BMW Group has reached a significant manufacturing milestone, with its Automated Driving In-Plant (AFW) technology completing one million driverless vehicle movements across its production network.
The system allows newly built vehicles to move independently through designated factory areas, reducing the need for employees to drive them between production and logistics operations.
At MINI Plant Oxford, more than 53,000 automated movements have been completed over the past year, highlighting how the technology is becoming part of everyday vehicle production.
How does driverless factory technology work?
Unlike autonomous driving systems designed for public roads, AFW operates within controlled factory environments.
A network of external LiDAR sensors monitors vehicle movements and surrounding activity. Combined with cloud-based software and automated route planning, the system guides vehicles safely through designated areas without anyone behind the wheel.
Importantly, much of the technology is installed within the factory rather than the vehicles themselves. This means different models can use the system without requiring dedicated onboard autonomous driving equipment.
Why is MINI Plant Oxford important?
Oxford became the fourth BMW Group production site to adopt AFW, following Dingolfing, Leipzig and Regensburg in Germany.
However, the British factory has introduced an additional capability. Its automated vehicles can communicate directly with existing production control systems, allowing them to position themselves accurately beside lifting equipment for specific manufacturing operations.
For a factory with more than a century of automotive manufacturing history, the development represents another step towards increasingly automated production.
From pilot project to everyday production
BMW first tested AFW at its Dingolfing plant in 2022. Since then, the technology has expanded across four manufacturing locations, collectively recording approximately 3,500 automated vehicle movements every day.
The system was developed in collaboration with Swiss technology specialist Embotech, which has worked with BMW since 2018.
Artificial intelligence also contributes to system development, simulation and testing, helping engineers refine automated movements and introduce new capabilities.
Where will BMW introduce the technology next?
BMW plans to introduce AFW at its Spartanburg manufacturing plant in the United States during 2027, making it the fifth production location to adopt the system.
The expansion forms part of BMW’s wider iFACTORY programme, which aims to improve manufacturing efficiency through digital technology, automation and connected production systems.
At a glance: BMW’s automated factory driving
- Milestone: One million automated vehicle movements.
- Daily activity: Approximately 3,500 movements across the production network.
- MINI Plant Oxford: More than 53,000 movements in the past year.
- Current locations: Dingolfing, Leipzig, Regensburg and Oxford.
- Technology: External LiDAR sensors, cloud software and automated route planning.
- Next location: Spartanburg, USA, during 2027.
Motoring Echo Verdict
Driverless technology is usually associated with cars travelling on public roads, but BMW’s achievement demonstrates its practical value within the factory.
By automating repetitive vehicle movements, manufacturers can potentially reduce handling time and free employees for other production tasks.
For MINI Plant Oxford, the milestone also illustrates how one of Britain’s longest-established automotive factories is adapting to a more digitally connected manufacturing future.
Source: BMW Group manufacturing announcement. Images: BMW Group.
