Mercedes-Benz is accelerating the transformation of its production network by further establishing Berlin-Marienfelde as the hub for innovation in MO360 digital production technologies. These technologies are now enhanced with Artificial Intelligence (AI), humanoid robots, and groundbreaking innovations, such as the production of high-performance electric axial-flux motors.
In 2022, Berlin-Marienfelde became the global centre of competence for production digitalisation with the launch of the Mercedes-Benz Digital Factory Campus (MBDFC). This initiative has fostered the development of future software applications in a real production environment. At the heart of these activities is the Mercedes-Benz Cars Operations 360 (MO360) digital production ecosystem, which consolidates all essential software applications and data from the global production network. The MBDFC has been integral in both developing and testing new processes and technologies, as well as in the rapid global implementation of pioneering MO360 software applications for automotive production.
Mercedes-Benz has now further enhanced its MO360 system with AI-driven features such as the Digital Factory Chatbot Ecosystem and the MO360LLM Suite, as well as humanoid robots from the U.S.-based company Apptronik. These developments reinforce Berlin-Marienfelde’s position as a global innovation centre. New production processes, powered by the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), are tested at Marienfelde before being implemented at other Mercedes-Benz production plants. For example, Marienfelde played a key role in preparing the Rastatt plant for the ramp-up of the new Mercedes-Benz CLA, the first vehicle to integrate MB.OS.
Mercedes-Benz is committed to empowering its workforce with state-of-the-art technology. As part of this, the company has introduced Apollo, one of the world’s most advanced commercial humanoid robots, into its manufacturing facilities. To further its use of humanoid robots in automotive production, Mercedes-Benz is making a substantial investment in Apptronik, a company founded in 2016 at the Human-Centered Robotics Lab at the University of Texas at Austin.
Since the 1970s, Mercedes-Benz has employed industrial robotics for tasks that are particularly repetitive and physically demanding. Currently, the company is testing humanoid robots for tasks in intralogistics, such as transporting components to production lines or conducting initial quality checks. Apollo robots have already been gathering data in a production environment to train for specific tasks within the MO360 system. Mercedes-Benz employees with real-world production experience have transferred their knowledge to Apollo through teleoperation and augmented reality. Now, Mercedes-Benz is advancing Apollo’s capabilities at the Digital Factory Campus Berlin, enabling the robots to perform autonomous operations, marking a key milestone toward a flexible and intelligent production assistance system.“Mercedes-Benz Berlin-Marienfelde remains at the cutting edge of automotive production and keeps Germany on the map as a global centre for innovation. Artificial Intelligence and humanoid robots open up an exciting new frontier which make automotive production more sustainable, efficient and more intelligent,” said Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, responsible for Production, Quality & Supply Chain Management.
In December, Apptronik announced a strategic partnership with the Google DeepMind robotics team to combine top-tier AI with cutting-edge hardware, further advancing humanoid robots designed for dynamic environments. At the MBDFC, Mercedes-Benz is proactively shaping the future of AI technologies in production, thanks to the AI-powered MO360 AI Factory. This system makes AI intuitive and accessible for all employees. The in-house-developed Digital Factory Chatbot Ecosystem allows staff to easily access production databases, enabling quick answers to questions on machine maintenance or best practices, all delivered in multiple languages.“AI takes over the tasks we usually enjoy less, giving us time to focus on real innovation, creativity and value-adding activities. I’m convinced that it makes a significant contribution to business success when applied strategically and executed pragmatically. So, let’s embrace it as key part of our solution moving forward,” said Katrin Lehmann, Chief Information Officer of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Mercedes-Benz AG.
