Mercedes initiates pilot testing of Apptronik humanoid robots
Pilot season has kicked off in the realm of humanoid robotics, with major players like Amazon, Figure, and now Apptronik entering the fray. Following Amazon’s trials with Agility’s Digit robots and Figure’s partnership with BMW announced earlier this year, Apptronik has secured a deal with Mercedes-Benz.
In this collaboration, Apptronik and Mercedes-Benz will work together to explore applications for advanced robotics within Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing. While specific details and figures remain undisclosed, these pilot programs typically involve a limited number of systems due to the early stage of the technology.
Nevertheless, such partnerships are mutually beneficial. Apptronik gains validation from a leading automotive brand, while Mercedes-Benz demonstrates its commitment to innovation. The success of these pilots will be crucial for both parties, potentially leading to larger orders and significant industry advancements.
Recent investor interest in humanoid robotics, highlighted by Figure’s substantial $675 million raise, underscores the importance of the next few years for these companies. Demonstrating tangible return on investment will be essential for their sustained growth and success.
On the manufacturing floor, the robots from Apptronik, in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, are slated to automate certain low-skilled, physically demanding manual tasks. This includes activities such as moving totes from one point to another, tasks that are repetitive and taxing on human workers. By automating these tasks, companies like Mercedes-Benz aim to improve efficiency and reduce the strain on human workers.
It’s important to note that the term “low skill” refers specifically to the level of labor being replaced, rather than the complexity of the tasks themselves. These tasks are essential but are relatively straightforward to automate. Additionally, by emphasizing “low skill,” there’s an acknowledgment of the ongoing debate surrounding the replacement of human workers by robots. While automation is advancing, humanoids are still far from being able to fully replicate human capabilities.
Apptronik, known for its work on NASA’s Valkyrie humanoid robot and spun out from the University of Austin, brings expertise in advanced robotics to this partnership with Mercedes-Benz. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in the integration of robotics into manufacturing processes, with potential implications for industries beyond automotive manufacturing.
