INGOLSTADT, Germany—While automotive manufacturing may have more than 100 years of history under its belt, it could see a radical change if Audi has its way. The automaker is exploring the idea of ditching the assembly line altogether.

Every year, more than 500,000 A3, A4, A5 and Q5 vehicles leave the production line at Audi AG’s largest plant in In-golstadt, Germany.

NEW DELHI—Audi has developed a carbon-fiber “chairless chair” for its employees working on the assembly line. The chair eases many assembly activities and at the same time, it improves their posture and reduces the strain on their legs.

INGOLSTADT, Germany—For the first time, Audi has deployed a robot at its assembly plant here that works “hand-in-hand” with people without a safety barrier.

BERLIN—Audi will devote more than $17 billion to capital spending worldwide over the new few years, and it will spend more than $2.6 billion annually on R&D.