Bosch is preparing to manufacture humanoid robots at its Bühl site in Germany from next year, marking the company’s first move into producing AI-powered humanoid machines.
Bosch plans to begin manufacturing humanoid robots at its facility in Bühl, in Germany’s Black Forest region, in partnership with UK-based robotics start-up Humanoid.
The move will make Bosch a contract manufacturer for the company, with production expected to begin next year. Bosch has not disclosed planned production volumes or the number of employees who will be involved.
The humanoid robots are designed with a human-like structure, including a head, arms, hands and legs. Bosch is also assessing whether its own technologies, including actuators, motors, sensors and other components, can be integrated into the machines.
Schaeffler to use humanoid robots in production
German automotive supplier Schaeffler is expected to become one of the first customers for the robots manufactured in Bühl. The company plans to deploy the humanoids in its manufacturing operations.
Bosch and Schaeffler are both investors in Humanoid and have established partnerships with the London-based start-up. Humanoid is responsible for developing the robots, while Bosch will support their production.
The partnership highlights growing interest from automotive and industrial manufacturers in using humanoid robots for industrial applications.
Humanoid robots target industrial applications
Although the humanoid robotics market remains at an early stage, manufacturers are increasingly exploring the technology for applications where robots could perform repetitive or physically demanding tasks.
Factories and logistics operations are expected to be among the first major applications. Longer-term opportunities could include healthcare, care services and household assistance.
Companies in China and the United States currently lead much of the development of humanoid robotics, while German companies such as Neura Robotics are also expanding in the sector.
Bosch’s planned production in Bühl represents a further step towards bringing humanoid robotics into industrial environments and integrating artificial intelligence with advanced automation technologies.
