Mercedes production chief, Michael Schiebe, backs AI and flexible EV strategy Mercedes-Benz production chief Michael Schiebe outlines how AI, flexible manufacturing and localisation will help balance cost pressures, EV uncertainty and premium quality demands as the automaker ramps up a wave of new models. Yannick Tiedemann
AI and robotics dominate Hannover Messe Between AI, robotics and defence, Hannover Messe 2026 shows which technologies will shape the factory of the future. It also sent important signals for the automotive industry. Timo Gilgen
Keeping an open mind on artificial intelligence Robots are using physical AI software to support a range of adaptive and autonomous tasks, and Hyundai is securing an end-to-end supply chain for more sophisticated deployment in its factories Marcus Williams
AI vision finds its footing on the factory floor Three firms at the forefront of automotive AI vision inspection reveal why most pilots fail, why optics and lighting still govern outcomes, and how quality systems may soon prevent defects rather than merely catch them. Ilkhan Ozsevim
BMW brings humanoid robots to European production BMW Group's Leipzig plant becomes the first in Europe to host a humanoid robot pilot, as the German automaker scales lessons from Spartanburg and partners with Hexagon Robotics to test the AEON robot across battery assembly and component manufacturing. Ilkhan Ozsevim
Toyota Canada signs humanoid robot deal with Agility After a year-long pilot at its Woodstock, Ontario facility, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada has signed a commercial Robots-as-a-Service agreement with Agility Robotics, deploying seven Digit humanoids on the assembly line this April. Ilkhan Ozsevim
How far can vehicle assembly automation really go? The automation of vehicle assembly is gaining importance. Flexible lines, AI-supported processes and smart tooling help OEMs to manage variant diversity, cost pressure and skills shortages. An overview. Timo Gilgen
Hyundai prepares humanoid robots for vehicle production The Hyundai Motor Group plans to deploy humanoid robots from Boston Dynamics in automotive manufacturing from 2028. The strategy combines scalable robot production, AI partnerships and service-based business models for industrial use. Timo Gilgen
Intelligent automation rewrites the rules of vehicle production Carmakers bet on humanoid robots and AI-driven systems to solve labour crises and accelerate output. The catch: success depends less on silicon than on skilful change management. Ilkhan Ozsevim
