Mercedes-Benz is embracing the concept of humanoid robots in its manufacturing facilities, taking a cue from Tesla’s playbook. However, instead of developing its robots like Tesla’s Optimus, Mercedes will join forces with the U.S. robot technology startup Apptronik.
This move mirrors BMW’s recent partnership with Figure, another robot technology startup, to explore the use of robots in its Spartanburg, South Carolina plant.
Apptronik, based in Austin, Texas, is in the process of creating a robot called Apollo, which is specifically designed for handling repetitive tasks that do not require high levels of skill.
According to Jörg Burzer, Mercedes’ head of production, there exists a gap in the labor force, particularly in areas involving low-skill, repetitive, and physically demanding work.
While the specific applications for the Apollo robot are still being determined, potential uses mentioned in the recent announcement include tasks like transporting parts from storage to human line workers.
These parts are typically transported in containers called totes, and the robots can simultaneously inspect the components in the totes as they are being transported.
Moreover, since these robots are designed to operate in the same spaces as humans, there’s no need for expensive redesigns of factory floors to accommodate them.
Standing at roughly five feet, eight inches tall, and weighing 160 pounds, the Apollo robots are capable of lifting to 55 pounds. Additionally, they are equipped with artificial intelligence that enables them to be trained for specific tasks.
Although a timeline for deploying Apollo robots in Mercedes’ plants has not yet been disclosed, this collaboration signifies a significant step towards integrating automation into manufacturing processes.
Similarly, Tesla has not announced its plans for deploying its own Optimus robot, although the company showcased a second-generation prototype late last year, claiming it to be faster and more capable than the original design unveiled in 2021.
While Honda was an early pioneer in the field of humanoid robots with its ASIMO series, and Hyundai Motor Group has been making significant investments in this area, Mercedes-Benz’s collaboration with Apptronik demonstrates a growing trend among automakers towards incorporating robotics technology into their operations.