BMW works with humanoid robots in Germany for the first time

München. BMW is using humanoid robots in Germany for the first time. The car manufacturer is launching a pilot project at its Leipzig plant to test how the technology can be used in car production, battery manufacturing and component construction.

BMW can build on existing experience in this area. The car manufacturer is already using the first humanoid robots from the US company Figure at its plant in Spartanburg. The pilot phase started there last year.

"Digitalisation improves the competitiveness of our production - here in Europe and worldwide," says Production Director Milan Nedeljkovic.He will take over from BMW CEO Oliver Zipse in May. Traditionally, the heads of production often rise to the top of the Board of Management in the Group. Zipse was also responsible for the department before his appointment as BMW boss.

BMW is starting with two humanoids in Leipzig. He expects thousands to be in use in the factories within five years, said Michael Ströbel, Head of Process Management and Digitalisation in Production.

In Germany, the Munich-based company relies on the "Aeon" humanoid robots from Hexagon Robotics. The company is based in Switzerland and belongs to the Swedish Hexagon Group. The robots were already tested at the Leipzig plant last winter. Further tests are due to take place in April before the pilot project gets underway in the summer.