While public discussion around humanoid robotics is largely dominated by artificial intelligence and software, Prof. Dr. Tobias Weiser, Director of the Institute of Applied AI and Robotics (IKR), focuses on the industrial value chain behind the technology. In his conversation with Johannes Messer, the robotics and AI expert explains the opportunities for die-cast components, which parts are likely to be in demand in the future, and why European foundries should begin positioning themselves today.
The topic will also be part of the EUROGUSS Executive Circle in July 2026. There, Weiser will lead the Executive Dialogue “Beyond Automotive Growth: Industrial Humanoids”, where leaders from the European die-casting industry will discuss new growth opportunities beyond traditional automotive applications as well as the impact of robotics and AI on products and manufacturing processes.
Johannes Messer: Is leadership in humanoid robotics currently emerging in the United States and Asia, and does Europe risk falling behind?
Tobias Weiser: In the humanoid robotics value chain analysed by Morgan Stanley, the centre of gravity is clearly in Asia: around 73 per cent of the identified companies are based there, while Europe accounts for roughly 12 per cent. This is not proof of Europe’s technological inferiority, but it is a clear signal that platforms, supply chains and scaling models are currently being defined outside Europe. Europe has the technology, the manufacturing expertise and the quality systems – but it does not yet have a coordinated response.
The key question is not who builds the most intelligent humanoid robot, but who can scale it using components that are suitable for industrial production. Anyone who waits until the first series enquiries arrive has already missed the opportunity, because by then the components, materials and development partners have usually already been selected.
Johannes Messer: What specific opportunities do you see for aluminium and magnesium castings, particularly in terms of components, applications and future production volumes?
Tobias Weiser: Depending on its architecture, a humanoid robot may contain between 20 and 40 potentially cast structural and functional components: load-bearing structures, joint housings, thermally integrated motor housings or interface components. Goldman Sachs expects up to 1.4 million humanoid robots to be deployed by 2035, creating a global market worth 38 billion US dollars.
Even under conservative volume scenarios, this translates into component volumes that could become strategically relevant for European foundries. The crucial question is therefore: which structural components can already be manufactured today, and where does investment become necessary? Those who answer that question now will become development partners. Those who wait will remain suppliers.
Johannes Messer: Where do you see the greatest realistic potential for the use of humanoid robotics in foundries – productivity, quality or flexibility?
Tobias Weiser: Humanoid robots will gradually find their way into foundries, initially in structured processes such as material handling, visual inspection and flexible machine operation. Deployment in high-temperature environments remains a long-term objective; today, specialised industrial robots perform these tasks far more robustly. Foundry-ready humanoid systems do not yet exist. But that is precisely why now is the right time to act.
Humanoid robots require structured, data-rich and safely controlled environments. Foundries that establish these conditions today will be ready for deployment tomorrow.
Johannes Messer: What specifically do decision-makers need to do now to ensure that European foundries do not remain mere spectators?
Tobias Weiser: If European foundries want to be more than spectators, decision-makers need to do four things. First, they should assess their existing component portfolios against the structural requirements of humanoid robots. Second, they should establish engineering contacts with robotics companies – not through sales channels, but at an early stage of product development.
Third, they should launch co-development pilot projects for selected components. Fourth, they should work together with other European foundries to create the critical mass required to engage with global OEMs on equal terms. Only those who take these steps now will be in a position to help shape this emerging market rather than simply supplying it.
