AutomateNow ← Blog
Need help with Zapier?
Connect with an Expert

Broadcom Collaborates with Audi for Enhanced Factory Automation

Implementation of IT-Based Solutions

PALO ALTO, Calif. – Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ: AVGO) has announced the launch of Audi's Edge Cloud 4 Production (EC4P) initiative, utilizing VMware Cloud software at the Boellinger Hoefe plant in Germany. This plant is responsible for the production of the electric Audi e-tron GT. The integration of the VMware Cloud Foundation® (VCF) private cloud platform aims to streamline the management of industrial PCs on the manufacturing floor, while also focusing on cost reduction, complexity alleviation, and minimizing environmental impact.

Smart Manufacturing Advancements

The EC4P initiative marks a significant step in smart manufacturing by leveraging software-defined factory automation. Audi’s production strategy seeks to harmonize IT and operational technology (OT) through collaborations with key technology partners, including Broadcom, Cisco, and Siemens. Gerd Walker, Audi's Board Member for Production, emphasized the importance of virtual programmable logic controllers (vPLCs) in enhancing productivity as part of their 360factory strategy.

Benefits of VMware Cloud Foundation

Audi has adopted the VMware Cloud Foundation to establish a centralized private cloud environment that hosts essential workloads outside the manufacturing plant. Key features include:

  • Virtual Worker Stations: These allow the operation of thousands of worker stations as virtual machines, significantly reducing the need for physical industrial PCs.
  • Virtual Programmable Logic Controllers (vPLCs): Used to manage robotic functions, vPLCs can be monitored and updated remotely, enhancing operational efficiency.
  • Future Technologies: The initiative may expand to incorporate AI-driven production and data analytics to further improve productivity.

Projected Outcomes for Audi

The adoption of VCF is expected to yield various benefits for Audi, including:

  • Standardization of infrastructure through a unified private cloud.
  • Accelerated updates and deployments enhancing operational efficiency.
  • Increased agility and scalability in adapting production lines.
  • Cost reductions due to a smaller hardware footprint and centralized updates.
  • Lower environmental impact through the reduction of hardware needs.
  • Improved security with automated patching and quick rollback capabilities.

As Audi strives to modernize its manufacturing processes, Broadcom's VMware Cloud Foundation is poised to play a critical role in facilitating a more efficient and sustainable production landscape.

About Broadcom

Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ: AVGO) is a leading global technology company specializing in semiconductor, enterprise software, and security solutions. The company serves a wide range of markets, contributing to advancements in cloud, networking, wireless, and hybrid infrastructures. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Broadcom is committed to delivering innovative solutions across various industries.