China: Humanoid robot-run car factory to be built by FAW-Volkswagen, UBTech

Designed for industrial applications

UBTech unveiled the Walker S, which is based on its Walker X model, last year for industrial applications. According to the company, the humanoid assignment at NIO made Walker S the first bipedal humanoid robot to finish tasks at a particular workstation on a mobile electric vehicle production line.

The advanced humanoid robot Walker X has two RGBD sensors and a four-eye system for exceptional vision. Its seven-degree robotic arm and six-degree force-controlled human-like hand provide it more dexterity and accuracy when doing jobs.

The company highlights Walker X’s strong object-scene detection and sorting capabilities, allowing for effective operations in a variety of contexts.

Walker X excels in flexibility and motion control, performing intricate movements with precise balance. It can handle up to 22 pounds (10 kilograms) and walk while carrying 6.6 pounds (3 kilograms) in each hand. According to UBTech, these capabilities underscore its stability and versatility, making Walker X an advanced innovation in humanoid robotics.

Future of factory robots

UBTech’s humanoids aim to improve manufacturing floor operations by integrating cutting-edge AI technologies. These robots are anticipated to improve their component inspection and assembly skills through practical training.

At the NIO automaker’s manufacturing factory in China, Walker S is currently employed, performing similar tasks like quality inspections of door locks, seat belts, and headlight covers in addition to being able to apply vehicle emblems.

Now, the partnership with FAW-Volkswagen will facilitate Walker S’ work on assembly lines at the automaker’s plant in Qingdao. According to China Xinhua News, their initial tasks will include bolt tightening, component assembly, and handling automobile parts.

Experts are, however, skeptical about humanoids’ real impact on such factory floors. Humanoids are only used in low-end auto manufacturing tasks like quality screening, minor part assembly, unmanned inspection, and automobile frame checks.

According to them, the most valuable aspects of automobile manufacturing, such as welding, pressing, and paint spraying, are primarily delegated to industrial or cooperative robots. Humanoids are not meant for this kind of labor.

In industries like electronics, photovoltaics, lithium batteries, semiconductors, and logistics, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are crucial to automation in China. In warehouses and factories, AMRs manage order picking, material handling, and transfers between workstations.

Currently, humanoid robots play a lesser role in manufacturing than specialized robots. To become versatile helpers, they need to compete with more cost-effective robotic alternatives.