BMW aim to create digital twins of all their factories by the end of 2022. The company stated the move should assist in planning its future facilities.

This is all in preparation for the ‘BMW iFactory’, an initiative to reduce waste and maximise the circular economy in the manufacturers production processes.

BMW stated that once the scans of existing plants have been completed, the digital models can be accessed across the globe, allowing designers to more carefully consider logistics. Using BMW Factory Viewer, roughly 15,000 BMW employees can currently access and utilise the data. They can virtually inspect specific areas, place points of interest and carry out precise measurements.

Factories are designed to maximise efficiency and minimise cost and require minimal downtime between each process. With a digital twin, designers can manoeuvre technology before the factory is built to create the optimum layout.