[Corporate Research Lab] How Did a Swedish Precision Measurement Company Create Physical AI?

A Swedish Company with 50 Years of Tradition: Hexagon
Launches the Industrial Humanoid Robot 'AEON'
Leveraging Its Expertise in Precision Measurement

Editor's NoteSouth Korea ranks second in the world for corporate research and development (R&D) spending (2022) and fourth for the number of patent applications filed in the United States (2020). However, the annual average growth rate of corporate productivity dropped significantly from 6.1% between 2001 and 2010 to 0.5% between 2011 and 2020. This decline is attributed to the slowdown in productivity growth among so-called "innovative companies" that are active in innovation activities. Without change, companies risk being ignored by the market. To help the industry revive its innovation DNA, we will look at innovation cases established by leading global companies. Innovative companies will be the driving force to boost South Korea's stagnant economic growth rate.

At CES 2026, the world's largest electronics and IT exhibition held in Las Vegas, USA, from January 6 to 9 (local time), Swedish company Hexagon's industrial humanoid robot 'AEON' drew attention for its ability to autonomously swap its own battery in just 25 seconds, enabling it to work on site 24 hours a day. AEON, which won the Innovation Award in the robotics category at CES 2026, was highly praised for its ability to manipulate tools and parts like a human thanks to a variety of sensors and the precise hand movements enabled by them, setting it apart from other humanoid robots.

Hexagon, the creator of AEON, is not a traditional electronics company. It is a leader in precision measurement technology and sensor solutions. Hexagon possesses global competitiveness not only in the Manufacturing Intelligence business, which encompasses product design, simulation, and precision measurement, but also in the Geosystems division, which provides 3D scanning and mapping technologies for construction and urban planning. The company also offers unmanned automation technology solutions required for autonomous vehicles.

Hexagon began full-scale development of AEON last year. Marking its 50th anniversary, Hexagon established a dedicated robotics division in 2025. The goal was to develop a versatile humanoid robot based on the measurement and surveying expertise it had accumulated. Hexagon specializes in creating virtual replicas of real industrial sites, connecting real-time data to improve overall efficiency and stability in operations, design, and maintenance. This digital twin technology is directly linked to AEON's ability to perceive and reason about its environment.

The humanoid robot AEON created by Hexagon. CES 2026

Arnaud Robert, Head of Hexagon's Robotics Division, told The Asia Business Daily, "Through AEON, we are applying physical AI to solve real operational challenges and connecting advanced technology with the needs of industrial sites," adding, "We are already collaborating with several global companies in the automotive, aerospace, and logistics sectors, and are deploying AEON in real production environments ahead of full commercialization."

To manufacture even more precise industrial humanoid robots, Hexagon has conducted pilot projects with German precision parts company Schaeffler and Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus, and has also established partnerships with Nvidia, Microsoft, and Maxon. Hexagon is working to expand and validate physical AI by utilizing Nvidia's AI solutions and Microsoft's Azure platform. Maxon supplies cutting-edge components that enable AEON to move more smoothly.

Once humanoid robots become fully commercialized, it is expected that even more industrial sites will adopt them. Citigroup forecasts that the use of humanoid robots will grow from less than 10 million units last year to 648 million units by 2050.

Hexagon is also well-known for strengthening its technological competitiveness through mergers and acquisitions (M&A). In the Manufacturing Intelligence division alone, it has acquired more than 30 companies over the past 23 years, holds over 50,000 software licenses, and owns more than 3,700 patents. Company-wide, it is reported to have acquired around 170 companies. Hexagon also spares no investment in research and development, investing 15-20% of its annual revenue into R&D. In 2024, the company recorded sales of approximately 5.4 billion euros (about 9.15 trillion won). Hexagon employs around 24,800 people in 50 countries worldwide. Its major clients include Tesla, Hyundai Motor, Toyota, Boeing, Airbus, Samsung Electronics, and Huawei.