BMW Group to deploy humanoid robots in production in Germany for the first time
BMW’s plan to introduce humanoid robots on its German production lines is prompting skepticism from engineers and technologists who note that car factories are already heavily automated with more efficient, task-specific machines. Many see the human-shaped robots as a marketing exercise riding the “physical AI” and Tesla/Optimus hype rather than a genuine productivity breakthrough, arguing that bipedal, general-purpose designs are less safe, slower, and more expensive than retooling processes for conventional robotics. The exchange broadens into concerns about German industry’s digitalization woes, union resistance to automation, and whether humanoid robots meaningfully reduce costs or simply shift work while creating new layers of technical and organizational complexity.
Nature of the robots and BMW pilot
- Robots are described as “humanoid” but appear more like wheeled, torso‑plus‑arms platforms doing pick‑and‑place and simple hand‑offs with humans.
- Several commenters note BMW has long used large numbers of traditional industrial robots; this pilot seems incremental rather than transformative.
- Many point out that tasks shown (moving parts, simple placement) could already be done by existing robot arms or specialized machinery.
Value vs. hype of humanoid form
- Robotics practitioners in the thread argue humanoids are mostly a publicity stunt:
- Current actuators, sensors, and control are poorly matched to humanlike dexterity and safe close‑quarters work.
- Factories already redesign processes around fixed robots; retrofitting robots to human workflows is often worse.
- “Humanoid‑washing” is a recurring theme: giving standard machines a human silhouette plus buzzwords like “Physical AI” to ride the hype cycle.
- Others suggest humanoids might make sense as drop‑in replacements for humans in long‑tail tasks where custom automation isn’t economical, if cost hits ~10–30k€ per unit.
Economics, labor, and unions
- Debate over whether automation leads to cheaper cars:
- Some argue savings in a competitive market can reach consumers.
- Others counter that large firms tend to keep margins; BMW in particular emphasizes performance over low price.
- German unions are seen both as protective (pushing retraining and job security) and as slowing adaptation, e.g., opposition to Tesla’s humanoid robots in Berlin.
Comparisons to other automakers and regions
- Tesla, Hyundai, and Figure are repeatedly referenced; Tesla is accused of earlier “meaningless” humanoid announcements that don’t yet work.
- Hexagon Robotics is identified as the likely tech partner, leveraging an existing metrology relationship with BMW.
- Claims about “dark factories” in China are disputed; some say Chinese auto tech is overhyped and heavily reliant on Western components, others say premium Chinese EVs now match or exceed European offerings.
German digitalization & corporate culture
- Long subthread laments German “digitalisation” as layers of paper, Excel, SAP, and consulting overhead.
- Broader critiques emerge of German corporate conservatism, overengineering, penny‑pinching, and aging leadership, contrasted with past manufacturing reputation.