The BMW Group announced that it will deploy humanoid robots at its Leipzig plant in Germany, marking the first time it has introduced such embodied intelligence technology in its European production system. The project aims to integrate humanoid robotic technology into existing vehicle series production and explore further applications in battery and component production.
This pilot is in collaboration with Swiss Hexagon Robotics.It uses its AEON humanoid robot launched in 2025, which is mainly responsible for the two major links of high-voltage battery assembly and parts manufacturing.
The project has completed theoretical evaluation and laboratory testing. The first round of actual production line testing will be launched in December 2025. A second test will be carried out in April this year, and it will officially enter the large-scale pilot stage in the summer.
With its humanoid body design, AEON can flexibly replace the gripper and scanning tool to adapt to the needs of multi-process operations, and can realize dynamic movement of the wheel end.
It is understood that BMW's move also draws on the successful experience of the Spartanburg factory in the United States - the local pilot humanoid robot.It once supported the production of 30,000 BMW X3s in 10 months, working ten hours a day from Monday to Friday. Completed 90,000 precise parts handling operations and lasted 1,250 hours of operation.
The pilot in a US factory confirms that humanoid robots can safely perform precise, repetitive work steps - such as positioning components with millimeter precision - and provides important insights for further deployment of physical artificial intelligence in production.
BMW emphasized that the deployment of robots is aimed at taking on high-load, high-risk positions and improving production safety and efficiency. The goal is to reduce the burden on employees and further improve working conditions.
