Chinese state-owned automaker Dongfeng Motor plans to employ AI-powered humanoid robots to aid its vehicle production.
Dongfeng partners with Ubtech for humanoid robots
Dongfeng Motor Corporation, through its subsidiary Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor, partnered with Ubtech Technology to secure supplies of industrial-grade humanoid robots for automobile production.
According to GIZMOCHINA, Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor aims to leverage Ubtech’s humanoid robots to aid various manufacturing tasks such as inspection, assembly, and logistics.
For context, Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor produces commercial vehicles. Its most recent products include crossovers and MPVs under the Fengxing nameplate and vans or Lingzhi and Jingyi.
Meanwhile, Ubtech Robotics has been producing a wide range of robots for various applications since 2012.
Under the partnership, Dongfeng seeks to deploy one of Ubtech’s most innovative humanoid robots, the Walker S. Other Chinese players like NIO is already using the Walker S to aid its electric car manufacturing.
Ubtech’s Walker S robots
According to the report, the Walker S robots will perform various manufacturing-related tasks such as follows:
- safety belt inspection
- door lock tests
- body quality checks
- oil filling
- label applications
The humanoid bots will work alongside traditional automated manufacturing equipment to manage complex procedures even without human interference.
The Ubtech Walker S robots are 5.57 feet (1.7 meters) tall. They feature a “fusion control” algorithm, which supports real-time communication with factory systems and data sharing.
They function through 41 high-performance servo joints and advanced sensory capabilities, enabling them to effectively interact with objects and even humans.
Enhancing efficiency and advancing manufacturing capabilities through humanoid bots
The new partnership with Ubtech is a crucial part of Dongfeng’s efforts to heavily streamline its vehicle production practices through innovative robot technology.
Tesla is also among the futuristic electric automakers to have introduced its own humanoid robot dubbed “Optimus.”
The Tesla Optimus and Ubtech Walker S are among the most advanced humanoid robots in the industry today. Such technologies could significantly contribute to establishing around-the-clock electric vehicle production without human error.
Dongfeng Motor Corporation has been competing in the Chinese market since the late 1960s. It is currently the smallest entity of the “big four” Chinese state-owned automakers, following SAIC, Changan Auto, and FAW Group. Its move to integrate cutting-edge humanoid robots can help it ramp up production and cut costs, potentially advancing its position to beat its above-mentioned rivals.
You can watch the Walker S bot in action below:
