In a groundbreaking move that could reshape the automotive manufacturing landscape, Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor, a subsidiary of Chinese automaker Dongfeng Motor Corporation, has signed an agreement to incorporate UBTECH's Walker S humanoid robots into its car production processes. This strategic partnership marks a significant step towards the large-scale adoption of humanoid robots in the automotive industry, promising to enhance efficiency, flexibility, and intelligence in manufacturing operations.

While the specific number of robots to be deployed and the facilities involved remain undisclosed, the scope of the agreement is unquestionably ambitious. The Walker S humanoids will be tasked with a wide range of responsibilities, including safety belt inspection, door lock inspection, headlight cover inspection, body quality inspection, rear compartment inspection, interior final inspection, fluid filling, front axle assembly, assembly picking, car logo application, configuration writing, and label printing.

Lin Changbo, General Manager of Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, "This will not only bring greater improvement to Dongfeng Motor's intelligent manufacturing level but will also become a new style of intelligent manufacturing in the automotive industry, and will accelerate the scene-based and large-scale application of humanoid robots in the automotive industry."

The Walker S humanoid, standing at an impressive 1.7 meters (approximately 5.58 feet) tall, is equipped with advanced features that make it well-suited for the demanding automotive manufacturing environment. Force-compliant drive joints and rigid-flexible coupling hybrid structures enable the robot to walk stably on mobile production lines, while its 41 servo joints with force feedback and multiple visual, audio, and distance sensors allow it to perceive its surroundings, including humans and objects, with remarkable accuracy.

Moreover, the Walker S boasts built-in high-resolution RGBD visual sensors, which empower it to observe its environment, create 3D semantic maps, and design walking routes while avoiding obstacles. This combination of mobility, perception, and dexterity makes the Walker S an ideal candidate for integration into the complex and dynamic world of automotive production.

DongFeng Motor highlighted that the humanoids will be working alongside traditional automation equipment, allowing them to handle complex scenarios in unmanned production settings. This synergy between human-like robots and conventional automation systems promises to unlock new levels of efficiency and adaptability in the manufacturing process.

UBTECH's decision to deploy its humanoids in the automotive and consumer electronics manufacturing sectors aligns with the company's broader vision of enhancing the manipulative and task execution capabilities of humanoid robots. As Wenyi Rao, PR manager at UBTECH, explained, "By enhancing the manipulative and task execution capabilities of humanoid robots, we hope to introduce humanoid robots to production lines and factories, bringing the industrial manufacturing process from automation to flexibility, unmanned operation, and intelligent manufacturing."

This development comes at a pivotal moment for China's ambitions in the realm of humanoid robotics. In November 2023, Beijing's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) published a guideline outlining the country's goals for developing humanoids, recognizing their potential as a disruptive technology akin to computers or smartphones, capable of transforming the way goods are produced and the way humans live.

According to the document, China aims to mass-produce humanoids by 2025, establishing a robust humanoid innovation system, making breakthroughs in key technologies, and ensuring the safe and effective supply of core components. By 2027, the guidelines envision humanoids as an important new engine of economic growth in China, with applications in sectors such as healthcare, home services, agriculture, logistics, and manufacturing, particularly in harsh and dangerous conditions.

The automotive industry has been at the forefront of embracing humanoid robotics, with major players like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Magna exploring the potential of these advanced machines. Earlier this year, BMW announced its collaboration with Figure AI, testing the 01 humanoid at its Spartanburg, S.C. plant for tasks like moving bins, boxes, and other logistics operations. Similarly, Mercedes-Benz began testing Apptronik's Apollo humanoid, investigating its capabilities in delivering parts to the production line and inspecting components.

As the industry continues to push the boundaries of automation and intelligent manufacturing, the partnership between Dongfeng Motor and UBTECH represents a significant step towards realizing the full potential of humanoid robots in automotive production. By leveraging the unique capabilities of the Walker S and seamlessly integrating it with existing automation systems, Dongfeng Motor is poised to set new benchmarks for efficiency, quality, and adaptability in the highly competitive global automotive market.

This development not only showcases China's commitment to fostering cutting-edge robotics technology but also underscores the automotive industry's growing recognition of the transformative power of humanoid robots. As more companies embrace these advanced machines, the world may soon witness a shift towards a new era of intelligent, human-centric manufacturing, where robots and humans collaborate seamlessly to create products of unparalleled quality and precision.