Understanding Physical AI

Humanoid robots are generating a lot of buzz, but what can they actually achieve in logistics and production today? We explain how these systems work from a technical perspective, where they are already being used in pilot projects, the hurdles that still need to be overcome, and how companies can start preparing now.

Humanoid robots and autonomous systems are powered by far more than just a single AI model; they rely on an interplay of six technological layers, ranging from raw computing power to physical movement. We explain the function of each layer in the physical AI stack and show why, in our view, real-world operational data is the industry's biggest bottleneck.

Physical AI is considered the next evolutionary stage of artificial intelligence because it doesn't just generate digital content—it acts in the real world through robots and machines. We explain what lies behind the term, why the breakthrough is happening right now, and how companies in production and logistics are already laying the foundation for it today using objective process data.