German automobile giant BMW is preparing to introduce humanoid robots into its European manufacturing operations for the first time, marking a major step toward the future of automated vehicle production. The company plans to deploy two human-shaped robots, developed by Hexagon Robotics, at its Leipzig factory beginning this summer after ongoing trial runs at the facility.
BMW officials believe the move represents the next phase in industrial automation, with humanoid robots designed to work alongside human employees in existing factory environments. Michael Nikolaides, BMW’s head of process management and digitalisation, described the technology as the “future of automotive production,” highlighting the growing role of artificial intelligence and robotics in the manufacturing sector.
Unlike traditional robotic arms commonly used in automobile factories for decades, the new humanoid robots are designed to resemble human workers in both size and movement. According to BMW, this allows the machines to fit into current assembly line systems without the need for major structural changes. Industry experts say declining robot costs and the high expense of redesigning factories have made human-like robots a more practical option for manufacturers.
The robot, named Aeon, stands about 1.65 metres tall and weighs approximately 60 kilograms. It can move at speeds of up to 2.4 metres per second and is capable of carrying heavier loads for short durations. Equipped with 21 sensors, including cameras, radar systems, microphones and force sensors, the robot is designed to navigate factory environments safely while carrying out repetitive industrial tasks.
BMW said the robots were trained using a combination of teleoperation and advanced simulation technology. Human workers wore sensors to demonstrate tasks, allowing the robots to learn movement patterns and handling techniques. The robots were also trained in a digital replica of the factory using software from Nvidia, where they repeatedly simulated tasks to identify the most effective methods through reinforcement learning.
Experts involved in the project say developments in imitation learning are significantly reducing robot training time. Instead of months of programming, robots can now learn tasks within days by observing human behaviour through videos or motion sensors. Hexagon Robotics president Arnaud Robert said the technology could eventually allow robots to learn workplace tasks simply by watching humans perform them.
At BMW’s Leipzig facility, the humanoid robots will initially handle material feeding and pick-and-place operations in battery assembly. Company officials noted that the robots are intended to assist with repetitive and physically demanding tasks while also addressing expected labour shortages in the coming years.
BMW stressed that the introduction of humanoid robots is not aimed at replacing workers but at supporting production efficiency. Nikolaides compared the transition to earlier waves of industrial automation during the 1970s, which critics feared would eliminate jobs but ultimately created new employment opportunities in technology and manufacturing.
Several global automakers are also investing heavily in humanoid robotics. Toyota plans to use Digit robots developed by Agility Robotics, while Chinese electronics and automobile company Xiaomi has tested humanoid robots in electric vehicle production. Hyundai has also announced plans to deploy Atlas humanoid robots and already uses Spot inspection robots developed by Boston Dynamics.
BMW previously experimented with humanoid robots at its Spartanburg plant in the United States, where Figure O2 robots assisted in building thousands of X3 vehicles. According to company officials, AI-powered robots demonstrated improved adaptability compared to conventional industrial machinery, particularly when handling slight variations in object positioning during assembly.
One notable feature of the Aeon robot is its wheel-based movement system instead of feet. BMW believes wheels are more practical for factory floors, enabling smoother and faster movement between workstations. The company has also used dog-shaped Spot robots for maintenance inspections in areas difficult for humans to access.
Despite growing excitement around humanoid robotics, industry analysts caution against unrealistic expectations. Gartner analyst Bill Ray warned that many public demonstrations exaggerate robot capabilities and said the technology still has limitations in mobility and complex task execution. However, experts agree that advancements in AI and robotics are rapidly bringing humanoid machines closer to mainstream industrial use.
BMW officials said factory workers have responded positively to the robots, with many already viewing them as future teammates rather than machines. The company believes the collaboration between humans and intelligent robots could redefine automotive manufacturing in the years ahead.
