Audi is significantly expanding its use of artificial intelligence (AI) across the company, with a strategic focus on improving efficiency, enhancing quality, and fostering innovation. With over 100 AI-driven projects underway in various stages of development, Audi is actively integrating AI into series production and key logistics processes.
Production and logistics currently see the greatest AI impact, particularly through quality monitoring systems and generative AI. The automaker’s long-term objective is to fully harness AI and data both in internal operations and customer-facing products and services.
Member of the Board of Management for Production and Logistics Gerd Walker said, “AI is the game changer in our industry. By using it in a targeted way, we are creating a production environment that is not only more efficient and cost-effective but that also meets the highest quality standards and supports people as ideally as possible. That is why we are focusing on integrating AI wherever it is possible and makes sense and systematically expanding applications.”
AI Streamlines Procurement with “Tender Toucan”
One of Audi’s latest innovations is “Tender Toucan,” an AI tool designed to analyze bids during the tendering process. Using a predefined set of specifications, the tool scans supplier bids, identifies relevant content, and evaluates compliance. Employees review and finalize the output, saving up to 30% of the time previously required. Audi plans to deploy Tender Toucan in the series production planning of drivetrains and high-voltage batteries this summer, with future rollouts across the Volkswagen Group.
Boosting Quality with AI in Labeling and Welding Processes
Audi has also introduced AI-enhanced visual inspection systems in its Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm assembly plants. One such tool, “IRIS,” ensures vehicle labels with technical data are correctly positioned, contain the right information, and are in the correct language. The system speeds up checks, saving about one minute per vehicle, while employees continue to perform spot inspections for assurance.
Another advancement, developed in partnership with Siemens, is the “Weld Splatter Detection” (WSD) system, now in use at the Neckarsulm body shop. Previously, underbody weld splatter was inspected and removed manually. Now, WSD uses AI to detect problematic metal deposits. Beginning in summer 2025, a robotic arm will remove the splatter automatically, improving production speed, workplace safety, and ergonomics.
Data at the Core of Audi’s AI Strategy
Production remains the most data-intensive area at Audi. With hundreds of petabytes of existing data and thousands of gigabytes added daily, the company is investing in the systematic expansion of its data infrastructure to support scalable AI solutions.
These initiatives are part of Audi’s broader digital transformation efforts aimed at securing long-term competitiveness and technological leadership in the automotive industry.
