Broadcom Partners with Audi to Transform Factory Automation

Launch of Edge Cloud 4 Production Initiative

Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ: AVGO) has announced the successful deployment of Audi's Edge Cloud 4 Production (EC4P) initiative at the Boellinger Hoefe plant in Germany. This initiative features the first virtual programmable logic controller (vPLC) utilized in the production of the electric Audi e-tron GT, powered by VMware Cloud software.

Benefits of VMware Cloud Foundation

The implementation of VMware Cloud Foundation® (VCF) provides several advantages:

• Centralized management of factory devices enhances operational efficiency.
• Reduces hardware costs and maintenance by replacing decentralized industrial PCs with local edge servers.
• Improves security through automated updates and patching.
• Minimizes environmental impact by using less hardware and consuming less power.

Strategic Impact on Manufacturing Automation

This collaboration signifies a key advancement in factory automation, allowing Audi to replace traditional industrial setups with a more efficient architecture. It not only transforms the manufacturing process but also solidifies Broadcom's position in the operational technology sector following the acquisition of VMware.

Audi plans to utilize this technology across all its production plants, enhancing productivity and sustainability. The EC4P initiative will pave the way for future applications, including AI-driven production and data analytics, indicating a substantial evolution in the manufacturing landscape.