Research and Development at the BMW Group.

Sustainability has defined the thinking and actions of the BMW Group since the early 1970s. Since then, the company has optimised countless production processes and developed innovative technologies. Key topics are efficiency and electro-mobility.

Already today, driver assistance systems support safe and comfortable driving with more than 40 functions. They can drive simple sections themselves, when the driver can intervene at any time. In future this will no longer be necessary. Automated driving becomes autonomous driving, the car is transformed from a co-driver into a chauffeur. And the driving experience of the future gains in freedom and leisure time. Already today, our vehicles are capable of Level 2 automated driving. In order to centrally bundle competencies in this area, the Autonomous Driving Campus was opened in Unterschleißheim, where agile development teams research new solutions and further expand our pioneering role in this segment.

The latest technological advances mean the driving experience is no longer limited to the test track. Using games-engine driven software and virtual reality it’s now possible to test vehicle prototypes and components in Mixed Reality environments that accurately simulate real driving experiences during the very earliest stages of development. Specially customised VR goggles like those used in the computer games industry enable our developers to see first-hand how new technologies and components affect the driving experience, whilst state-of-the-art motion actuators even simulate the physical forces that impact the way a vehicle handles. As a result, our dynamic teams have the freedom to continuously hone and fine-tune new technologies and concepts in a highly agile way – fast-tracking the development of tomorrow’s driving experiences until they’re just perfect.

The use of AI is an integral part of the digital transformation at the BMW Group. The company is already using AI along the entire value chain, generating added value for customers, products, employees and processes. The Data & AI initiative, which deals with data analytics and machine learning across the board, also ensures rapid networking, knowledge and technology transfer throughout the company.

The new driving experience combines powerful software as well as digital products and services with the one-of-a-kind user experience of the BMW iDrive. We offer our customers constant access to the latest digital services and functions. So what sets our vehicles apart is their extensive connectivity; they stand for connected mobility in all its dimensions, integrate seamlessly into the customers’ everyday life. They not only add value for BMW drivers, but also create exciting fields of work for our colleagues.

In production, engineers also have endless opportunities at BMW Group. In a dynamic environment, they can apply their skills in various areas, from process optimisation and the implementation of new manufacturing techniques to the integration of cutting-edge automation solutions. Our engineers work closely in interdisciplinary teams to develop efficient production processes and continuously improve the quality of our products.