Which automaker piloted Hexagon's wheeled humanoids at its plant in Leipzig, Germany in March 2026?

In March 2026, the automaker that piloted Hexagon's wheeled humanoids at its plant in Leipzig, Germany, was BMW. This marked a significant step in the company's "Physical AI" strategy, which aims to integrate intelligent, learning robots into its manufacturing processes across Europe. The specific humanoid robot deployed by BMW in Leipzig is named AEON, developed by Hexagon Robotics, a division of Hexagon that specializes in physical AI.

The AEON humanoid robot is unique in its design, featuring wheels instead of traditional feet, which allows it to move efficiently across factory floors at speeds of up to 2.5 meters per second. Its human-like form and ability to attach various hand, gripper, or scanning tools make it versatile for a range of tasks. At the Leipzig plant, BMW intends to utilize AEON in areas such as high-voltage battery assembly and component manufacturing. This deployment follows a successful pilot program in 2025 at BMW's Spartanburg plant in the United States, where a different humanoid robot, Figure 02, assisted in the production of over 30,000 BMW X3 vehicles by handling precision sheet metal positioning for welding.

BMW views these humanoid systems as complementary tools to its human workforce, designed to alleviate employees from repetitive, physically demanding, or safety-critical operations, rather than replacing them. The ongoing pilot in Leipzig, which began with initial testing in December 2025 and is scheduled for further expansion in April 2026, will serve as a crucial test case for the broader integration of adaptable humanoid platforms into high-volume automotive manufacturing in Europe. Hexagon Robotics first unveiled its AEON robot in June 2025, showcasing its capabilities for various industrial applications including manipulation, inspection, and operator support.