Mercedes Constructing “Factory of the Future” in Germany

Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz unit has broken ground for its so-called “Factory 56” advanced manufacturing site in Sindelfingen, Germany.

The carmaker plans to launch production of the next-generation S-Class sedan and upcoming EQ-badged electric vehicles at the assembly plant in 2020. The facility also is expected to produce future robo-taxis for Mercedes.

Mercedes says the 2.4-million-sq-ft “factory of the future” will feature flexible production processes that improve efficiency and worker ergonomics. Production equipment will be digitally controlled, monitored and linked throughout the facility and with other Mercedes and supplier facilities to enhance logistics and quality control.

The automated Industry 4.0 plant will feature driverless transport systems that deliver parts and materials directly to where they’re needed on the assembly line, according to the carmaker. Radio frequency identification technologies will digitally track the location of components, and finished vehicles will drive themselves to loading stations.

Mercedes says the plant also will employ artificial intelligence, big data analysis and predictive maintenance to enhance production planning, safety and quality assurance.

In addition, the plant will feature a host of “green” technologies to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, water consumption and waste. A rooftop photovoltaic solar panel array will be able to provide enough energy (5,000 MWh per year) to charge 72,000 electric vehicles and reduce the plant’s CO₂ emissions by 75%, Mercedes calculates.