Audi has achieved a world-first at its Böllinger Höfe facility by implementing Siemens’ virtual programmable logic controllers (VPLCs) on the Edge Cloud 4 Production (EC4P) platform in its body shop. This TÜV-certified network of VPLCs is equipped with a specially developed security function by Siemens. This innovative solution in the body shop sets new standards for fully networked factory automation, building on the successful testing of EC4P in the assembly of the Audi e-tron GT.
Gerd Walker, Audi’s Board Member for Production, emphasized that the introduction of VPLCs is a major step forward in Audi’s 360factory strategy for efficient, data-driven manufacturing. He highlighted the aim to extend the local cloud for production to all plants, utilizing digital control system advancements. Siemens, as the technology partner, is responsible for providing the virtual control system, ensuring 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”, commented Cedrik Neike, CEO of Digital Industries and Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG.
The EC4P platform with Siemens’ VPLCs is currently being used to produce a Lamborghini model at Audi Sport’s Böllinger Höfe facility. The virtual controllers replace the previous hardware-based ones, positioning the Böllinger Höfe facility as a real-world laboratory for digital technologies. The new virtual control system lays the groundwork for flexible, data-driven production and enables real-time monitoring and control of the manufacturing process.
With VPLCs, Audi can quickly introduce and centrally manage software updates and new functions. The EC4P platform significantly enhances production efficiency and speed. The development of the virtual programmable logic controller was a collaborative effort with technology partners Broadcom, Cisco, and Siemens. Broadcom provided the virtualization software and real-time “industrial virtual switch,” while Cisco delivered the network infrastructure, including Software-Defined Access for industrial networks.
Following the success at Böllinger Höfe, Audi plans to implement this technology at its Neckarsulm plant, including its use in the body shop for the new Audi A6.
