Accenture has joined forces with Schaeffler AG to launch a transformative initiative in industrial robotics, revealed at the prestigious Hannover Messe 2025 event in Germany.
Revolutionizing Automation with Physical AI
The collaboration is focused on leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced simulation technologies to develop humanoid robots capable of enhancing factory automation. The project includes key contributions from Nvidia and Microsoft, solidifying a power trio in the AI-driven industrial space.
At Hannover Messe, the companies demonstrated a suite of robotics technologies built for human-centric workflows, collaborative tasks, and full-scale automation. These included autonomous mobile robots, Schaeffler’s adaptive cobot ‘EMMA’, and general-purpose humanoids such as Agility Robotics’ Digit and Sanctuary AI’s Phoenix.
Simulations Driving Real-World Impact
The initiative centers around a robust proof-of-concept (PoC) built on three pillars: virtual factory planning, digital twin-based robot testing, and live robotics optimization.
1. Virtual Factory Planning
Through digital twin technology powered by Nvidia Omniverse, Accenture is helping Schaeffler simulate and visualize factory layouts before implementation. This allows for more efficient planning and integration of automation tools, optimizing both cost and productivity from the outset.
2. Testing Robots in Digital Twins
Accenture and Schaeffler are using Nvidia’s ‘Mega’ blueprint to simulate humanoid robots at scale. This digital twin environment enables the testing of robot fleets in various industrial scenarios, with Nvidia Metropolis vision AI translating human movement into robot behavior via imitation learning.
Agility Robotics’ Digit is currently being trialed for material handling, while Sanctuary AI’s Phoenix is undergoing task training through AI-powered simulations. These real-world applications are paving the way for a future where robots take on more dynamic and complex roles in manufacturing.
3. Real-Time Operation Optimization
To enhance operational efficiency, simulated data from Omniverse is being fed into Microsoft Fabric. This AI-powered data platform enables factory managers to monitor KPIs and make real-time adjustments to robotic operations, improving agility and responsiveness on the shop floor.
Co-Innovation for the Future of Industry
According to Patrick Vollmer, Accenture’s global lead for the industrial sector, the partnership exemplifies how companies can co-innovate to transform emerging technologies into practical, scalable solutions. The introduction of physical AI is reshaping how robotics and humans collaborate in manufacturing environments.
Mike Geyer, head of digital twins at Nvidia, echoed this sentiment, stating: “Tomorrow’s factories demand seamless collaboration between humans, automation systems, and diverse robot fleets. Through large-scale simulations, we’re reimagining industrial operations with physical AI.”
Humanoid Robotics on the Rise
This milestone aligns with broader advancements in humanoid robotics. For example, Figure AI recently achieved a major breakthrough by enabling lifelike walking in their humanoid using reinforcement learning. Together, these developments are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in robotics and AI.
As global industries seek greater flexibility and automation, innovations like these are quickly becoming essential. With physical AI enabling smarter, more adaptive machines, the factory of the future may be closer than we think.
