Red Sofa interview | BMW’s Carolin Richter on the OEM’s humanoid robots redefining automotive logistics
At ALSC Digital Strategies Europe in Munich, BMW’s Carolin Richter, head of next generation robotics, spoke about humanoid and multi-purpose robots capable of automating intricate logistics tasks that were previously deemed impossible.
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Richter explained how advancements in generative AI are driving a paradigm shift in robotics. These machines can be trained without programming and operate nearly autonomously. In logistics, they hold immense potential, particularly for last-mile handling and complex picking tasks that demand dexterity and adaptability.
The humanoid robots’ design, inspired by human form, allows them to navigate and interact with human environments effectively. However, Richter noted that bipedal designs may not be essential for industrial applications, as mobile platforms could provide greater efficiency, power, and safety in manufacturing environments.
A key aspect of the project is BMW’s in-house Smart Robotics Platform, developed on open-source middleware ROS 2. This platform ensures seamless integration with various robotics suppliers, she said, enabling flexibility and avoiding vendor lock-in.
Looking ahead, BMW plans to deploy its first humanoid robots at its Leipzig plant early next year, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards intelligent, scalable automation in logistics and production.
Experts from VW, Audi, BMW, Catena-X, Toyota, JLR, Infineon, CATL, Mercedes-Benz, SEAT, Daimler Truck and more gathered on stage at this year’s Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Digital Strategies Europe, which took place 3-4 December in Munich, Germany.
The speakers discussed how to form a more co-creative, resilient and sustainable supply chain, providing insights into using the latest digital advancements to tackle uncertainty, volatility and cost pressures. Follow our recap blog to get insights, news and Red Sofa video interviews from the event.