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Embotech, Outsight, and Hesai Technology have forged a strategic partnership to integrate advanced lidar technology and perception software into Embotech’s Automated Vehicle Marshalling (AVM) system at BMW production facilities. This joint effort, known internally at BMW as Automated Driving In-Plant (AFW), represents an important milestone in autonomous vehicle operations. By combining software expertise, high-precision sensors, and reliable system integration, the collaboration enhances efficiency, safety, and accuracy within automotive manufacturing environments.
Key Highlights
- Embotech is the system provider for BMW’s Automated Driving In-Plant (AFW) solution, leveraging real-time optimization technology.
- Outsight delivers a lidar software platform that monitors both the ego-vehicle and nearby obstacles in production facilities.
- Hesai supplies industry-leading lidar sensors, widely recognized for accuracy and reliability as the “eyes” of the AVM system.
- BMW’s AVM technology has already been successfully deployed in multiple facilities, including Dingolfing and Leipzig, supporting a variety of models.

In the Dingolfing plant, newly manufactured BMW vehicles—such as the BMW 5 Series and 7 Series—travel fully autonomously from the assembly halls, through a short test course, and to the finishing area. This route, which exceeds one kilometer, eliminates the need for human operators to drive cars or return to the starting point. Upon leaving the production line, vehicles receive a secure connection from the factory that guides them through the quality assurance test drive before they reach their final parking destination. This process demonstrates a significant step toward industrial automation, reducing manual labor and ensuring consistent performance.
Embotech, Outsight, and Hesai have a history of jointly advancing lidar and perception solutions for autonomous driving. Their collaboration delivers a comprehensive solution fulfilling stringent safety and availability requirements. According to Dr. David Li, CEO and Co-founder of Hesai Technology: “Hesai is proud to partner with Embotech and Outsight to deliver cutting-edge lidar technology for BMW’s Automated Vehicle Marshalling (AVM) system…” This sentiment is echoed by Embotech’s Dr. Alexander Domahidi, who highlights the “sophisticated lidar software platform” and “reliable lidar sensors” as essential elements for BMW’s automated operations. Outsight President and Co-founder, Raul Bravo, emphasizes the increased maturity of lidar technology for enhancing industrial safety and efficiency.
The integrated AVM solution now supports marshalling for various BMW models in three facilities, marking the initial phase of a global rollout across multiple plants in Europe and North America. As this collaboration evolves, it signifies a major leap forward for autonomous driving, underscoring the capabilities of Embotech’s real-time optimization technology, Outsight’s lidar software, and Hesai’s innovative sensing solutions in transforming automotive logistics.
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