The digital mechanics that drive BMW’s latest rollout

Jürgen Wittmann, head of innovation, virtual factory, and virtual commissioning in BMW’s production department, is currently planning the New Class setup in Munich with the digital twin. The advantages, he says, are obvious. “I can meet with the necessary colleagues at any time in collaboration sessions and discuss topics,” he says. “These can also be external partners, planners, maintenance engineers, or architects. And thanks to the digital twin, we know exactly the current situation and can immediately see the impact of changes.”

But until that point, the current situation had to be documented. So with the support of Munich-based tech startup NavVis, BMW scanned all 12 vehicle plants with 3D scanners, generating high-res, panoramic images and precise point clouds. So these form the digital footprint of BMW’s plants and serve as the basis for virtual models of the factories. And because 3D scans are very time-consuming, BMW is automating the scanning process by using drones or integrating scanning technology into logistics vehicles.

In clear view

The data obtained this way is being used for the first time via the BMW FactoryViewer web application, which is actively used by about 3,500 employees every month. Among other things, it enables indoor street views, allowing employees to virtually move through the factories, and users can orient themselves using a mini-map, similar to Google Maps.