BMW is increasing the use of artificial intelligence in its factories. For the first time in Europe, the company is testing humanoid robots in real car production.
The pilot project is taking place at BMW’s Leipzig plant in Germany. The aim is to see how these human-shaped robots can support normal vehicle production, battery assembly, and component manufacturing.
BMW calls this concept “Physical AI.” It means combining AI software with real robots that can move and operate in factories.
Michael Nikolaides, Senior Vice President Production Network, Supply Chain Management at BMW Group, said, “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 – that is, AI‑enabled robots capable of learning – under real-world industrial conditions. The successful first deployment of humanoid robots at our BMW Group plant in Spartanburg in the USA proves that a humanoid robot can function not only under controlled laboratory conditions but also in an existing automotive manufacturing environment.”
Experience from the United States
This is not BMW’s first test with humanoid robots. In 2025, the company ran a pilot project at its Spartanburg plant in the U.S. with robotics company Figure AI.
There, a humanoid robot called Figure 02 worked in the body shop. It helped produce more than 30,000 BMW X3 vehicles over ten months. The robot worked ten-hour shifts during the week. Its job was to pick up and position metal parts for welding. This task requires high precision and can be physically tiring for workers. During the test period, the robot handled more than 90,000 parts.
BMW said the project showed that humanoid robots can safely perform repetitive and accurate tasks in a real factory environment.
Additionally, BMW already uses AI in many parts of its production process. The company works with digital factory models, AI-based quality checks, and automated transport robots.
A key step was building one unified data platform. Instead of keeping data in separate systems, BMW combined everything into one structure. This allows AI systems to access consistent, up-to-date information at all times.
With this setup, digital AI programs can learn, improve, and take on more complex tasks.
“Centre of Competence for Physical AI in Production.”
To manage this development, BMW has created a new “Centre of Competence for Physical AI in Production.”
This team will test new robotics technologies and share knowledge across the company. In Leipzig, BMW is working with Hexagon Robotics, a long-time technology partner based in Zurich. Hexagon introduced its humanoid robot, AEON, in 2025.
Initial lab tests were completed last year. Further testing will continue in 2026, with a full pilot phase planned for summer 2026.
The robot in Leipzig will focus on battery assembly and component production. Its human-like design allows it to use different tools and move flexibly on wheels. BMW says humanoid robots are meant to support employees, not replace them. They are especially useful for repetitive, physically demanding, or safety-sensitive tasks.
The company believes this technology can improve working conditions and increase efficiency. BMW plans to continue testing and expanding Physical AI in its factories as part of its long-term production strategy.
