At the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing, automated transport systems support the factory operations to a large extent: From autonomous trains to intelligent transport robots and forklifts - the use of such innovative vehicles is spreading and they are already a common sight in the production halls. "Due to the wide range of models we have here in Dingolfing, from the BMW 4 Series to the all-electric BMW iX, our assembly logistics services are currently handling different materials and components," explains Armin Feser, Head of Physical Logistics at the BMW Group's Dingolfing plant. "Automated transport systems help us to manage this complexity and organise logistics processes in the factory more efficiently."
After using these innovative vehicles indoors, the next step is to use the automated transport systems outside the production halls. Pilot projects have been 'running' in the factory area for several weeks - with two automated trains, a boxcar and a trailer.
Peter Kiermaier is responsible for logistics planning and industrialisation of logistics innovations at the Dingolfing plant. He is absolutely convinced that these vehicles have potential for the future, but he also describes the unique challenges of using them externally: "On the one hand, because of the weather, they are affected by more factors, so we need more reliable sensors and robot systems. On the other hand, we also need vehicles and systems that can communicate and interact effectively with each other."
He goes on to say that the protection of other road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, is a top priority and requires the integration of the innovative vehicle into the existing traffic control system. As part of the AC Log (Autonomous & Connected Logistics) research project, 5G connectivity is planned for the van and trailer so that they can communicate with BMW's existing standard control system.
In particular, two different train models are being piloted: The first is a transport trolley train manufactured by Linde, with an integrated automation kit from Schiller and a tractive power of three tonnes, used to transport door handles autonomously without a driver in covered open spaces. The second model, from French manufacturer Easymile, is based on autonomous vehicle know-how and is mainly used for transporting PHS metal sheets outdoors. The electrically powered transport system offers a tractive power of up to 15 T, and with 3 trailers it reaches a length of 16 metres and an automatic speed of 10 km/h. It is equipped with an advanced GPS and Lidar navigation system to create 3D images of the surrounding area.
A Stäubli-WFT self-driving forklift is also in operation. With dimensions of 4.5 x 2 metres and a shell that protects the transported materials from the weather, it is ideally equipped for outdoor use. The self-driving boxcar transports special crates between different locations, where the empty crates are stored for shipment to the northern part of Plant 02.40. "The forklift is an evolution of the previous indoor model used by Dingolfing Dynamics Centre 02.70. In the long term we want to achieve more flexibility through vehicles of different dimensions and capacities," explains Dr. Thomas Irrenhauser, Head of Technology Development Innovation.
Another Stäubli-WFT device, the automated trailer, is currently in use at the Dynamics Centre (DYZ). In the near future, two automated trailers will be used at this location to transport containers arriving at the unloading gates via trains 500 metres away, thus replacing the associated tractors. The container will thus be loaded with new components, which will be transported by trailer to the relevant waiting area for shipment.
