BMW puts AI humanoid robots on its European production line
Consumer Editor
BMW is introducing AI-powered humanoid robots to its Leipzig car manufacturing plant in Germany.
The initiative aims to integrate human-like robots into the existing series production of vehicles, while also assessing how they could support battery and component manufacturing.
It follows a successful pilot conducted in 2025 at the company’s Spartanburg plant in the United States.
During the USA pilot, the robots were responsible for removal and positioning of sheet metal parts for the welding process – a task that is particularly demanding in terms of speed and accuracy while also being physically exhausting.
In total, the robots moved more than 90,000 components and covered approximately 1.2 million steps in around 1,250 operating hours.
BMW says the pilot confirmed that humanoid robots can safely perform precise, repetitive work steps – such as positioning components with millimetre precision.
BMW Leipzig employs 6,800 people and builds 1,300 cars a day. It is responsible for assembling the BMW 1 Series, 2 Series Gran Coupe and MINI Countryman.
The robots will be used for a variety of tasks, including the assembly of high-voltage batteries and in component manufacturing.
Michael Nikolaides, Senior Vice President Production Network, Supply Chain Management at BMW Group, continued: “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.”
Roadside cover from £5.29 a month*
• FREE MOT on selected cover – worth up to £55†
• We get to most breakdowns in 60 mins or less
• Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns
*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). †T&Cs apply.
*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). †T&Cs apply.
You might also like
Popular in News
1
EV car batteries last longer than expected, according to new study
2
Vehicle breakdowns where poor roads were to blame rose 15% last year
3
Vaping in cars with children could be banned
4
Graduated driving licences set to be introduced in Northern Ireland
5
Quarter of drivers say they’ve suffered vehicle crime
6
More than 2,500 motorists caught drink-driving three or more times in the last 11 years
7
Government extends home EV charger grant to 2027
8
Four-in-five drivers concerned about dazzling headlights as darker evenings arrive
9
Council pothole claims rise by 90% in three years
10