The BMW Group is expanding the use of artificial intelligence in its manufacturing operations, launching a pilot program with humanoid robots at its Leipzig plant in Germany as part of its push into what it calls “Physical AI.”

The initiative combines digital artificial intelligence with physical machines, enabling robots capable of learning and adapting to perform tasks in real production environments. The Leipzig project marks the first deployment of such technology in a BMW factory in Europe.

The company plans to test how humanoid robots can be integrated into existing car production lines and potentially applied to battery assembly and component manufacturing.

“Digitalization improves the competitiveness of our production — here in Europe and worldwide. The symbiosis of engineering expertise and artificial intelligence opens up entirely new possibilities in production,” said Milan Nedeljković, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Production.

New Robotics Tests in Leipzig

For the Leipzig program, BMW is working with Hexagon through its robotics unit, Hexagon Robotics. The company’s humanoid robot AEON will be tested for multiple tasks in production environments, including high-voltage battery assembly and component manufacturing.

Following initial evaluations and laboratory testing, the first deployment at the Leipzig plant began in December 2025. Further testing is scheduled from April 2026 ahead of a full pilot phase planned for summer 2026.

BMW said humanoid robotics will complement existing automation systems, particularly for repetitive, ergonomically demanding or safety-critical tasks, with the goal of improving working conditions for employees.

“Our aim is to be a technology leader and to integrate new technologies into production at an early stage,” said Michael Nikolaides, Senior Vice President of Production Network, Supply Chain Management at BMW Group.

The company has also established a new Center of Competence for Physical AI in Production to consolidate expertise and coordinate future development and deployment of AI-driven robotics across its global manufacturing network.