Heaptalk, Jakarta — Mercedes-Benz is collaborating with Apptronik to explore the application of Apptronik’s humanoid robot Apollo in Mercedes-Benz’s manufacturing facilities.
The automaker currently seeks efforts to integrate Apollo in logistics to bring parts to the production line for workers to assemble while simultaneously inspecting the components. Later, the robot will also be tasked to deliver the bags containing kitted parts in the manufacturing process.
“To build the most desirable cars we continually evolve the future of automotive production: Advancements in robotics and AI open up new opportunities also for us. We are exploring new possibilities with the use of robotics to support our skilled workforce in manufacturing. This is a new frontier and we want to understand the potential both for robotics and automotive manufacturing to fill labor gaps in areas such as low-skill, repetitive, and physically demanding work and to free up our highly skilled team members on the line to build the world’s most desirable cars,” stated Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Production, Quality & Supply Chain Management.
Operating alongside humans
According to Apptronik, the integration of humanoid robots into plants would enable manufacturers, including Mercedes Benz, to implement robotics that are optimized for working in spaces designed for humans. Thus, manufacturers do not need to redesign facilities. This integration focuses on automating some of the physically demanding, repetitive, and dull tasks for which it is increasingly difficult to find reliable workers.
“When we set out to build Apollo, an agreement like the one we’re announcing today with Mercedes-Benz was a dream scenario. Mercedes plans to use robotics and Apollo for automating some low skill, physically challenging, manual labor – a model use case which we’ll see other organizations replicate in the months and years to come,” said co-founder & CEO of Apollo Jeff Cardenas in a written statement (03/15).
Launched in August 2023, Apollo was developed to operate in industrial spaces alongside humans. The robot is roughly the same size as a human worker at 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds, having the ability to lift 55 pounds. This humanoid robot has a unique force control architecture that maintains safe operation around humans, similar to collaborative robots versus traditional industrial robots. Apollo’s friendly design allows it to work alongside humans while performing physically demanding tasks.
