Hesai, Embotech, Outsight team up to enhance BMW's smart factory automation

Beijing (Gasgoo)- LiDAR maker Hesai Technology on Feb. 5 announced its recent strategic partnership with Swiss autonomous driving solutions provider Embotech AG and French spatial intelligence software developer Outsight. The collaboration aims to integrate Hesai's high-performance LiDAR with Outsight's advanced perception software to enhance Embotech's Automated Vehicle Management (AVM) system, which is currently deployed in BMW's smart factories in Germany for Automated Driving In-Plant.  

Photo credit: Hesai Technology

Embotech, a key supplier for BMW's smart factory automation, utilizes Outsight's LiDAR software platform to track vehicles and obstacles in real time. Hesai's LiDAR, renowned for its high precision and reliability, serves as the system's "eyes," ensuring safe and efficient operations.  

Photo credit: Hesai Technology

BMW initially implemented the AVM tech at its Dingolfing plant for the 5 Series and 7 Series vehicle models, later expanding it to the Leipzig plant for the MINI Countryman and other models. At Dingolfing, vehicles can autonomously navigate over one kilometer from production to post-assembly areas, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing logistical inefficiencies.  

The new partnership has been built on years of collaboration in autonomous driving innovation. The integrated solution, already operational in three BMW plants in Europe, supports automated vehicle scheduling across production and logistics stages. Plans are underway to expand the technology to BMW factories in Europe and North America.