Mercedes-Benz has partnered with robotics company Apptronik to trial humanoid robots for automating low-skill, physically demanding tasks in manufacturing. The 160-pound Apollo robot is being tested to inspect and deliver components to human production line workers, aiming to address labor shortages and automate repetitive, physically challenging tasks. This initiative allows vehicle manufacturers to automate tasks without redesigning existing facilities, targeting areas with labor gaps and freeing up skilled workers. Mercedes has begun trialing an undisclosed number of Apollo robots at a Hungarian factory, responding to labor shortages as workers migrate to Western Europe. The robots, such as Apollo, stand at five feet, eight inches tall and can lift objects up to 55 pounds, with a form factor similar to other humanoid robots like Teslas Optimus and BMW’s Figure 01. This move reflects a shift towards using advanced robotics to fill labor gaps in low-skill, repetitive, and physically demanding work, while allowing highly skilled team members to focus on building high-quality vehicles. Additionally, other companies like BMW and Amazon are also piloting similar bipedal robots for manufacturing and warehouse operations.
