Accenture has teamed up with Schaeffler AG to revolutionize industrial automation through cutting-edge physical AI and robotics. At Hannover Messe 2025, the two companies will showcase how they’re optimizing various industrial workflows—ranging from human-centric environments to full automation—using the latest AI, simulation, and data technologies from NVIDIA and Microsoft. This includes innovations such as autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), Schaeffler’s mobile manipulator cobot EMMA, and humanoid robots like Agility Robotics’ Digit and Sanctuary AI’s Phoenix.
“As a leader in motion technology, Schaeffler is leveraging disruptive innovations such as physical AI, digital twins, and humanoid robots to drive operational excellence across our global manufacturing network,” said Andreas Schick, Chief Operating Officer of Schaeffler AG. “Our collaboration with Accenture and technology partners like NVIDIA and Microsoft helps us explore how new technologies can boost our flexibility and efficiency in shaping the factories of the future.”
“Physical AI is transforming industrial automation by offering new ways to train and control fleets of AMRs, mobile manipulators, and humanoid robots,” said Patrick Vollmer, Global Industry Group Lead, Industrials at Accenture. “Our work with Schaeffler, Microsoft, and NVIDIA shows how we can co-create solutions to help manufacturers address key challenges related to flexibility, productivity, and workforce dynamics.”
The collaboration has resulted in a proof-of-concept (PoC) designed to demonstrate how AI-powered simulations can benefit Schaeffler’s operations. The proof-of-concept (PoC) focuses on three key areas of integration to improve Schaeffler’s industrial automation capabilities. First, Accenture is utilizing digital twin technology on the NVIDIA Omniverse platform to help Schaeffler optimize factory and warehouse layouts before physical construction begins. This approach reduces commissioning times and ensures a smooth material flow, with automated systems working seamlessly alongside human operators.
The second focus area is the integration of humanoid robots and physical AI. Schaeffler and Accenture are testing Mega, an NVIDIA Omniverse Blueprint, to simulate the performance of humanoid robots and autonomous mobile robot (AMR) fleets in industrial environments. The PoC demonstrates how Agility Robotics’ Digit and Sanctuary AI’s Phoenix can handle tasks such as material handling and spare part assembly, supported by NVIDIA’s vision AI to simulate real-world actions and improve robot learning and adaptability.
Finally, Accenture, in partnership with Avanade (its joint venture with Microsoft), is enhancing live robot operations at Schaeffler’s production sites by using real-time data from simulated environments. This data is integrated into Microsoft Fabric, an AI-powered data platform, enabling operators to monitor key performance indicators like robot availability, utilization, and efficiency. This helps identify and address potential issues in real-time, optimizing overall performance and minimizing operational bottlenecks.
According to an Accenture study, nearly half of factory managers (49%) see AMRs as a critical component of future manufacturing facilities, with 43% anticipating humanoid robots will become standard in assembly processes. This shift toward humanoid robots is seen as a way to integrate more flexibility and human-like dexterity into automated environments.
“Tomorrow’s factories will require complex collaboration between humans, automation systems, and robot fleets,” said Mike Geyer, head of digital twins at NVIDIA. “By simulating and testing robots in industrial digital twins, Accenture and Schaeffler are redefining how robots will operate in future industrial settings.”
Accenture and Schaeffler’s collaboration extends beyond simulation, actively optimizing physical robot operations in Schaeffler’s factories. At their Schweinfurt, Germany site, Accenture has developed a solution using Microsoft Fabric combined with generative AI to provide factory workers with insights into production and help solve issues quickly. By integrating voice-controlled dashboards and simulation adjustments, the solution enables engineers to interact more intuitively with virtual factories, enhancing operational efficiency and responsiveness.
Accenture’s extensive experience in driving digital transformation helps global companies optimize operations and accelerate growth. With over 801,000 employees worldwide, Accenture’s deep expertise in cloud, data, AI, and industry-specific technologies empowers clients to stay at the forefront of innovation in an increasingly automated world.
