Mercedes-Benz puts humanoid robots into use

Recently, the famous car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz has officially used humanoid robots to complete manual tasks on its car assembly line.

Apptronik's humanoid robot Apollo will complete simple tasks like picking up and carrying items, easing the burden on its human colleagues.

Mercedes-Benz officially introduces humanoid robots to its assembly line. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)

Robots will also be used to complete other “low-skilled” tasks such as basic assembly. This will free up humans to focus on more important tasks, reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries, as well as other health and safety issues associated with manual work.

“ Mercedes plans to use the Apollo humanoid robot to automate some low-skilled manual labor tasks. This is a model use case that other organizations will replicate in the future ,” said Jeff Cardenas, CEO of Apptronik.

The Apollo humanoid robot is 1.77 m tall, weighs 72.6 kg, and can lift and transport objects and goods up to 25 kg. It can operate for about four hours on a dedicated battery.

Apollo has two arms, two legs, and sensor “eyes.” The robot also has a screen on its chest that displays various types of information, including the company logo.

The robot's “face” is another LED display that can display digitized “emotions” like smiling faces, icons, or information like battery charge status.

Apollo also has a sophisticated safety feature that automatically stops it when it detects a moving object or person in a high-risk “collision zone.” It also has software that allows it to be controlled remotely, and according to the company’s website, it can even be operated with a device like a game controller.

“ To create the most desirable cars, we are constantly developing the future of automotive manufacturing,” said Jörg Burzer, member of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group, who oversees the automaker’s production, quality and operations. “Advances in robotics and AI also open up new opportunities for our supply chain; we are exploring new possibilities, with the use of robots to support our skilled workforce in production .”

“ This is also a new frontier, and we want to understand the potential of both robotics and automotive to fill labor gaps in areas such as low-skilled, repetitive, and physically demanding work, while freeing up highly skilled team members on the line to focus on building the world’s most desirable cars ,” added Jörg Burzerg.

HUYNH DUNG (Source: Interestingengineering)

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