BMW is the latest automaker to integrate humanoid robots into its production process. This initiative began in 2025 with a pilot project at the Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, US, and the company has now announced a new pilot project at its Leipzig facility in Germany.
These robots will be deployed in collaboration with Hexagon, a multinational industrial technology company headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. Hexagon introduced its Aeon robot in June 2025.
BMW and Hexagon tested the Aeon robot at the Leipzig plant in December 2025 as part of an initial deployment, paving the way for further trials in April and for the actual pilot phase to begin this summer.
BMW states the pilot project focuses on testing the robot's multifunctional applications. The automaker indicated that Aeon will be used to assemble components and high-voltage batteries.
The latest pilot project builds on a previous trial where the company deployed Figure AI's Figure 02 robot. It operated 10 h per shift, 5 days a week for 10 months, supporting the production of over 30,000 X3 vehicles.
BMW reported that the robot handled the precise removal and positioning of sheet metal parts for welding – a task specifically demanding speed and accuracy, "while also being physically demanding". During its operational period, Figure 02 moved over 90,000 parts and accumulated approximately 1,250 operating hours.
BMW stated that the pilot program demonstrated the robot's ability to provide measurable added value under real-world conditions. The company also noted that humanoid robots show potential in monotonous, highly skilled, or safety-critical tasks.
Despite ongoing concerns that robots might replace human workers, BMW clarified that its goal is to alleviate employee workload and further improve working conditions. However, the company also acknowledged that robots enhance its manufacturing competitiveness.
Beyond BMW, several other major automakers are exploring similar applications. Mercedes has tested humanoid robots at its Berlin plant, where an Apollo robot from Apptronik was trialed for logistics tasks, quality checks, and assisting with repetitive duties on the production line.
Meanwhile, Hyundai plans to expand the capabilities of humanoid robots at its US facilities by 2028, as part of a broader effort to develop advanced manufacturing systems. Tesla, for its part, continues to position its Optimus robot as more than just a factory experiment.
My Anh (according to Carscoops)
