingly actively integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its production processes in order to achieve higher efficiency, improved quality and cost optimization. Gerd Walker, Audi board member for production and logistics, emphasizes that AI is changing the rules of the game in the industry. The goal is to create a production environment that is not only more cost-effective and efficient, but also meets the highest quality standards while supporting employees.
AI at the heart of production
Audi currently has over 100 projects related to artificial intelligence, which are being gradually implemented in series production. The emphasis is on quality monitoring and generative artificial intelligence. Audi's production department generates a huge amount of data - hundreds of petabytes of existing data and thousands of gigabytes of new data daily. According to Gerd Walker, AI enables the full use of this wealth of information, accelerating the transformation of Audi's "360factory" (a comprehensive strategy for connected, innovative and sustainable production) into a data-driven factory.
Practical examples of AI implementation:
"Tender Toucan" for order optimization: This artificial intelligence tool analyzes offers, generates lists of requirements and evaluates the compliance of proposals. It saves up to 30% of employee time and will soon be implemented for series production planning of transmissions and high-voltage batteries.
"IRIS" for label inspection: At the Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm plants, "IRIS" uses cameras to check that the technical data labels are correctly attached to the vehicles. This ensures compliance and saves around one minute of production time per vehicle.
Welding spatter detection (WSD) with AI: In cooperation with Siemens, Audi has introduced an AI-based quality inspection system in the body shop in Neckarsulm. It detects welding spatter on the underside of the bodywork that was previously inspected manually. In the summer of 2025, a robotic arm will begin removing it automatically, which not only saves time but also improves occupational safety.
To support these initiatives, Audi is building a strong network of experts and collaborating with organizations such as the IPAI (Innovation Park for Artificial Intelligence) in Heilbronn, which is expected to become the largest AI network in Europe. Audi will have its own office at the new IPAI campus, and will also use its Bühlingen Hüfe site as a "real laboratory" for digital manufacturing technologies.