Manufacturing in meta-universe, Mercedes-Benz uses Nvidia Omniverse to build a next-generation factory

CTOnews.com, January 5 (Xinhua)-- Mercedes-Benz announced during CES 2023 that it will make a renewed effort to digitize the production process, using the NVIDIA Omniverse platform to design and plan manufacturing and assembly facilities.

CTOnews.com learned that Mercedes-Benz has been working with Nvidia to develop software-defined cars. Its upcoming model will be based on the Nvidia DRIVE Orin centralized computing platform, and its intelligent driving function will be tested and verified on the Omniverse-based NVIDIA DRIVE Sim simulation platform. With the introduction of Nvidia Omniverse, Mercedes-Benz has further integrated AI and metaspace technologies into its own development process.

Mercedes-Benz plans to start using a new platform for electric vehicles at its plant in Rastat, Germany. The plant currently produces Mercedes-Benz A-Class and B-Class cars, as well as compact SUV GLA and all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQA. Nvidia and Mercedes-Benz are building a "digital first" planning process for the plant, which will not affect the production of the plant's current compact models. It will also be applied and promoted in Mercedes-Benz's global production network to enhance the flexibility of vehicle manufacturing.

Through Omniverse, Mercedes-Benz planners can access the plant's digital twins to review and optimize the plant as needed, Nvidia said. Every change made by planners can be quickly evaluated and verified in the virtual world and then implemented in the real world. In addition, by connecting Omniverse to its internal MO360 data platform, Mercedes-Benz can synchronize factories around the world, simplifying the operation of the global production network and enabling OTA software updates to production equipment.