Accenture and Schaeffler Unveil Future of Industrial Automation with Humanoid Robots and AI

Accenture and Schaeffler AG revealed their latest collaboration at Hannover Messe 2025, showcasing how advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, and simulation technologies from NVIDIA and Microsoft can transform industrial automation. The initiative features the use of general-purpose humanoid robots like Agility Robotics’ Digit and Sanctuary AI’s Phoenix, alongside Schaeffler’s own mobile cobot EMMA.

Through digital twins and AI-powered simulations built on NVIDIA Omniverse, the project enables real-time planning, testing, and optimization of factory layouts, robot operations, and human-robot collaboration. These simulations help reduce setup times and identify the best degree of automation per facility.

The partnership also demonstrates how physical AI—robots trained via imitation learning using vision-based systems like NVIDIA Metropolis—can handle tasks such as transporting materials and assembling spare part kits. These scenarios are fed into Microsoft Fabric, enabling site managers to monitor performance and resolve issues with the help of generative AI tools.

The proof-of-concept includes work at Schaeffler’s Schweinfurt production site, where AI-powered assistants allow staff to interact with simulations using natural language and voice commands. Accenture’s research predicts that AMRs and humanoid robots will become standard in factories in the near future.

This initiative positions Accenture and Schaeffler at the forefront of digital transformation in manufacturing, combining technology, innovation, and human-machine synergy to pave the way for the smart factories of tomorrow.