Audi Sport Tests AI and Robotics in Real-World Factory Lab

[Source: Audi]

At Audi’s Böllinger Höfe facility, home of the e-tron GT, low-volume production is doubling as a testbed for cutting-edge factory innovation. In partnership with Fraunhofer research institutes, Audi Sport is exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics can streamline parts-picking in vehicle assembly, reduce physical strain on workers, and improve accuracy.

A standout feature of the project is its employee-first approach. Workers wear eye-tracking smart glasses during their tasks, helping researchers identify the most mentally demanding steps in the picking process. With this data, Audi and Fraunhofer can better tailor tech solutions to real production needs.

In a dedicated trial zone replicating the plant’s “supermarket” parts area, the team is testing AI tools like computer vision, as well as mobile robots equipped with 3D sensors and articulated arms. Real vehicle orders are used to simulate production scenarios, ensuring that any technology developed is practical and effective.

This research is part of Audi’s broader AI25 initiative, aimed at digitally transforming automotive manufacturing. With input directly from workers and a close partnership with science and tech leaders, Audi’s vision of a smarter, more efficient factory is well underway.