BMW Group uses humanoid robots in production in Germany for the first time

Physical AI comes to Europe – pilot project at the Leipzig plant

The BMW Group is consistently driving forward digitalisation and the use of artificial intelligence in production. A key element is what is known as ‘physical AI’, which combines digital AI with real machines and robots. The BMW Group is now bringing physical AI to Europe for the first time and launching a pilot project with humanoid robots at its plant in Leipzig. The aim is to integrate humanoid robotics into existing series production and to test further applications in battery and component production.

‘Digitalisation improves the competitiveness of our production – here in Europe and worldwide. The symbiosis of engineering expertise and artificial intelligence opens up completely new possibilities in production,’ says Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Production. Michael Nikolaides, Head of BMW Group Production Network and Logistics, adds: ‘Our aim is to be a technology leader and to integrate new technologies into production at an early stage. Pilot projects help us to test and further develop the use of physical AI under real industrial conditions.’

New competence centre pools expertise

With the establishment of the new Centre of Competence for Physical AI in Production, the BMW Group is consolidating its expertise and ensuring that its entire knowledge base can be utilised on a broad scale. Together with Hexagon, a long-standing partner in the field of sensor technology and software, the first pilot project in Europe is now underway. The humanoid robot AEON is set to be used in the assembly of high-voltage batteries and in component manufacturing from summer 2026. Its human-like body can flexibly dock a wide variety of hand and gripping elements.

Successful pilot project in Spartanburg as a basis

The BMW Group had already carried out a successful pilot project at its Spartanburg plant in the United States in 2025. The Figure 02 robot supported the production of over 30,000 BMW X3s there for ten months, working 10-hour shifts every day and moving a total of over 90,000 components. These findings form the basis for the further development and scaling of physical AI applications in Europe.