Next steps for automating wire harness assembly The wire harness assembly process has long been the most difficult to automate; complex layout, flexible wires, small connectors and tight grouping all conspire keep this job as a manual operation, until now. Nick Holt
BMW’s shop floor digital transformation: Driving standardisation, AI, and human-centric innovation BMW layers lean manufacturing principles with the application of digital technologies to develop standardised, human-centric production processes. Nick Holt
Key steps to building flexibility into production operations The need for agility and flexibility in automotive manufacturing operations is greater than ever. AMS spoke with Trent Randles, Engineering Manager - Transfer Case Assembly & Operational Excellence at BorgWarner, about key steps towards developing agile production processes. Nick Holt
BMW reinvents its Munich plant with AI, automation and digital logistics to support Neue Klasse production and meet rising demand in a constrained city-centre location Speaking at the recent Automobil Produktion Kongress in Munich, Dr. Michael Nikolaides, BMW’s SVP of Production Network, Supply Chain Management and Logistics, laid out the company’s roadmap for the digitalisation of production and logistics operations. Ilkhan Ozsevim Nick Holt
Automotive expert Tunç Kip: Human-machine interfaces essential in boosting flexibility, quality, and performance in global manufacturing From the factory floor to upstream design, digital human-machine interfaces are enabling smarter, leaner, and more flexible vehicle production - but humans need to be at the centre of gravity for it to work. Ilkhan Ozsevim
How Arno Güllering wants DRÄXLMAIER Group to harness shopfloor visualisation and genAI in production and maintenance The tier-1 supplier has established a highly connected production and logistics network, with a strong emphasis on data visualisation and a roadmap for AI. But to stay competitive and resilient, COO Arno Güllering wants to ensure both plants and HQ have a mindset ready to embrace change. Christopher Ludwig
5G networking: How JLR is building smarter factories As manufacturing operations become more data-driven, traditional network technologies are struggling to keep up. Steve Mason, JLR’s Advanced Digital Technologies Manager for Global Industrial Operations speaks to AMS about the integration of 5G networks into factory environments. Nick Holt
How Mercedes-Benz Bremen manages combustion, hybrid and EV builds while preparing for Maybach and AI-driven smart production without going fully electric In an interview with Timo Gilgen, the Bremen plant manager talks about his understanding of leadership, identifies the challenges facing the location, and explains how the north manages to build ten different models simultaneously and why a purely electric plant is not an option. Timo Gilgen
Future-ready: BMW’s digital transformation of its Munich plant and beyond As the global automotive market pivots toward sustainability and electrification, BMW isn’t just adapting its product portfolio it’s reengineering the entire production operation, prioritising flexibility, digitalisation, and long-term operational efficiency. Plant Munich director, Peter Weber discusses the company’s approach to digitalising production. Nick Holt
Accelerating EV innovation transforms design and manufacturing processes as Toyota and Volkswagen lead cross-functional integration and digital twin adoption for future production Industry experts at the AMS Evolution panel examine the accelerating EV shift and its impact on design and manufacturing. Toyota and Volkswagen share insights on engineering flexibility and digital twin simulation to streamline production Ilkhan Ozsevim
Two-thirds of consumers consider EVs but cost and sustainability concerns persist in the shift to electrification - TCS’s Anupam Singhal shows the way A recent study by Tata Consultancy Services revealed growing consumer interest in EVs, yet cost concerns and sustainability debates continue to shape the industry’s trajectory. As manufacturers invest in electrification, how will they address these challenges? Ilkhan Ozsevim
Solving EV battery pack development, cost and production challenges James Eaton, CEO of IONETIC, discusses the evolving landscape of EV battery pack development and production, focusing on the challenges facing low-volume manufacturers. Eaton shares insights into the importance of cost optimisation, flexible manufacturing, and overcoming the unique challenges of electrifying commercial vehicles such as buses. Nick Holt
BMW drives CO2 reduction with workforce engagement: Transformation only succeeds with head and heart The BMW Group is driving forward decarbonisation, digitalisation and modern leadership with ambitious CO2 targets and a clear strategy. Human Resources Board Member Ilka Horstmeier outlines the economic policy opportunities and challenges in this Q&A. By Andrea Hoffmann-Topp
Change is the only constant for Volkswagen Chattanooga EVP Christopher Glover The head of Volkswagen’s US plant operations is managing market and technology complexity through flexible facility design, practical digitalisation, training and engagement with workers. He speaks to AMS ahead of a keynote presentation at AMS Evolution North America in Michigan. Christopher Ludwig
How Ford’s Marc Dugas is supercharging battery pack assembly using the POSIWID system In this Q&A we explore how Marc Dugas, Ford’s Technical Specialist for Battery Pack assembly, uses a little-known systems thinking heuristic called POSIWID, (the Purpose Of the System Is What It Does) to supercharge battery pack assembly Ilkhan Ozsevim
