Mercedes-Benz is integrating cutting-edge humanoid robots from Apptronik, known as Apollo, into their production facilities.
The carmaker’s intention is to harness robotics technology to automate certain manual labor that is both physically taxing and requires less specialized skills. This initiative is expected to be a template for others in the industry to follow in the near future, according to Jeff Cardenas, CEO of Apptronik.
Standing at 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds, Apollo has the capability to lift objects weighing up to 55 pounds. It operates on a battery pack that allows for four continuous hours of runtime. Designed to be versatile, Apollo features arms and legs and is equipped with eyes that have LED lights. A screen on its chest can display various types of information. Communication from the robot includes an alternative mouth, which is effectively another screen, showing expressions such as a simple smile or icons indicating the robot’s status, like a wrench or battery level.
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Unlike electric vehicles, Apollo cannot be plugged in to recharge directly. It relies on interchangeable battery packs that must be swapped out once depleted. If needed, Apollo can perform stationary tasks without engaging its legs by mounting its torso onto a metal post.
Safety features are paramount in Apollo’s design. For instance, it automatically halts movement if a person or moving object is detected within a predefined safety zone to prevent impacts. Moreover, Apollo can be operated remotely, including the use of a game controller-like device for its operations.
Mercedes-Benz foresees multiple applications for Apollo, such as inspecting vehicle parts, delivering parts to assembly lines, and transporting pre-assembled kits for workers to use in manufacturing processes.