Industry backs humanoid robots
Europe faces 24-Month window in $499bn Physical AI race
The industrial potential of humanoid robots and autonomous shuttles is enormous. A recent study foresees rapid growth towards a multi‑billion‑euro market. Tech partnerships are therefore springing up like mushrooms.
Artificial intelligence is reaching a new stage of development and is increasingly shifting into physical fields of application. This is highlighted by a recent study from the strategy consultancy Strategy& at PwC. The analysts expect a global market potential of around €430bn ($499bn) by 2030, of which €80bn ($93bn) to €110bn ($128bn) will be in Europe and €20bn ($23bn) to €26bn ($30bn) in Germany.
Physical AI describes AI systems that not only generate digital content, but can autonomously control real-world devices and machines – from vehicles to humanoid robots and infrastructure components. The technology is intended to make decisions independently, move within complex environments and interact physically with people. Autonomous taxis and self-learning logistics robots are already being deployed in initial markets today.
World models power the next wave of physical AI
The study identifies the strongest growth impulses in the mobility sector, for example in autonomous driving, with a potential volume of €170bn ($197bn). Other relevant areas are industrial systems and infrastructure (€69 billion - $80bn), humanoid service robots (€68 billion - $79bn), and aerospace and defence (€50 billion - $68bn). Scarce or heavily utilised labour, as well as automation potential, are seen as key drivers of this development.
A technological key for the next phase of AI is what are known as world models: AI systems that can simulate physical environments and make predictions about how they will behave. They make it possible to train robots and autonomous systems virtually to begin with, which significantly reduces development time and costs.
Companies must act now to avoid dependence on external AI systems
Strategy& emphasises that the fundamental platforms, standards and data ecosystems for physical AI will emerge over the next 12 to 24 months. Companies that do not position themselves during this phase could in the long term become dependent on external systems.
“Europe has clear strengths in physical AI – in automotive technology, industrial automation and sensing. But value creation is increasingly extending beyond pure hardware towards AI models, simulation platforms and computing infrastructure,” explains Tanjeff Schadt, co-author of the study and partner at Strategy&.
Schaeffler expands into humanoid robotics with Leju partnership
In parallel with the publication of the study, Schaeffler has announced that it will further expand its activities in the field of physical AI. The company has entered into a strategic partnership with Chinese robotics manufacturer Leju Robotics. The aim is to advance humanoid robots in industrial applications such as factory inspection, machine operation, logistics and collaborative working environments.
Schaeffler plans to deploy a mid four-digit number of humanoid robots in its own production by 2035.
Schaeffler is contributing key components to the partnership, ranging from rolling and precision bearings to sensors and motors, and through to thermal and battery management. The company sees the cooperation as an important step towards expanding its international position in the humanoid ecosystem.
BMW and Mercedes‑Benz explore robotics for assembly and logistics
German OEMs are also driving the use of humanoid systems. BMW has launched initial pilot projects with humanoid robots at its plant in Spartanburg, where they are to take over monotonous or ergonomically demanding tasks in future. A humanoid is now also to be used for the first time at the BMW plant in Leipzig in series production of high-voltage batteries as well as in component production for exterior parts.
Mercedes‑Benz, in turn, is testing the humanoid robot “Apollo” among other things in assembly areas and in internal logistics. The manufacturer is examining how humanoid systems can close flexible automation gaps and be integrated into existing production processes.
