Mercedes-Benz and Microsoft collaborate on new data platform

MO360 combines AI and digital twin technology to create a virtual replica of its vehicle manufacturing process, which can be used to run simulations and track operational efficiency.

Mercedes-Benz’s passenger car plants, of which there are around 30 across four continents, will be uploading data to the new platform. The company hopes that this will improve visibility allowing for more accurate predictions and quicker reactions to prevent bottlenecks and supply chain delays.

Joerg Burzer, a member of Mercedes-Benz Group’s management board responsible for Production and Supply Chain Management said: “This new partnership between Microsoft and Mercedes-Benz will make our global production network more intelligent, sustainable and resilient in an era of geopolitical and macroeconomic challenges. The ability to predict and prevent problems in production and logistics will become a key competitive advantage as we go all electric.”

Mercedes-Benz expect that the software will improve efficiency by 20% by 2025.

Judson Althoff, Microsoft’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, believes that the partnership between the two companies “is a testament to the power of the industrial metaverse”. He added: “Together, we are merging the physical and digital worlds to accelerate value creation.”