Humanoid robots are now on the job at BMW’s German factory [video]

KATHMANDU: German automaker BMW has started using humanoid robots in its vehicle production line as part of its effort to expand automation in EV manufacturing. The robots are now working at BMW’s BMW Leipzig Plant under the company’s iFACTORY production system.

The move follows earlier trials at BMW’s BMW Spartanburg Plant in the United States. During that pilot project, humanoid robots known as Figure 02 helped produce more than 30,000 units of the BMW X3. Their main task was positioning sheet metal parts accurately before the welding process.

In the new project, BMW is testing advanced humanoid robots called AEON. These machines were developed by Hexagon Robotics.

The AEON robots use AI-based motion control and multiple sensors. This allows them to understand their surroundings and make decisions while working. For example, the robot can detect people or objects nearby and adjust its movement to avoid them while completing its task.

Hexagon describes this technology as Physical AI. The idea is to create robots that can learn and adapt while working in real factory environments.

BMW says these pilot projects help the company test how AI-powered robots can work safely with human workers in production lines. The goal is to improve efficiency and explore new ways of building vehicles.

According to BMW executives, combining engineering expertise with artificial intelligence could open new possibilities in manufacturing and help make production more competitive globally.

For now, the robots are still part of pilot testing, but they show how automation and AI could play a bigger role in the future of car manufacturing.