Siemens and Audi have announced a collaboration to enhance Audi's production processes using Siemens' automation technology, virtual controllers, and AI infrastructure. Audi aims to improve its shop floor operations in its car body assembly line by leveraging software-defined automation to achieve flexibility and efficiency. By integrating Siemens’ Simatic S7-1500V, the company is progressing towards a highly adaptable production environment at their Neckarsulm, Germany factory.
“A virtualized shop floor is a key enabler for a flexible production,” stated Gerd Walker, AUDI AG's Board Member for Production and Logistics. Walker emphasized that Siemens' automation portfolio assists in allowing Audi to quickly address market demands and refine manufacturing processes for increased efficiency.
Cedrik Neike, CEO of Digital Industries and a Siemens AG Board Member, commented on the integration, saying, “Controllers are the ‘brains’ of machines and factories. Now we are virtualizing these brains and bringing them to the cloud. This accelerates Audi’s digital transformation and increases agility, efficiency, and safety in production – for more flexible, future-proof manufacturing.” Neike added that this partnership is elevating automotive production and enhancing competitiveness.
The Simatic S7-1500V controller is part of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio and is designed to merge IT and software capabilities within automation. The hardware-independent controller maintains the functionality of traditional Siemens controllers and facilitates integration into existing systems via Siemens' Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) portal. It allows for centralized management and scalability of PLC projects through Industrial Edge.
Siemens has also achieved a milestone with its TÜV safety certification for the Simatic S7-1500V F, making it the first fail-safe virtual controller available. With advanced safety features in place, Siemens enables the transition of safety-sensitive applications to software-defined environments, offering protection for production workers and ensuring machine reliability.
In addition, Siemens has developed an AI-driven system for quality control to assist Audi in inspecting car body constructions in real-time. This system, which employs the Siemens Industrial AI Suite and Simatic industrial PC BX-59A, enhances Audi’s quality checks by automating tasks like weld spatter removal, thus boosting production rates and improving workplace safety.
The collaboration will be discussed further at Hannover Messe 2025, where Siemens and Audi are hosting a panel on utilizing IT-driven automation in car manufacturing. The session features speakers from both companies and will take place at the Siemens booth.