Hexagon Unveils AEON Humanoid

Hexagon’s robotics division has announced the launch of AEON, a humanoid robot developed in collaboration with Nvidia and supported by Microsoft Azure. Unveiled at Hexagon LIVE Global 2025, AEON is designed to automate labor-intensive tasks in sectors including manufacturing, aerospace, transportation, warehousing, and construction. Positioned as a flexible, cloud-integrated solution, AEON leverages advanced simulation, sensor fusion, and edge AI technologies.

AEON’s Purpose and Industry Focus:

Automating Complex, Labor-Intensive Workflows:

AEON is positioned as a direct response to several challenges facing modern industry, particularly the growing global shortage of skilled labor and the rising complexity of production environments. As factories, warehouses, and construction sites increasingly demand precision, adaptability, and round-the-clock uptime, traditional automation systems are often unable to meet these requirements without significant human oversight or rigid programming.

AEON is designed to fill this gap by offering a versatile, AI-enabled humanoid platform capable of adapting to a wide variety of real-world industrial tasks. These include:

1. Machine tending: Loading and unloading materials, interacting with CNC machines, and supporting assembly lines.

2. Material handling: Sorting, transporting, and organizing parts across production or logistics areas.

3. Component inspection: Conducting detailed visual and sensor-based inspections to identify defects or deviations.

4. Reality capture: Scanning and mapping workspaces and assets to generate 3D models for digital twin environments.

5. Factory and warehouse mapping: Navigating complex, dynamic spaces to document layouts or support mobile operations.

By deploying AEON in these workflows, Hexagon aims to reduce reliance on manual labor, particularly for tasks that are repetitive, ergonomically risky, or require high consistency and precision. Unlike traditional industrial robots, AEON’s humanoid form and AI-driven autonomy allow it to operate safely in unstructured environments alongside human workers, enabling faster adaptation and lower integration costs.

This approach reflects a broader trend toward flexible, cognitive robotics that can be rapidly deployed and scaled across diverse operational settings without the need for extensive infrastructure changes or retraining of personnel.

Hexagon unveils AEON, a humanoid robot designed to address labor shortages in industrial sectors.

Target Industries:

Hexagon plans to deploy AEON across multiple industries, including:

Automotive:

AEON can assist with repetitive manufacturing tasks such as part handling, inspection, and line-side logistics. It is particularly suited for high-mix, low-volume production lines and can help automotive plants improve throughput while maintaining quality control.

Aerospace:

Aerospace manufacturing and maintenance involve highly specialized components and stringent safety standards. AEON’s precision capabilities and real-time sensing enable it to support inspection, part compliance verification, and facility mapping in secure environments.

Logistics and Warehousing:

In large-scale distribution centers, AEON can automate goods movement, sorting, and inventory checks. Its mobility and adaptability allow it to operate in dynamic warehouse environments alongside human staff and automated systems.

Transportation:

AEON can be deployed in transport hubs and vehicle assembly facilities to support loading, inspection, and maintenance workflows. Its data-capture capabilities can assist in infrastructure analysis and operational efficiency improvements.

Construction:

By combining reality capture with 3D modeling and digital twin creation, AEON can support progress tracking, safety inspections, and material logistics on construction sites, where real-time environmental understanding is critical.

Manufacturing:

AEON addresses a broad range of manufacturing needs, from precision assembly and part validation to environmental scanning and production line optimization. Its humanoid form allows it to integrate into spaces designed for humans without extensive retrofitting.

Warehousing:

Beyond logistics, AEON’s autonomous mobility and AI-based decision-making allow it to interact with complex inventory systems, support cycle counting, and ensure operational continuity during labor shortages or peak demand periods.

Technology Stack:

Collaboration with Nvidia and Microsoft:

AEON integrates Nvidia’s full robotics ecosystem and Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure. Key components include:

• Nvidia Omniverse: For simulation and digital twin creation

• Nvidia Jetson Orin: For onboard real-time AI computation

• Nvidia IGX Thor: Designed for edge AI with human-collaboration safety

• Microsoft Azure: Hosts data, AI models, and digital twin environments

Simulation-Based Training:

AEON was trained using Nvidia Isaac Sim, enabling accelerated development of its locomotion and manipulation capabilities. Nvidia’s Isaac GR00T generative AI models are expected to further enhance AEON’s reasoning and motion skills.

AEON Capabilities:

Sensor Fusion and Autonomy:

AEON uses a combination of vision, lidar, depth, and tactile sensors to interpret its environment. These enable it to:

• Navigate dynamic and cluttered environments

• Perform precision manipulation and inspection

• Adapt to varied operational settings without manual reprogramming

Digital Twin Integration:

Through Hexagon’s Reality Cloud Studio, AEON scans real-world assets and environments to create high-fidelity digital twins. These digital replicas enable analysis, planning, and simulation without on-site infrastructure.

Cloud-Native Operations:

By operating with Microsoft Azure and OpenUSD standards, AEON allows organizations to visualize, collaborate on, and refine robotic workflows remotely, streamlining deployment at scale.

Specifications Overview:

Deployment and Roadmap:

Pilot Programs Underway:

Hexagon is piloting AEON with industry partners such as Schaeffler and Pilatus, focusing on part inspection, machine tending, and large-scale mapping. Feedback from these early use cases will inform performance metrics and commercial rollout strategy.

Production Launch Timeline:

Hexagon’s Robotics Division President, Arnaud Robert, stated that production-level deployments are expected to begin within six months, following validation from pilot case studies.

Conclusion:

AEON represents a comprehensive convergence of robotics, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. By integrating Nvidia’s robotics stack with Hexagon’s industrial automation expertise, AEON introduces a humanoid platform designed to operate autonomously in dynamic industrial environments. Its digital twin capabilities, cloud-first architecture, and simulation-driven training model position it as a potential enabler of scalable industrial automation. However, its real-world performance will depend on measurable outcomes from pilot programs in the coming months.

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