ZURICH, Switzerland, Aug 19, 2026 –Hexagon Robotics and Schaeffler have begun training the AEON humanoid at Schaeffler’s Humanoid Gym in Germany, a first step toward deploying at least 1,000 AEON humanoids in the coming years.
The Gym runs a Train–Validate–Deploy model inside an industrial environment. AEON learns new industrial tasks through imitation learning and repeated execution, with engineers refining and validating the robot’s policies against representative manufacturing applications from Schaeffler’s factories. The approach limits disruption to ongoing operations while confirming that new capabilities perform reliably once deployed.
Schaeffler is also using the facility to build in-house expertise in operating, training, and integrating humanoids into production, and to expand the range of tasks it can test on the factory floor.
This initiative builds on the partnership announced by Schaeffler and Hexagon Robotics in April 2026. Schaeffler will supply actuator technology for AEON and support its deployment across Schaeffler’s manufacturing operations.
“The real value creation comes when humanoids perform multiple tasks reliably and at a high-performance standard in production,” said Arnaud Robert, president of Hexagon Robotics. “Schaeffler’s Humanoid Gym gives us an environment where AEON can meet the performance and reliability standards across real use cases and therefore allow us to scale our manufacturing deployments.”
“With AEON being trained in our Humanoid Gym, we are taking the next step in turning humanoid robotics into an industrial reality. Schaeffler’s unique role as both a user of humanoids and a key component supplier allows us to help shape the performance of humanoid robots through our advanced motion technologies. Through our collaboration with Hexagon Robotics, we can test and refine these systems under real-world conditions, supporting our broader ambition to strengthen manufacturing performance and enable scalable automation,” said Dr. Jochen Schröder, chief operating officer at Schaeffler.
Over the next six months, training at the Gym will move AEON into multiple manufacturing workflows within Schaeffler, setting up the AEON humanoid for deployment across the company’s global operations.
Source: Hexagon
About Hexagon Robotics
Hexagon Robotics is a division of Hexagon AB that develops autonomous systems and humanoid robots for industrial use. It integrates measurement technologies, sensors, and AI to operate in industrial environments. The division builds systems such as the AEON humanoid robot for inspection, material handling, and machine tending. Its systems serve manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy, warehousing, and logistics sectors. Hexagon Robotics was established in 2025 as part of Hexagon’s automation strategy. The company operates from Stockholm, Sweden, through its parent organization. Its systems combine spatial data, digital twin models, and sensor inputs to control robotic movement and interaction. Customers include industrial enterprises using automation in production and operations. Global employees of Hexagon Robotics are about 24,500 across Hexagon operations.
About Schaeffler
Schaeffler is a manufacturer of mechanical components and systems founded in 1946. It produces rolling element bearings, linear guides, and drivetrain components for automotive and industrial applications. The company supplies products for powertrains, chassis systems, and industrial machinery, along with repair and maintenance services. Its operations serve automotive, aerospace, industrial equipment, and energy sectors. Schaeffler is headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany. It operates production sites, research centers, and sales offices in more than 50 countries. Customers include automotive manufacturers, industrial equipment producers, and aftermarket service providers. The company also supplies components for electric mobility and renewable energy systems. Schaeffler employs about 113,000 people globally.
