How Humanoid Robots are Revolutionising Manufacturing

Humanoid robots are built to replicate human motion and are being used on production lines for tasks such as assembly and logistics.

Their potential lies in boosting both efficiency and adaptability across industrial settings.

A partnership between Accenture, Schaeffler, Nvidia and Microsoft is reshaping how automation is applied in manufacturing. By combining physical AI, humanoid robotics and cutting-edge simulation technology, they aim to tackle labour shortages and streamline operations.

Accenture’s role in rethinking automation through physical AI

Debuted at Hannover Messe 2025, Accenture, Schaeffler, Nvidia and Microsoft demonstrated a blueprint for factories where humans, robots and AI systems collaborate seamlessly.

“As a leading motion technology company, Schaeffler leverages disruptive innovations such as physical AI, digital twins and humanoid robots to enhance operational excellence across our global manufacturing network,” says Andreas Schick, Chief Operating Officer at Schaeffler.

“In collaboration with strong partners like Accenture, we constantly explore how disruptive technologies from Nvidia and Microsoft can increase our flexibility and efficiency. 

“This is how we want to jointly shape the production of the future.”

“Physical AI is reinventing industrial automation as it offers efficient ways to train and control entire fleets of AMRs, mobile adaptive manipulators and general-purpose humanoid robots,” adds Patrick Vollmer, Global Industry Group Lead, Industrials at Accenture. 

“Our collaboration with Schaeffler, Microsoft and Nvidia shows how clients and strategic partners can co-innovate on turning emerging technologies into solutions to help manufacturers tackle flexibility, productivity and workforce challenges.”

Transforming Schaeffler’s operations with robotics & simulation

Schaeffler is introducing humanoid robots such as Agility Robotics’ Digit and Sanctuary AI’s Phoenix to boost flexibility and productivity across its factories and distribution hubs.

These robots carry out tasks like transporting materials, handling totes and assembling spare part kits, all while fitting smoothly into workflows originally designed for people.

Using Nvidia Omniverse for digital twin simulations, Schaeffler can plan layouts and trial robot fleets in a virtual space. This helps cut down commissioning time and fine-tune automation levels — from hands-on processes to fully automated systems led by humanoid robots.

Schaeffler reshapes factory operations with humanoid robotics & simulation

Schaeffler is turning to humanoid robots like Agility Robotics’ Digit and Sanctuary AI’s Phoenix to increase flexibility and improve efficiency in its factories and distribution centres.

These robots are being used for tasks such as moving materials, handling totes and assembling spare part kits, integrating into workflows that were originally designed for people.

By using Nvidia Omniverse’s digital twin simulations, Schaeffler is able to plan facility layouts and test entire robot fleets in a virtual environment. This approach helps reduce commissioning time and refine automation levels — ranging from fully manual processes to advanced systems run by humanoid robots.

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