Humanoid Robots Move Closer to Factory Floors as Physical AI Expands
Humanoid Robots Move Closer to Factory Floors as Physical AI Expands
The use of humanoid robots in industrial workplaces is accelerating as companies across Europe and Asia begin testing physical AI systems in factories, warehouses, hotels, and logistics centers.
British robotics company Humanoid is set to deploy humanoid robots at manufacturing sites operated by German industrial supplier Schaeffler under a long-term agreement that could involve between 1,000 and 2,000 robots globally by 2032.
According to reports, the first deployments are expected between December 2026 and June 2027 at two Schaeffler factories in Germany. Initial tasks will focus on box handling and factory testing in Herzogenaurach and Schweinfurt.
Artem Sokolov said the robots will also be integrated into Schaeffler’s existing production lines, expanding the companies’ earlier technology partnership announced this year.
The agreement also makes Schaeffler the preferred supplier of joint actuators for Humanoid’s wheeled humanoid platforms through 2031. The deal is expected to cover more than one million actuators over the partnership period.
Meanwhile, in South Korea, AI startup RLWRLD is collecting worker movement data from hotels, logistics centers, and retail stores to train robots for industrial and service tasks.
At Lotte Hotel Seoul, workers have been recorded performing tasks such as folding banquet napkins and arranging tableware, with cameras tracking hand movements, grip force, and body positioning.
RLWRLD is also working with logistics workers at CJ Logistics and staff at Japanese convenience store chain Lawson to gather movement data for warehouse and retail operations.
The collected data is converted into machine-readable formats used to train robotic systems. Engineers also supplement the datasets using VR headsets, motion-tracking gloves, and human-guided demonstrations.
In recent demonstrations, robots equipped with human-like metal hands performed tasks such as organizing cups, packing computer accessories into boxes, and placing items onto conveyor belts.
Industry leaders believe industrial deployment will likely arrive first before wider consumer use. RLWRLD estimates that large-scale industrial AI robot deployment could begin around 2028.
Major manufacturers are already preparing for the transition. Hyundai Motor Company plans to introduce humanoid robots developed by Boston Dynamics into global factories starting with its Georgia facility in 2028.
At the same time, Samsung Electronics aims to transform all of its manufacturing facilities into AI-driven factories by 2030 using humanoids and specialized robotics systems.
Despite the growing momentum, labor groups have raised concerns about the impact of physical AI on jobs and worker privacy. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions has urged companies and governments to involve workers in AI adoption discussions, warning that automation could affect employment opportunities and skilled labor development.
In hospitality, Lotte Hotel Seoul is studying the use of robots for cleaning and support tasks. While current humanoids still require hours to clean rooms that humans finish in under an hour, hotel officials believe robots could handle some back-of-house operations by 2029.
Experts say the rise of physical AI marks a major shift in how industries approach automation, combining robotics with advanced AI systems capable of learning and performing complex physical tasks once handled only by humans.
