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Mercedes-Benz Transforms Production Network By Integrating AI And Humanoid Robots At Berlin Facility
The Mercedes-Benz Digital Factory Campus (MBDFC) in Berlin-Marienfelde is advancing its role as a global hub for innovation in production and digitalisation. The introduction of humanoid robots, artificial intelligence (AI), and new patented production methods marks a significant milestone. These advancements are part of Mercedes-Benz's strategy to transform its global production network.
In 2022, the Berlin-Marienfelde site became the central hub for production digitalisation through MBDFC. This campus fosters the development of future software applications within a real-world production setting. The core of these efforts is the Mercedes-Benz Cars Operations 360 digital production ecosystem, known as MO360, which integrates essential software applications and data across the global production network.
Mercedes-Benz has enhanced its MO360 system with AI features like the Digital Factory Chatbot Ecosystem and MO360LLM Suite. Humanoid robots from Apptronik have been introduced, further cementing Berlin-Marienfelde's status as an innovation centre. These technologies are tested at MBDFC before being implemented on actual production lines at other Mercedes-Benz plants.
Jörg Burzer, Member of the Management Board at Mercedes-Benz Group AG, stated, "Mercedes-Benz Berlin-Marienfelde remains at the cutting edge of automotive production and keeps Germany on the map as a global center for innovation. Artificial Intelligence and humanoid robots open up an exciting new frontier which make automotive production more sustainable, efficient and more intelligent."
Mercedes-Benz is investing in advanced technology to empower its workforce, including Apollo, one of the world's most sophisticated commercial humanoid robots. The company plans to invest a low double-digit million-euro sum into Apptronik, founded in 2016 at the University of Texas at Austin's Human Centered Robotics Lab.
Since the 1970s, Mercedes-Benz has used industrial robotics for monotonous tasks. Now, they are testing humanoid robots for repetitive tasks in intralogistics. Apptronik’s Apollo can transport components to assembly lines where skilled staff assemble them and conduct initial quality checks.
AI-Powered Production Assistance
The integration of AI into everyday production processes is transforming operations at MBDFC. The MO360 AI Factory makes AI intuitive and accessible for everyone involved in production. Employees can use the "Digital Factory Chatbot Ecosystem" to access databases by simply asking questions via chat.
Katrin Lehmann, Chief Information Officer of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, emphasised AI's benefits: "AI takes over the tasks we usually enjoy less, giving us time to focus on real innovation, creativity and value-adding activities."
Advanced Electric Motor Production
The Marienfelde site has long been integral to Mercedes-Benz's powertrain production network. As the industry shifts towards electric vehicles, Berlin is becoming a centre for high-tech electric motor manufacturing. Starting next year, Marienfelde will produce axial-flux motors using innovative techniques developed in-house.
This motor involves about 100 processes, with around 65 new to Mercedes-Benz and 35 entirely new to the industry. These innovations include laser technologies combined with bonding processes and AI applications.
The advancements at MBDFC demonstrate Mercedes-Benz's commitment to pioneering digitalisation in automotive manufacturing globally. By integrating AI and robotics into their processes, they aim to enhance efficiency while maintaining high standards of quality.
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