The rise of physical AI is rapidly transforming industrial operations across the world. From automotive factories to warehouses and hospitality businesses, companies are increasingly testing humanoid robots for real-world tasks that once depended entirely on human workers. Recent partnerships and pilot programs show that physical AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it is moving steadily toward large-scale industrial deployment.
One of the latest developments comes from British robotics company Humanoid, which plans to deploy humanoid robots across factories operated by German industrial supplier Schaeffler. The agreement highlights how manufacturers are preparing for a future where AI-powered robots work alongside humans in production environments.
Humanoid Robots Set for Schaeffler Factories
According to reports, the partnership between Humanoid and Schaeffler could involve between 1,000 and 2,000 humanoid robots deployed across Schaeffler’s manufacturing sites globally by 2032. While the financial value of the agreement has not been disclosed, the scale of the rollout demonstrates growing confidence in industrial robotics and AI-driven automation.
The first phase of deployment is expected to begin between December 2026 and June 2027 at two Schaeffler facilities in Germany. Initial operations will focus on handling boxes and testing robots in near-full-scale factory conditions.
Humanoid CEO Artem Sokolov explained that early deployments will take place in Herzogenaurach and Schweinfurt, where robots will assist with repetitive logistics and material handling tasks. These environments provide an ideal testing ground for physical AI systems because factories often require repetitive, structured movements that robots can learn efficiently.
Schaeffler Expands AI-Powered Manufacturing
Schaeffler has already been exploring automation technologies, and the new agreement represents another major step toward AI-integrated manufacturing. Beyond supplying robots, Humanoid will help integrate these systems into Schaeffler’s existing production infrastructure.
The two companies had previously announced a technology partnership earlier in the year, but the latest agreement expands cooperation into long-term deployment plans. Schaeffler is specifically interested in using humanoid robots for warehouse operations, materials transport, and factory-floor support tasks.
Another important aspect of the deal involves robotic actuators. Schaeffler will become Humanoid’s preferred supplier for joint actuators through 2031. These actuators are essential components that allow humanoid robots to move their arms, hands, and wheels with precision.
According to Sokolov, the agreement could cover more than one million actuators over the partnership period, supplying over half of Humanoid’s total demand for its wheeled humanoid systems.
Physical AI Expands Beyond Manufacturing
The industrial robotics movement is not limited to factories alone. Around the world, companies are gathering human motion data to improve the capabilities of AI-powered robots.
South Korean startup RLWRLD is one of the companies leading this effort. The company is collecting motion data from workers across hotels, retail stores, and logistics facilities to train humanoid systems for practical tasks.
At Lotte Hotel Seoul, staff members working in food and beverage operations have been recorded while preparing banquet tables, folding napkins, and arranging tableware. Cameras attached to workers’ heads and hands capture detailed movements, allowing AI systems to learn how humans grip, position, and manipulate objects.
RLWRLD is also collecting operational data from logistics workers at CJ warehouses. In Japan, the company is working with convenience store chain Lawson to analyze how employees arrange food displays and manage store operations.
These efforts are helping RLWRLD create an advanced AI software layer capable of powering robots in factories, warehouses, retail stores, and service industries.
How Robots Learn Human Movements
Modern humanoid robots rely heavily on human motion training data. RLWRLD converts videos and movement recordings into machine-readable information that AI systems can understand and replicate.
The company’s engineers also perform their own demonstrations using VR headsets, motion-capture gloves, and wearable sensors. This process helps robots understand the mechanics of physical tasks in detail.
The collected data includes:
- Joint movement angles
- Hand positioning
- Grip control
- Applied pressure and force
- Movement timing and coordination
According to robotics engineer Song Hyun-ji, these details are critical for improving hand dexterity, which remains one of the biggest challenges in humanoid robotics.
In testing demonstrations, robots equipped with human-like metal hands have successfully completed simple but important tasks. One robot moved cups around a minibar setup while guided remotely by engineers. Another humanoid robot opened a cardboard box, placed a computer mouse inside, sealed the box, and placed it onto a conveyor system.
These examples may appear basic, but they represent major progress in robotic manipulation and coordination.
South Korea Pushes Physical AI Development
South Korea is emerging as a major hub for physical AI development. Several large corporations are investing heavily in humanoid robotics and AI-powered factories.
Hyundai Motor plans to introduce humanoid robots developed by Boston Dynamics into its global manufacturing operations. Deployment is expected to begin at Hyundai’s Georgia facility around 2028.
Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics has announced plans to convert all manufacturing plants into AI-driven factories by 2030. The company intends to combine humanoid systems with specialized robotic automation across production lines.
RLWRLD believes large-scale industrial deployment of physical AI robots could begin around 2028, aligning with the timelines announced by major global manufacturers.
Labour Unions Raise Concerns About Automation
Despite the excitement surrounding humanoid robotics, labour organizations are expressing concerns about the long-term impact of automation on employment and skilled workers.
In South Korea, labour unions have warned that widespread robot deployment could weaken opportunities for human workers while reducing demand for skilled labor. Worker representatives argue that governments and employers should involve employees in discussions about AI adoption and workplace transformation.
Kim Seok stated that skilled labor remains a uniquely human achievement and should not be undervalued during the transition toward automation.
These concerns reflect a broader global debate over the balance between technological advancement and workforce protection.
Hospitality Industry Also Exploring Humanoid Robots
Hotels and hospitality companies are also studying how humanoid robots could improve operations behind the scenes.
Lotte Hotel is currently exploring robots for cleaning and support work in non-customer-facing environments. However, current humanoid systems still face major efficiency limitations.
For example, robots may currently require several hours to clean a guest room that human workers can complete in approximately 40 minutes. Even so, the hotel believes robots could eventually handle selected cleaning and support functions by 2029.
The company is also considering robot rental services for hospitality businesses and service industries in the future.
One hotel worker involved in robot training estimated that humanoids might eventually handle 30% to 40% of back-of-house event preparation tasks. However, jobs requiring emotional intelligence, customer communication, and direct human interaction are expected to remain difficult for robots to replace.
The Future of Physical AI in Industry
The rapid progress of humanoid robotics signals a major shift in industrial automation. Companies across manufacturing, logistics, hospitality, and retail are investing in physical AI systems capable of performing repetitive and physically demanding tasks.
Partnerships like the one between Humanoid and Schaeffler show that businesses are moving beyond experimental prototypes toward real-world deployment strategies. At the same time, startups like RLWRLD are building the data foundations necessary for robots to operate more naturally in human environments.
Although technical limitations and labour concerns remain important challenges, physical AI is steadily advancing toward mainstream industrial use. Over the next decade, humanoid robots are expected to become increasingly common on factory floors, in warehouses, and across commercial workplaces worldwide.
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