A world first at Böllinger Höfe: Audi is using a virtual programmable logic controller from Siemens on the Edge Cloud 4 Production (EC4P) platform in the body shop. The TÜV-certified network of virtual programmable logic controllers works with a security function specially developed by Siemens.

With this solution in the body shop, Audi is setting new standards in fully networked factory automation, having already successfully tested the local server solution EC4P in the assembly of the Audi e-tron GT. “The use of virtual programmable logic controllers in the body shop is an important productivity leap in our 360factory strategy for efficient and data-driven manufacturing,” says Audi Board Member for Production Gerd Walker. “We want to bring the local cloud for production to all plants and leverage advances in digital control systems in the process,” Walker adds. As a technology partner, Siemens is responsible for the virtual control system, which offers TÜV-certified safety functionality in production.

"Controllers are the 'brains' of machines and factories. Now we are virtualizing these brains and bringing them to the cloud. This accelerates the digital transformation at Audi and increases agility, efficiency, and security in production - for more flexible, future-proof manufacturing. Together, we are taking automotive production to a new level and significantly strengthening competitiveness”, said Cedrik Neike, CEO of Digital Industries and Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG.

Virtual PLC replaces hardware-based control

The EC4P with virtual programmable logic controllers from Siemens is used for a Lamborghini model whose body is manufactured in the Audi Sport production facility at Böllinger Höfe. The virtual programmable logic controllers replace the previous hardware-based programmable logic controllers in the automation environment. Once again, the Böllinger Höfe facility serves as a real-world laboratory for digital technologies. With the new TÜV-certified virtual control system from Siemens, Audi is laying the foundation for flexible and data-driven production, and can control and monitor production in real time, regardless of location.

The virtual programmable logic controllers enable the rapid introduction of software and new functions that can be updated and managed centrally. With the EC4P, the efficiency and speed of production processes can be significantly increased.

Four companies as technology partners on an equal footing

Audi developed the virtual programmable logic controller for the body shop as part of a technology partnership with Broadcom, Cisco, and Siemens. “Together with our partners, we are realizing the world's first interaction between virtualization platform, network and automation technology in automobile production,” says Pascal Schirmer, Planning Technology Development. Broadcom is providing the virtualization software for the servers, with a newly developed, real-time capable “industrial virtual switch”. This is a software component and enables real-time communication with industrial protocols between the platform and the systems. In order to meet the high requirements in the field of automation technology, Cisco supplied the network infrastructure “Software-Defined Access” as part of the partnership, which was extended to the industrial network.

Following the successful introduction of the virtual programmable logic controllers in the body shop at the Böllinger Höfe, Audi is planning to introduce the technology at its Neckarsulm plant as well. Preparations for this are already underway, including the use of the technology in the body shop for the new Audi A6.

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

Featuring UEFA Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, American sports like NFL and NBA, and handball and golf: Audi is expanding its Audi Application Store offer to include the DAZN app, bringing the sports streaming service into the vehicle – with Audi as the first automaker ever to do so. Sports fans can experience the content both on the MMI touch display and MMI passenger display. The DAZN app is now available in the new models of the Audi A5, Audi Q5, Audi A6, Audi A6 e-tron, and Audi Q6 e-tron series via the Audi Application Store.

Audi is taking its special relationship with sports to the next level by becoming the first carmaker to integrate the extensive offering of the DAZN sports streaming service into its vehicles. This will allow sports fans to experience live sports, highlights, and documentaries from the driver’s seat on the 14.5-inch MMI touch display, for example during a charging break. The app’s integration also means great things for passengers, who can follow all the content on the MMI passenger display even when the car is moving. Using a range of well-known third-party apps, they can watch live sporting events, movies, or series and access games on the 10.9-inch passenger display without distracting the driver.

The DAZN app is now available in select vehicles via the Audi Application Store. This currently includes the Audi A5, Audi Q5, Audi A6, Audi A6 e-tron, and Audi Q6 e-tron series, which all have an Android-based infotainment system as their onboard operating system.

From Audible to Zoom: app portfolio continues to grow

The premium carmaker offers its customers a range of market-specific third-party apps in the store, including Amazon Music, Audible, booking.com, Spotify, Yelp, YouTube – and now DAZN. The app portfolio is steadily growing to provide a wide selection of entertainment options, especially for short breaks. The infotainment system seamlessly integrates the customer’s digital ecosystem, which accompanies them throughout their daily lives.

In addition to the infotainment system, the “Audi Application Store and Smartphone Interface” is also required. The Audi Application Store is integrated directly into the MMI and does not require a smartphone to use. A myAudi account and an active data connection are necessary.

The integration of the DAZN app into the Audi digital ecosystem was achieved in collaboration with CARIAD, the Volkswagen Group’s software company. The app has been specifically optimized for in-car use. DAZN content will also be accessible in vehicles from other Volkswagen Group brands in the long term.

A special connection: Audi and sports

With the integration of DAZN into its vehicles, Audi is once again underscoring its special relationship with the world of sports. The premium automaker has been closely associated with regional, national, and international sports for decades as a partner and sponsor.

Audi is involved in promoting young talent, for example, and sponsors regional and international sporting events. The company also works with established athletes and clubs. Audi has been a partner of FC Bayern Munich since 2002; Germany’s record champions are celebrating their 125th anniversary this year. The FC Bayern Munich app has been available in the Audi Application Store since last summer.

Beyond the large selection of apps, sports fans can also personalize their vehicle with backgrounds from the sports category in the myAudi app’s theme world. Users can choose their favorite image and display it as a background on the MMI. Best of all, the optional ambient lighting will automatically adjust the color scheme in the car to match the selected motif if the driver so desires. 

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

In their quest for perfect accuracy, body shop workers at Audi often use fine shims to adjust equipment by tenths of a millimeter. “Agile shimming”, which is used on the two-way framer at the Audi Sport plant at Böllinger Höfe, is a unique technology within the group. Shimming during the fitting of the exterior side parts was automated at one location and connected to the in-line measurement station via a control circuit. An algorithm automatically adjusts the actuators. Audi employees from Neckarsulm and Ingolstadt developed the technology together.

Manual shimming is an art unto itself. By adding or removing fine shims at geometrically crucial clamping points, the position of a part can be adjusted by tenths of a millimeter before it is fitted. Previously, shimming was based solely on the experience of employees. At the heart of agile shimming is an algorithm that continuously monitors the dimensional accuracy data from the in-line measurement technology and calculates optimal compensation values. Thanks to the closed control circuit, a built-in linear motor directly adjusts the clamping points based on the data from the measurement station.

“The measurements clearly show that agile shimming has made us even more precise”, says Wolfgang Shanz, Head of Audi Sport Production at Böllinger Höfe. “It is also noteworthy that the project was developed and implemented entirely in-house. ‘Agile’ describes not only the technology, but how we work.” The technology is being used in the body shop for the Audi e-tron GT. As a real-world laboratory, small-series production at Böllinger Höfe plays a special role in advancing the digitalization of production and logistics. At Böllinger Höfe, Audi tests intelligent solutions for the fully connected and smart factory.

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

The Audi Q5 stands out as a true all-rounder. Since 2008, the first two generations of the SUV have impressed numerous customers with their qualities. Now the third edition of the Audi Q5 demonstrates its variable and versatile features in southern Spain. From mountain biking to dinner in the city, Dominic Stern, Product Marketing Expert for the Audi Q5, takes us on a day trip.

We meet Dominic Stern in front of a hotel in Málaga. Working in Product Marketing, he knows all the features of the new Audi Q5; his role in the development process was to represent customer interests in the best way. “It was important to us that the third generation of our bestseller can also be clearly recognized as an Audi Q5. The model has been a major success for the brand since 2008. In addition to its sporty design with well-defined surfaces and lines, the new Audi Q5 impresses above all with its outstanding suitability for everyday use. And that’s what we want to demonstrate today.”

Comfortable, spacious, and plenty of storage

Dominic packs the car for a trip to the countryside and mounts a bike rack with a mountain bike on the swivel trailer hitch. Thanks to the adaptive damper control in the air suspension, he can lower the car slightly to make it easier to load. An especially practical feature of the Audi Q5 is the versatile adjustable rear seat. It can be moved lengthwise, and its angle can be adjusted – increasing the trunk volume or comfort for rear passengers as required. With the rear seats folded down, the storage volume increases up to 1,473 liters, depending on the model variant. Dominic comments: “I’m always impressed by the adjustable rear seat bench, and here in the luggage compartment, you can see very clearly how we’ve directly implemented customer wishes. For the first time, the luggage compartment cover can be stowed away in a specially designed compartment under the trunk floor in just a few simple steps. That’s extremely practical!”

While Dominic removes the child seat from the rear bench to stow more equipment, he explains: “The Audi Q5 is also an absolute family vehicle.” He gestures to the mounting points. “A child seat can be fixed onto the two outer seats of the rear bench as well as the front passenger seat – and we even offer this as standard.” Other practical features include a larger storage compartment under the center armrest and numerous smaller storage areas for sunglasses, keys, and other everyday items. An inductive, cooled charging tray with 15 watts of power in the front center console, as well as two USB-C ports in the front and two in the rear, supply power to smartphones and other devices. The ports can even optionally output up to 100 watts – enough to conveniently charge a tablet or notebook.

Over hill and dale with air suspension and adaptive damper control

Dominic pulls his sunglasses out of the storage compartment and sets off toward the mountainous hinterland of Málaga – but first the Audi Q5 drives out of the parking lot on electric power. “Audi stands for ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’. That’s why we now use the new, efficient and powerful MHEV plus in every unit of the Audi Q5. Thanks to a small component on the transmission, the so-called powertrain generator, we not only reduce consumption, but also enable partially electric driving.”

We drive through picturesque landscapes. The Audi assistant makes it easy to access information about the towns and places of interest along the route. The learning voice assistant can also be used to control numerous vehicle functions, such as the temperature. The AI-supported digital assistant is integrated into the vehicle and is represented for the first time by an avatar in the central touch display of the MMI and in the head-up display.

We make a stop off the paved road to hop on the mountain bike. On the way, Dominic adjusts the suspension to suit the characteristics of the route. He explains: “The adaptive air suspension provides a good balance between comfort and sportiness. I can easily set the appropriate modes using Audi drive select and, for example, raise the vehicle by around 30 millimeters in off-road mode, or even as much as 45 millimeters at low speeds.”

Safe and stylish nighttime driving with cutting-edge lighting technology

It is now early evening, and the sun is slowly sinking into the horizon. With the new Matrix LED headlights, the Audi Q5 makes its way safely through the onset of dusk and the impending night. We make a short stop at the hotel before heading into town for dinner. Now the interior lighting of the Audi Q5 really comes into its own. It showcases the clearly designed interior even in the dark, and the combination of contour and ambient lighting creates the right mood. The standard progressive steering helps as we maneuver through the narrow streets of Málaga.

After dinner, Dominic parks the car back at the hotel. It has been a beautiful and eventful day. He takes a last look at the Audi Q5 as it bids us farewell with the dynamic lighting display of the Coming Home function. With its 266 segments, the second-generation digital OLED rear lights generate a new image several times per second using a specially developed algorithm. Dominic concludes: “The Audi Q5 is simply fun to drive, whether as your practical everyday companion or as an all-rounder for your holiday.”

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com