The Audi Smart Factory of the Future Looks Frightening

Jason Siu
by Jason Siu

Audi is developing a “Smart Factory” where robots will work together with humans to build cars.

The German automaker first talked about its Smart Factory last year, envisioning a plant with human-robot collaboration, 3D printed parts, drone material transport and piloted cars that drive themselves off the production lines. A new video has been released that gives us a glimpse into that factory, proving that it’s not as far-fetched as you might think. In fact, Audi appears to be making great progress with drones transporting steering wheels, although it may not seem very effective in the video.

SEE ALSO: Watch the Nissan GT-R Face a Drone on a Race Track

The company also previews other high-tech features like using virtual reality headsets and metal 3D printing to enhance the production process at its factories. Audi says it is looking at a method of production where cars are no longer built on an assembly line, but with a radically new, disruptive concept called modular assembly instead.

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Jason Siu
Jason Siu

Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.

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