Mercedes-Benz deploys AI-driven humanoid robots and DeepMind software to revolutionise its European and US factoriess
Mercedes-Benz has taken a bold step into the future by integrating humanoid robots and advanced artificial intelligence into its manufacturing lines. This strategic move aims to streamline production, boost efficiency, and reduce costs—but it also sparks concerns about the role of human workers in the automotive industry.
The luxury car giant has partnered with American robotics company Apptronik and Google DeepMind to bring AI-powered automation to life. The initiative is already being tested at Mercedes’ Digital Factory Campus in Berlin, where the Apollo humanoid robots are learning to perform critical logistics tasks. Unlike traditional industrial robots, which remain stationary and repeat fixed actions, Apollo can move freely across factory floors, transporting materials and assisting human workers with complex tasks.
Mercedes-Benz has confirmed a hefty investment exceeding £85 million in Apptronik, signalling a long-term commitment to AI-driven automation. This partnership gives the automaker access to Google’s latest AI models—Gemini Robotics and Gemini Robotics Extended Reasoning—both of which run on the powerful Gemini 2.0 system. This cutting-edge technology allows AI to control robots with an unprecedented level of autonomy, extending beyond simple automation into decision-making and adaptation.
A New Era of Production?
For now, Mercedes-Benz is using Apollo robots to handle intra-logistics—moving materials between workstations to reduce the strain on human employees. However, the automaker’s production chief, Jörg Burzer, has hinted at a more ambitious future.
“We’re shifting repetitive and hazardous tasks away from human workers,” he stated. “AI allows us to reimagine manufacturing, enhancing efficiency while keeping workers focused on value-driven activities.”
These changes extend beyond robotics. Mercedes-Benz has also upgraded its digital production ecosystem with new AI-driven tools, including a revamped Chatbot Ecosystem. This technology assists in quality control, identifying production defects, and optimising workflows without human intervention.
While AI’s integration promises a revolution in efficiency, some fear the impact on jobs. With automation advancing rapidly, many factory workers question whether their roles will soon become obsolete. Mercedes-Benz has reassured the public that AI is meant to assist rather than replace human workers, but the company’s long-term vision remains unclear.
AI in the Automotive Industry: The Bigger Picture
Mercedes-Benz is not alone in embracing AI. In 2023, Hyundai introduced AI-driven automation at its Singapore facility, while Jaguar Land Rover deployed robot dogs to monitor its EV factory in Coventry. Automakers across the globe are racing to implement next-generation technology, blurring the line between human-led and machine-driven manufacturing.
Interestingly, despite its global reach, Mercedes-Benz has explicitly stated that China is not part of its AI expansion plans. Given ongoing geopolitical tensions and concerns over intellectual property, the company appears cautious about deploying this technology in the Chinese market.
The question remains: is this just the beginning of a wider transformation in car manufacturing, or are we witnessing the dawn of an industry dominated by AI and robotics? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Mercedes-Benz has set the wheels in motion for an unprecedented shift in automotive production.
