Mercedes-Benz has said it is adopting a ‘digital first’ strategy in production processes, utilising digital twins to streamline output of models on its modular architecture MMA platform across factories in Germany, Hungary and China.

The automaker said MMA would make its MO360 production system “more intelligent” and connect 30 plants worldwide.

It plans to consolidate production of electric, hybrid, and combustion models onto a single factory line.

The production line can be modified, configured and optimised using digital simulations.

At Rastatt in Germany, digital twin technology is used to introduce new models with minimal interruption to existing assembly operations.

At Kecskemet, Hungary, Mecedes uses Nvidia Omniverse to create a digital representation of the production hall. This was claimed to increase speed and flexibility while reducing hardware need.

Mercedes said collaboration with suppliers would also become more efficient, resulting in savings.

In the Rastatt paint shop, AI has reduced energy consumption and process boot times.