Electromobility Digital Technologies Accelerate the Construction of the New BMW Battery Plant in Germany

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Taiwan Machine Tool & Accessory Builders' Association (TMBA)

BMW is relying on digital technologies for the construction of its new battery plant in Germany. The Bavarian plant, where the new high-voltage batteries are manufactured, was planned, built and handed over completely digitally.

The BMW plant in Bavaria is considered a showcase project for "Bavarian Speed": short distances, close cooperation with regional partners and a digital toolbox that significantly accelerates planning and implementation. For the first time, an entire production site was planned, built and handed over completely digitally. However, the digital approach does not end with completion: data platforms, AI-supported processes and new tools also ensure measurable improvements throughout the entire life cycle in facility and energy management.

BMW relies on two key methods in real estate management: Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Lean Construction Management. Lean construction ensures that processes remain clearly structured and free of delays. The idea behind it is simple: construction processes should function as efficiently as a perfectly coordinated production line. With BIM, almost all of a building's information is combined in a single three-dimensional model. This means that everyone involved in the project can always view the same planning status. This reduces errors and saves time.

Digital Twin in the Cloud

A consistent "One Model" approach was implemented for the first time for the new plant: The digital twin in the cloud was used in its creation - all plans and models combined in a single data room and with transparent, standardized access for all project participants. This involves combining 62 specialist models in one coordination model. This means that the individual models and plans of the project participants, such as architects, structural engineers or structural designers, were combined into a single overall building model. This eliminated around 25,000 manual information requests, as all partners and trades had the same planning status at all times.

Autonomous Drones for more Quality and Safety

Additional precision is provided by autonomous drones that regularly fly over the construction site, document the current status and automatically compare the data obtained with the digital twin. This allows deviations to be detected more quickly and manual inspection steps are significantly reduced. This increases construction speed as well as quality and safety.

Another advantage of the digital approach is the complete paperless documentation. All relevant information remains digitally available and is then seamlessly transferred to operations - an important basis for sustainable energy management, subsequent conversions or optimizations.

The knowledge gained will serve as a standard for the car manufacturer in the future in order to implement follow-up projects quickly, consistently and with high data quality. (se)