BMW opens the world’s first AI car factory in Hungary
BMW has taken a bold step in automobile production by launching the world’s first artificial intelligence-controlled factory in Debrecen, Hungary. This facility is designed based on the principles of BMW’s iFactory guidelines, utilizing virtual planning methods before being constructed in the real world. It’s the first factory that uses only renewable energy for its daily operations, and it’s also completely free from fossil fuels and runs entirely on electricity. We decode why this facility is setting the benchmark everyone else will chase from now on.
What makes it unique?
Even before the raw materials are gathered and nuts and bolts are put together, the cars are first virtually designed and tested. BMW’s AIQX system, a network of cameras, sensors, and AI-driven analytics, scans for any issues and offers solutions on the floor in real time. To ensure exceptional quality, the cars function like connected devices, capable of identifying and addressing issues such as uneven paint or a chipped component in real time, thereby minimizing delays. The fast-paced assembly consists of over 1000 robots under the guidance of human expertise. The AI factory is also the birthplace of next-generation EVs like the iX3, boasting up to 500 miles of range. In late October, the new iX3 will start production as the first vehicle from the Neue Klasse.
Sustainable Auto Manufacturing
The new AI factory is groundbreaking as it brings together sustainability, efficiency, and, of course, digital wizardry like never before. The facility emits 34 kg of CO₂ equivalent per vehicle in production; that’s a drop of around 90% compared with other BMW facilities. The German luxury car manufacturer manages to achieve this thanks to the electrified paint shops that significantly reduce the carbon footprint.
Sticking to BMW’s “local for local” philosophy, the high-voltage batteries are built at the Debrecen plant. This keeps transport distances short, and the emissions are kept low. This site will be the first of five BMW factories around the world to start mass-producing the next-generation Gen6 batteries. This also boosts the local economy by creating jobs and offering advanced training through university partnerships.
Related: BMW Bets Big: 40 New Models Coming by 2028 With Bold, Unique Designs
Cars Manufactured at Debrecen
BMW will begin rolling out its Neue Klasse line of electric vehicles, starting with the iX3, from the Debrecen factory. The new SUV will be powered by BMW’s new Gen6 high-voltage batteries, promising an impressive drive range of up to 500 miles on a single charge. By 2027, the facility will produce 40 new models and updates across BMW’s entire lineup.