Physical AI moves closer to factory floors as companies test humanoid robots

British technology company Humanoid will deploy humanoid robots at factories operated by German industrial supplier Schaeffler, Reuters reported. The two companies’ agreement covers an estimated 1,000 to 2,000 robots in Schaeffler’s global manufacturing sites by 2032, according to a Humanoid spokesperson. The companies have not disclosed the contract value.

The first deployment is scheduled between December 2026 and June 2027 at two Schaeffler sites in Germany. Humanoid CEO Artem Sokolov told Reuters that the initial phase will cover box handling in Herzogenaurach and near-full-scale factory testing in Schweinfurt. Humanoid will also support the integration of the robots into Schaeffler’s existing production lines. The deployment follows a previous technology partnership the two companies announced in January. Schaeffler is testing humanoid robots for physical tasks in production and warehouse environments. The first tasks include moving boxes and handling materials in existing factory setups. Under the supply agreement, Schaeffler will become Humanoid’s preferred supplier for joint actuators through 2031, Sokolov said. The arrangement will cover more than half of Humanoid’s demand for its wheeled humanoid platforms. He added that the agreement is expected to cover at least 1 million actuators over the period. The Schaeffler rollout comes as companies in several sectors are becoming test sites for physical AI systems. AP News reported that South Korean AI startup RLWRLD is collecting worker motion data from hotels, logistics sites, and retail settings. At Lotte Hotel Seoul, food and beverage staff have been recorded while folding banquet napkins and preparing tableware.

Key points

• The first deployment is scheduled between December 2026 and June 2027 at two Schaeffler sites in Germany.
• Humanoid CEO Artem Sokolov told Reuters that the initial phase will cover box handling in Herzogenaurach and near-full-scale factory testing in Schweinfurt.
• Humanoid will also support the integration of the robots into Schaeffler’s existing production lines.
• The deployment follows a previous technology partnership the two companies announced in January.
• Schaeffler is testing humanoid robots for physical tasks in production and warehouse environments.