Humanoid robots: Mercedes-Benz invests millions in Apptronik

Now that humanoid robots from the US robotics company Apptronik have been working on a trial basis at the Mercedes-Benz plants in Kecskemet, Hungary, and Berlin, Germany, for around a year, Mercedes-Benz has decided to acquire a stake in Apptronik. The two companies signed a corresponding declaration of agreement in Marienfelde on Tuesday, the Group announced. According to the agreement, Mercedes-Benz intends to invest "a low double-digit million amount" in Apptronik. Mercedes-Benz did not provide any further details on the investment sum.

Exactly one year ago, Mercedes-Benz and Apptronik had already reached an agreement to use the company's humanoid Apollo robots in automobile production. Since then, fewer than ten Apollos have been working at the two plants in Kecskemet and Berlin-Marienfelde, the Mercedes-Benz Digital Factory Campus, which has been the global competence center for the digitalization of Mercedes-Benz production since 2022.

The humanoid robots were deployed in a test environment of a production plant and collected data in order to train them for production. The robots were taught the practical steps for this via teleoperation by experienced Mercedes-Benz workers and augmented reality (AR). The Apollo robots were then able to use this data to carry out tasks precisely.

Autonomous operation

Now the next step is to follow: The humanoid Apollos are to become more autonomous and carry out tasks independently – in logistics, for example. Robots make fewer mistakes than human workers, for example when picking parts from storage boxes. The robot also has no problems carrying heavier weights. An Apollo robot can lift up to 25 kg. And the robot lasts a long time. Around four hours with a full battery.

The robots are intended to perform repetitive tasks and not replace humans. So for the time being, there is no need to worry about deserted production halls. Initially, they will perform simple tasks such as transporting parts, including larger modules, to the production lines. There will also be smaller assembly tasks. They will also help out with quality control.

Mercedes-Benz and Apptronik are largely keeping quiet about the costs. However, the price of the humanoid robots should not exceed a double-digit thousand euro or dollar amount per unit, according to Mercedes-Benz.

(olb)