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Humanoid Robots Enter Real-World Manufacturing
Siemens, in collaboration with UK-based robotics company Humanoid, has successfully trialled AI-driven humanoid robots at the Siemens Electronics Factory in Erlangen, Germany. This initiative marks a significant milestone in automating complex, repetitive factory tasks.
From an industrial automation perspective, this deployment highlights a paradigm shift: moving from fixed robotic arms to adaptable humanoid systems capable of interacting with dynamic production environments. Such robots not only increase efficiency but also allow factories to implement more flexible workflows that better mimic human dexterity.
Pilot Program and Collaborative Approach
The pilot program was executed in two phases. Initially, Humanoid created a physical twin of the system for testing, optimization, and rapid iteration without affecting live production. In the second phase, the robots were deployed for two weeks to perform destacking tasks autonomously—collecting totes, transporting them to conveyors, and placing them at pickup stations for human operators.
This approach illustrates best practices in industrial automation: validating technology in a controlled environment first ensures reliability and safety. For engineers, it also demonstrates the value of closely aligning robotic solutions with real operational workflows before full-scale deployment.
Performance Metrics and Autonomous Capabilities
During the trial, the robots achieved 60 tote moves per hour, successfully handled multiple tote sizes, and operated autonomously for over 30 minutes per session. Pick-and-place success rates consistently exceeded 90%, confirming robust operational reliability.
In practice, achieving such consistent autonomous performance in unstructured logistics tasks is challenging. This trial indicates that humanoid robots are ready to move from experimental setups to practical industrial applications, offering measurable efficiency improvements and reducing repetitive strain on human operators.
Humanoid’s Robotics Philosophy
Humanoid emphasizes augmentation rather than replacement. Their HMND 01 ALPHA BIPEDAL robot features 29° of freedom, RGB cameras, depth sensors, and 6D force/torque sensors, powered by NVIDIA AI for real-time reasoning and task execution. The WHEELED model adapts the humanoid upper body for mobility across factory floors, enabling autonomous material handling even in near-production conditions, as seen in their work with Schaeffler.
From my perspective, this human-centric philosophy aligns perfectly with the future of collaborative automation. By taking over hazardous or monotonous tasks, these robots free human workers to focus on complex decision-making, problem-solving, and optimization—areas where human intelligence remains unmatched.
Early POCs Drive Practical Insights
Artem Sokolov, Humanoid’s CEO, emphasizes that early proof-of-concepts in operational settings provide critical feedback for development. Deploying robots in near-production conditions allows engineers to identify real-world challenges, iterate quickly, and ensure that solutions deliver tangible business value.
This iterative methodology is essential for industrial automation innovation. It demonstrates that integrating robotics into real factories requires not just technical capability but also continuous adaptation to human workflows, operational constraints, and production variability.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Humanoid Automation
The Siemens-Humanoid collaboration offers a glimpse into the future of factory automation: AI-driven humanoid robots working safely and efficiently alongside humans. By taking on repetitive logistics tasks, these robots enhance productivity, improve safety, and enable factories to implement more flexible, scalable operations.
For engineers and decision-makers, this trial is a reminder that successful automation requires balancing technology with human-centered design, aligning robotic capabilities with real operational needs, and fostering collaboration between people and machines. Humanoid robots are not just replacing labor—they are elevating it.
