BMW Group implements augmented reality in prototyping

The BMW Group is using a new application of augmented reality (AR) in vehicle concept and prototype engineering, seeking to speed up the process by up to 12 months , from individual car sections to production stages. 

The AR glasses allow real geometry in the bodywork of a vehicle, overlap with models 3D holographic real scale, so that the concepts and assembly processes for models of future series, can be evaluated in a flexible and cost effective way .

Michael Schneider, Complete Vehicle Manager at the BMW Pilot Plant , commented that the AR glasses and CAD data enable an efficient analysis of whether the production worker will be able to position the component correctly in series production. And in this way, they will need fewer test setups. In addition to saving time and money when integrating new vehicles into assembly lines.

VEHICLE CONCEPTS VIEWED IN 3D

Vehicles and their components are displayed on a platform linked to the BMW Group's product data management system . The CAD files of the components are dragged and dropped from the web-based database to the AR glasses , which specialists can use to reproduce the data in 3D and its original size in a realistic environment.

With the AR application , a wave of the hand is enough to modify not only the size but also the position and angle of the components. Additionally, cross sections can be created to provide a view of the internal structures of the vehicle. 

Another advantage this technology has brought to the German assembler is the drive for collaborative work : people in different locations can use multi-user mode to form teams and review designs and concepts together, and identify any errors.

As part of this project, the BMW Group is working with a start-up and a research organization based in Munich, Germany , to develop and test the first augmented reality application started within a year at the Vehicle Pilot Plant of BMW Group .

Pilot Plant as the competence center of the BMW Group

The BMW Group Pilot Plant is located at the Research and Innovation Center in Munich , with three other associated facilities in Hallbergmoos, Oberschleissheim and Garching .

It has a total area of 100,000 m2 , and 850 people collaborate there who work on up to 6 vehicle projects simultaneously. Like the series plants, the Pilot Plant can assemble both electrical and combustion prototypes. As an interface between development and production, it allows serial assembly processes to be refined to maturity, ready for transfer to regular plants where they are used in series production, vehicle construction units and the Additive Manufacturing Center .