BMW is moving forward with robotics in its manufacturing by starting a pilot project at its Leipzig plant in Germany.
The company is using humanoid robots in its production to help modernize how it makes cars. They announced that this is the first time humanoid robots are being used in production in Germany.
This project follows earlier tests in the United States, where BMW tried out humanoid robots at its Spartanburg plant.
New Center to Drive AI Integration
BMW said it has set up a Center of Competence for Physical AI in Production to speed up the use of robotics and AI in its factories worldwide.
The company described its approach as focused on “Physical AI,” which links digital intelligence with real-world machines and robotic systems.
According to BMW, this concept enables intelligent systems — including humanoid robots — to operate directly within live production environments.
Autoblog noted that the company’s new factory workers are not human, reflecting the increasing role of robotics in modern automotive manufacturing.
AEON Robot Moves From Lab to Factory
The robot deployed at Leipzig is AEON, developed by Hexagon’s Robotics Division based in Zurich.
Hexagon introduced AEON in June 2025 as its first humanoid robot, with development centered on Physical AI principles.
After lab tests and early reviews, AEON was first used in the real world at BMW’s Leipzig plant in December 2025.
A second test is planned for April 2026, with the robot set to work on the factory floor before a full pilot phase in summer 2026.
At Leipzig, AEON will be tested on tasks like assembling high-voltage batteries and making components.
Michael Ströbel, head of Process Management and Digitalization in Production at BMW Group, stated that the focus is on exploring multifunctional uses of the robot in areas such as battery manufacturing and exterior component production.
Simulation-Driven Development
Hexagon emphasized that AEON’s development relied heavily on simulation-based training.
The robot was trained in virtual environments using NVIDIA’s Isaac platform, including Isaac Sim and Isaac Lab, where it learned navigation, locomotion, and manipulation skills.
By training in simulation before physical deployment, core development timelines were reduced from months to weeks.
AEON operates using NVIDIA Jetson Orin edge computers for real-time perception and decision-making, with plans to transition to the IGX Thor platform to enhance collaborative safety.
The robot also uses NVIDIA’s Isaac GR00T model and Mimic tools to learn from people and create motion data.
Linking Physical and Digital Production
Equipped with advanced sensors, AEON collects spatial data that can be uploaded to Hexagon’s Reality Cloud Studio via HxDR.
With NVIDIA Omniverse, the system allows real-time 3D modeling and digital-twin teamwork, linking real factory work with cloud-based processes.
Interesting Engineering said this integration is part of BMW’s bigger plan to use robotics and digital systems together to make production more efficient.
Toward the Future of Automotive Manufacturing
BMW’s deployment of humanoid robots at Leipzig signals a shift toward more flexible and intelligent manufacturing systems.
By combining robotics, AI, and digital modeling, the company aims to improve adaptability in battery production and other complex processes.
This move highlights how automation is increasingly being used alongside human workers in industrial settings.
The Leipzig pilot is an important step in seeing how humanoid robots might help in factories in the future.
Watch AEON in Action
If you want to see what the robot can do, you can watch AEON in action through the BMW Group’s YouTube Channel:
