Munich, June 3 – The German robotics industry is experiencing an unprecedented boom, with significant investments and groundbreaking industrial projects reshaping the sector. At the forefront of this transformation, Japanese technology investor SoftBank is reportedly considering an investment exceeding €300 million in the Munich-based company Agile Robots.
SoftBank Investment Could Complete Billion-Euro Funding Round
This substantial financial injection would form part of a larger funding round for the Bavarian capital’s robotics specialist, aiming to secure approximately €800 million. Founded in 2018, Agile Robots has rapidly grown to employ over 3,200 people and has successfully implemented more than 20,000 robotic solutions globally. The company specializes in industrial robots and AI-powered software.
Industry observers suggest that an investment of this magnitude could trigger a review by the German federal government. Under current foreign trade regulations, such a review would likely be initiated by German authorities, underscoring the strategic importance of the robotics sector.
BMW Deploys Humanoid Assistants
In a related development, BMW announced on June 2 its plans to deploy humanoid robots at its Leipzig plant this summer. These “Aeon” robots, manufactured by Hexagon Robotics, stand 1.65 meters tall, weigh 60 kilograms, and can lift 15 kilograms. With a battery life of three hours, they will be utilized for picking tasks and equipping production tools.
The automotive manufacturer cites the persistent shortage of skilled labor as the driving force behind this move-a trend that is compelling many German industrial companies to embrace automation.
Duisburg Pilot Project: Robots in Logistics
In Duisburg, Vodafone, SAP, and Accenture have collaboratively tested the deployment of humanoid robots in warehouses. These machines independently conducted visual inspections, identified safety risks, and directly fed optimization data into SAP systems. Training was conducted via digital twins, with a specialized Accenture software controlling the robot fleet.
New Production Facilities and Billion-Euro Markets
The ebm-papst Group inaugurated a new production and research center in Oradea, Romania, on June 2. The German fan manufacturer is investing €30 million in the facility, with plans to create 500 jobs over the next five years.
Meanwhile, KUKA unveiled a new showroom in Augsburg, where two industrial robots synchronously maneuver a 65-inch screen, demonstrating exceptional precision.
Growth Forecasts: Double-Digit Increases
The German market for 3C industrial robots-those designed for computers, communication, and consumer electronics-is projected to grow by 12.9 percent annually between 2026 and 2033. Similarly, the European market for direct drive motors in robotics is expected to expand from an estimated €500 million in 2024 to approximately €1.2 billion by 2034.
Service Robots for the Home
Cologne-based manufacturer igus is launching “Iggy Rob Home,” a humanoid service robot designed for household and service sector applications. Available from €55,000, this platform rolls on an automatic mobile base instead of legs. It offers an eight-hour battery life, a 2.5-kilogram load capacity per arm, and is entirely manufactured in Germany.
Wartime Deployment: German Robots on the Front Line
German company ARX Robotics has modified ground robots for deployment in Ukraine. By eliminating certain safety mechanisms, they have created more robust and cost-effective systems for transporting ammunition and supplies to the front lines. Approximately 25,000 ground robots are expected to be deployed in the region during the first half of 2026.
Source: boerse-global.de
