Humanoid robots are no longer confined to research labs—they are now working alongside human employees in real manufacturing environments. Seven leading global manufacturers have already deployed or are actively testing humanoid robots for factory operations, material transport, and production support. Rapid investment and expanding robot production signal a major shift in industrial automation.
Humanoid Robots in Manufacturing: A New Era
Factories have relied on machines for decades, but humanoid robots mark a significant evolution. Unlike traditional robotic arms fixed in place, humanoid robots can walk, carry objects, pick up parts, and operate in spaces designed for human workers. Their human-like shape allows them to integrate into existing production lines without requiring major factory redesigns.
Many global manufacturers have already moved from trials to commercial deployments. These robots handle repetitive, physically demanding, and time-consuming tasks, complementing human workers rather than replacing them. As artificial intelligence improves, humanoid robots are expected to become a regular part of factory operations.
BMW Uses Figure Humanoid Robots on Production Floor
BMW Group became one of the first major car manufacturers to place humanoid robots inside an active factory. Partnering with Figure AI, BMW tested Figure robots at its Spartanburg manufacturing plant in South Carolina. The initial deployment focused on repetitive tasks such as moving components between workstations and handling parts before assembly. After successful trials, BMW expanded the partnership with the latest Figure 03 humanoid robot. The deployment supported the production of more than 30,000 BMW X3 vehicles, proving that humanoid robots can operate safely alongside factory employees.
Mercedes-Benz Expands Factory Automation with Apollo
Mercedes-Benz has partnered with Apptronik, the company behind the Apollo humanoid robot, to enhance factory logistics. Apollo robots transport components, move materials across production areas, and complete repetitive internal tasks. Mercedes-Benz also invested in Apptronik to accelerate commercial development. The company now uses Apollo robots at its Berlin Digital Factory Campus, where engineers continue testing new manufacturing applications before wider deployment across additional factories.
Tesla Develops Optimus for Its Own Factories
Tesla follows a unique strategy by designing and building its own humanoid robot, Optimus. Instead of purchasing robots from another company, Tesla develops both the hardware and the artificial intelligence system. Optimus handles material transport and repetitive manufacturing jobs inside Tesla facilities. The company continues to expand robot production as development progresses. Tesla views its factories as the first large-scale workplace for Optimus before the robot enters other industries.
Hyundai Prepares Atlas for Future Vehicle Production
Hyundai Motor Group plans to introduce Boston Dynamics’ Atlas humanoid robot into manufacturing over the next few years. The first major deployment is expected at Hyundai’s Georgia Metaplant by 2028. Atlas will support tasks requiring movement across factory floors, component transport, and production assistance. Industry estimates place the cost of each Atlas robot at around $130,000, with an expected return on investment of roughly two years through improved productivity and lower operating costs.
Jabil Tests Apollo Inside Electronics Manufacturing
Electronics manufacturer Jabil is working with Apptronik to evaluate Apollo humanoid robots inside production facilities. Unlike automotive factories, electronics manufacturing often requires frequent movement of materials between different production stations. Apollo helps with repetitive logistics tasks that normally consume valuable employee time. These real-world tests allow both companies to collect operational data before larger commercial deployment. Jabil’s role as one of Apptronik’s primary manufacturing partners provides valuable feedback to improve robot performance for future customers.
Magna International Evaluates Phoenix for Industrial Work
Automotive supplier Magna International has partnered with Sanctuary AI to explore the use of the Phoenix humanoid robot in manufacturing. The partnership focuses on industrial production support across automotive operations. Phoenix performs repetitive factory duties, including moving materials and assisting with production activities. Magna’s evaluation reflects a growing trend among global suppliers seeking practical automation solutions without major factory redesign.
Schaeffler Adopts Digit for Factory Logistics
Industrial manufacturer Schaeffler has introduced Agility Robotics’ Digit humanoid robot to support factory logistics. Digit transports materials between work areas and completes repetitive movement tasks inside industrial facilities. Agility Robotics reports more than 65,000 operational hours for Digit across manufacturing and logistics environments. The company has also secured over $300 million in conditional multi-year orders for the next-generation Digit V5 robot, demonstrating strong commercial demand. To support future growth, Agility Robotics opened a 60,000-square-foot research and training center in California.
Humanoid Robots Gain Momentum in Factories
The rapid increase in humanoid robot utilization means manufacturing has emerged as the largest market for this innovative technology. Factory environments are highly structured, allowing robots to perform tasks accurately and efficiently. Companies like BMW Group, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, Hyundai Motor Group, Jabil, Magna International, and Schaeffler have already started factory trials, commercial deployments, and long-term production programs.
The market is developing rapidly. Apptronik recently opened a 90,000-square-foot Robot Park to prepare Apollo for large-scale manufacturing deployment. At the same time, XPeng, a Chinese car manufacturer, plans to produce over 1,000 humanoid robots per month by 2026, indicating that production capabilities are increasing.
Humanoid robots have not yet reached full maturity, but effective factory applications already exist. If artificial intelligence progresses further and production costs decrease, the role of humanoid robots will significantly rise in the years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which company first deployed Figure humanoid robots in manufacturing? BMW Group deployed Figure humanoid robots at its Spartanburg plant to support material handling and production tasks.
- What factory tasks do humanoid robots usually perform? Most humanoid robots transport materials, move components, handle repetitive jobs, and assist with production logistics.
- Why do manufacturers prefer humanoid robots? Their human-like design allows them to work inside existing factories without major changes to production layouts.
- Which industries currently use humanoid robots the most? The automotive and electronics manufacturing industries lead commercial adoption due to their structured factory environments.
- Are humanoid robots replacing factory workers? Current deployments mainly support repetitive and physically demanding tasks, while human workers continue to manage skilled, complex, and decision-based operations.
