For a warehouse pilot, start with a clearly defined, repeatable task rather than choosing a robot simply because it looks human. Whether a platform is suitable depends on the actual picking and handover process, safe operation, IT integration and on-site support. Fraunhofer IML describes humanoid robotics in logistics as an emerging field; the Walker S2 pilot announced by ROSSMANN for 2026 is not proof that the robot will be suitable for other warehouses.
You can define a single recurring task, such as presenting or handing over containers, and test it using specified materials. In a pilot announced for 2026, ROSSMANN is investigating how Walker S2 could be integrated into existing logistics processes.
For these teams, the key question is how orders, navigation, exceptions and responsibilities fit into existing processes. Agility Robotics describes Digit 5 as compatible with WMS, WES, MES and AMR environments; you’ll need to check whether it works with the systems at your site.
They must assess how the robot will operate around employees and how potentially personal data from cameras or sensors will be handled. Germany’s Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs explains that risk assessment is the basis for protective measures; the Data Protection Conference highlights the personal data that can be captured by video recording.
For a pilot in an existing warehouse, first define the task and the materials involved. Then check the conditions under which the robot can work safely, receive orders and be supported throughout the planned operating period.
| Area | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Picking and material handling | Test the products, packaging, weights, grip points and handover heights involved in the planned process; set an acceptable error rate in advance. | If I want to test recurring container handovers, the robot must be able to pick up and put down my actual loads reliably. This is the main priority for around 36% of businesses interested in a warehouse pilot. |
| Safe operation | Assess pedestrian traffic and hazards at the site, and define protective measures, operating modes and responsibilities. | A trial in a busy warehouse must not expose employees to new hazards without adequate protection. Around 29% of interested businesses would make safe operation their top selection criterion. |
| IT integration and navigation | Check interfaces with existing systems, map and zone management, and network and offline behaviour in the target system. | If orders and exceptions don’t feed into my warehouse process, a successful one-off demonstration won’t help much. For around 21% of interested businesses, integration would be their main concern. |
| Data and day-to-day operation | Document data flows and remote access; agree on power supply, maintenance, spare parts and on-site support. | I need a pilot that can run for the planned period without leaving questions about sensor data or support unanswered. For around 14% of interested businesses, this operating model would take priority. |
A controlled demonstration doesn’t show how often picks and handovers will succeed with your product mix, or how much human intervention will be needed. Fraunhofer IPA notes that practical experience with humanoid robots in industrial settings is still limited.
Define a limited process and measure successful handovers, types of error, interventions, availability and safety-related incidents. Before the trial, agree what results would justify expanding it.
Test materials, integration work and safety validation also take up project time.
A manufacturer’s figures don’t automatically show that a particular package can be gripped safely or that the required cycle time can be achieved. UBTECH says Walker S2 can swap its battery autonomously in under three minutes; this doesn’t guarantee a particular level of availability during your own shifts.
Test representative loads, centres of gravity, grippers and routes. Ask under what conditions the payload and power figures apply.
Depending on the trial setup, you may also need to plan for grippers and charging or battery-swap stations.
Even features designed to detect people don’t replace an assessment of the specific working environment. According to Germany’s Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, employers must assess risks and define the protective measures needed.
Involve the people responsible for health and safety and integration before the pilot begins. Reassess any changes to the layout, software, grippers or operating modes.
Training and testing take time out of day-to-day warehouse operations.
When cameras, telemetry or remote maintenance are involved, it’s important to know exactly what data is generated, who can access it and whether individuals can be identified. The Data Protection Conference notes that even basic video surveillance can involve the processing of personal data.
Before making a decision, document sensor and log data, storage locations, recipients, remote access and deletion periods. If personal data is involved, also clarify whether it may be accessed from outside the European Economic Area.
Agreeing on data flows, access and contracts can delay the project start.
The platforms below represent different approaches to industrial material handling, order picking and development. Manufacturer descriptions are no substitute for testing with the materials and processes at your own site.
UBTECH positions Walker S2 for industrial material handling. ROSSMANN has announced a logistics pilot with this model in Burgwedel for 2026.
Agility Robotics describes Digit 5 as a platform for warehouse and industrial processes, with fleet management.
Apptronik positions Apollo for warehouse tasks, including order picking where the robot moves to products on existing shelves.
G1 and G1 EDU may suit teams looking to test their own control, navigation or manipulation functions on a development platform.
The pilot projects described don’t establish that humanoid robots can boost productivity across a range of warehouse processes in Germany. Fraunhofer IML describes their use in logistics as an emerging field; in a trial announced for 2026, ROSSMANN is only beginning to investigate how Walker S2 can be integrated. So make your decision based on a clearly defined task and metrics agreed in advance.
Yes. When a robot is used as work equipment in Germany, employers must assess the risks associated with the specific work and define the necessary protective measures. This includes factors such as the planned tasks, the work area and interaction with employees; a manufacturer’s description of safety features is no substitute for this assessment. Germany’s Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs explains this duty as part of workplace health and safety.
If people can be identified from the data or their behaviour can be tracked, you need to assess how it will be processed for the specific use. The Data Protection Conference notes that even basic video surveillance can involve personal data. Before use, clarify what data is collected, who has access to it and how long it will be stored.
First check whether personal data will be transferred to an organisation outside the European Economic Area or made accessible to one. For such transfers, the European Data Protection Board says that, where there is no adequacy decision, appropriate safeguards must be considered. Ask for details of the actual data flows, recipients and access routes for the system you’re planning to use.