BMW Brings Humanoid Robots to European Automotive Production
BMW announced on February 27, 2026 that it is deploying humanoid robots in German production facilities for the first time, expanding beyond its successful US pilot program. The automaker will test Hexagon Robotics' AEON robot at its Leipzig plant beginning in December 2025, with additional testing scheduled for April 2026 and a full pilot phase launching in summer 2026.
AEON Robot Features Wheeled Design for Factory Floors
Developed by Hexagon Robotics, a Zürich-based unit of Hexagon, the AEON robot features a human-like upper body with flexible attachment points for grippers and tools. Unlike many competing humanoid robots, AEON operates on wheels rather than walking, reaching speeds of 2.5 meters per second and offering better stability for factory floor applications. The robot will handle tasks described as "monotonous, ergonomically demanding, or safety-critical" at the Leipzig plant.
Initial applications focus on high-voltage battery assembly for electric vehicles, component manufacturing for exterior parts, and sheet metal positioning for welding. These tasks require precision and repeatability, areas where robotic systems can complement human workers.
US Pilot Demonstrates Proven Track Record
BMW's decision to expand to European production follows a successful 10-month pilot at its Spartanburg, South Carolina plant in 2025. During that pilot, Figure AI's Figure 02 robot processed over 30,000 BMW X3 vehicles and moved more than 90,000 components across approximately 1,250 operating hours. This demonstrated performance gave BMW confidence to deploy humanoids in Germany, the heart of European automotive manufacturing.
The company has established a "Center of Competence for Physical AI in Production" in Munich to consolidate expertise in humanoid robotics. BMW emphasizes that humanoid robots are "viewed as a value-adding complement to existing automation" rather than employee replacements, positioning them as support tools for human workers.
First Major European Automotive Deployment
BMW's Leipzig deployment represents the first humanoid robot implementation in European automotive production beyond testing phases. The announcement positions BMW among the first major automakers deploying humanoids in actual production environments. By testing both wheeled (AEON) and bipedal (Figure 02) designs, BMW is evaluating different approaches to humanoid robotics in manufacturing settings.
Key Takeaways
- BMW announced deployment of Hexagon's AEON humanoid robot at its Leipzig, Germany plant starting December 2025
- The AEON robot uses a wheeled design rather than walking, differentiating it from competitors like Figure AI's bipedal robots
- BMW's Spartanburg plant pilot with Figure 02 processed 30,000+ vehicles and moved 90,000+ components over 1,250 operating hours in 2025
- Applications include high-voltage battery assembly, exterior component manufacturing, and sheet metal positioning for welding
- This marks the first humanoid robot deployment in European automotive production, beyond testing phases