Chinese carmaker deploys humanoid robots, stepping up challenge to Tesla.
A Chinese electric carmaker has taken a significant step forward in the race to integrate robotics into automotive manufacturing, deploying humanoid robots in its factories for the first time.
Technology
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Zeekr, an emerging car company owned by Chinese automotive giant Geely, has beaten Tesla to the race to introduce humanoid robots in its production facility.
The brand has started using the “Walker S Lite” robot, developed by Shezhen-based UBtech Robotics, in its Hangzhou Bay factory.
Zeekr’s deployment of humanoid robots comes just weeks after Elon Musk announced Tesla’s plans to begin low-volume production of its own humanoid robots, dubbed “Optimus”, by 2025.
Musk has ambitious goals for Tesla’s robots which he envisions performing “boring, repetitious and dangerous” tasks in various industries.
The Ubtech “Walker S Lite” robot, designed to mimic human movements, is shown in a recently released video performing tasks such as moving boxes and loading small pallets onto conveyors.
According to UBtech, the robot has been able to carry out these tasks continuously for 21 days, assisting workers with logistics and other basic duties.
In the video, the robot is greeted by a Zeekr employee, to which it responds, “I will do my best,” before carrying out its tasks.
The Walker S Lite is seen carrying boxes weighing up to 15 kgs, moving across the factory floor with a human-like gait.
Earlier this year, UBtech also released footage of its Walker S robot working at an assembly line in a factory run by Nio, another leading Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer.
Alongside Zeekr, Geely controls other well-known brands such as Lotus and has a stake in Aston Martin.
The company also owns the London EV company, which produces London’s iconic black cabs.
Originally published as Chinese carmaker deploys humanoid robots, stepping up challenge to Tesla.
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