Hexagon Robotics

By combining robotics with Hexagon's expertise in measurement technologies and spatial intelligence, AEON is designed to understand, navigate and interact with complex industrial environments with the precision manufacturers require. Unlike humanoids developed for the consumer market or as research platforms, AEON has been designed from the outset for industrial deployment, where reliability, repeatability and integration into existing manufacturing processes are critical. Its multipurpose design allows a single robotic platform to perform multiple workflows across a factory, helping manufacturers increase utilisation while adapting to changing operational needs.

Customers benefit not only from a humanoid robot, but from Hexagon's decades of experience in industrial software, sensing technologies and autonomous solutions deployed across manufacturing worldwide.

Building on decades of industrial innovation

Building on decades of industrial innovation, Hexagon Robotics established its global robotics division in Greater Zurich to develop the next generation of autonomous industrial systems. From here, the company develops AEON — a multi-purpose industrial humanoid that combines advanced robotics, multimodal sensing, precision measurement and Physical AI to help manufacturers automate repetitive and physically demanding tasks, addressing labour shortages while improving productivity, safety and operational resilience. Rather than building a general-purpose humanoid, Hexagon Robotics is focused on delivering robots designed for practical deployment in industrial environments.

Why leaders in robotics choose Greater Zurich

Although Hexagon Robotics already had an established Swiss presence, choosing Zurich as the headquarters for its global Robotics division was a deliberate strategic decision. For President Arnaud Robert, few places worldwide combine robotics, artificial intelligence, research excellence and industrial expertise as densely as Zurich.

Today, the company's robotics activities are centred in Greater Zurich. AEON was designed, engineered and is assembled here, while the division continues to expand its engineering, commercial and manufacturing teams.

Joining a thriving robotics ecosystem in Greater Zurich

Hexagon Robotics cites the unique combination of leading universities, multinational technology companies, robotics startups, ETH spin-offs and industrial partners as one of Zurich's greatest competitive advantages.

ETH Zurich and EPFL continue to produce internationally recognised research in robotics and AI, while companies including NVIDIA, Google and Meta contribute cutting-edge expertise in AI infrastructure and computing. Around them, an expanding community of robotics startups and university spin-offs accelerates the transfer of research into commercial products. For Hexagon Robotics, this creates an ecosystem where ideas, partnerships and talent reinforce one another.

Worldclass talent at the intersection of robotics and Physical AI

For a company operating at the intersection of robotics, AI, perception and industrial automation, access to multidisciplinary talent is a significant competitive advantage. The company recruits specialists across robotics, computer vision, embodied AI, mechatronics, precision engineering and manufacturing, disciplines that all play a critical role in developing industrial humanoids. The region's reputation increasingly attracts international talent, with applicants relocating from across Europe and North America to work at the intersection of robotics and Physical AI.

From research to reality

Hexagon Robotics believes the next breakthroughs in robotics will emerge where long-term research and industrial engineering work side by side. The company sees close collaboration with institutions such as ETH Zurich and EPFL as fundamental to advancing Physical AI. While universities push the boundaries of robotics research, companies like Hexagon Robotics translate those advances into deployable products capable of solving real industrial problems.

Looking ahead

Hexagon Robotics is preparing for the next phase of industrial deployment. Following successful validation programmes with leading manufacturers including BMW Group and Schaeffler, the company is working towards broader deployment of AEON in production environments starting in 2026. Initial applications include quality inspection, digital reality capture and supporting manufacturing operators with repetitive or physically demanding tasks through machine tending and material handling.

As industrial adoption accelerates, Hexagon Robotics aims to scale both its technology and its organisation from its Zurich headquarters, supporting customers globally while continuing to advance the capabilities of industrial humanoid robotics.