Audi Tests Agile Robots Humanoids for Parts Sequencing

Why sequencing is hard

The tests run in Audi's production lab in Ingolstadt. The robots must pick parts from containers and place them in a predefined sequence so they reach assembly stations at the right time and in the right order. Traditional industrial robots struggle with this because components differ in shape, packaging material and position.

Audi's material supply involves around one million picking operations a day. That figure shows the scale of the work in the plant, not what the new robots have achieved. The trial uses Agile One humanoids, which combine human-like reach and two-arm manipulation with a wheeled base. The design lets them work in existing industrial environments without necessarily redesigning the factory around fixed robotic workstations.

Gerd Walker, the Audi board member for production and logistics, said that picking parts in production sequence has been one of the hardest automation challenges in automotive logistics for decades. Audi is exploring with its partners whether AI-powered robots can address it and raise productivity.

Simulation before the shop floor

The robot must identify each part, choose a grip that avoids damage and place it correctly. That is harder with flexible or semi-rigid components that can deform when moved. AI-based perception and coordination between both arms are meant to help.

Dassault Systèmes is building a virtual twin of the logistics environment using DELMIA and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Engineers can assess task feasibility, cycle times, working conditions and safety, while Nvidia Omniverse libraries simulate physical environments and robot interactions. The partners also plan to use AI-based virtual assistants to support engineering workflows.

The project remains at the proof-of-concept stage. Its success will depend on handling varied components consistently, working at production speeds and adapting to existing plant infrastructure. Audi has not announced a firm timeline for a plant-wide rollout.