DeepMind’s AI humanoids are already doing factory work at Mercedes
Apollo 2 handled automotive kitting on active production lines, but trial size and human-intervention rates remain undisclosed. Read the full story on CryptoSlateUnderstand the crypto stories that matter and what to watch next. Get The Catalyst in your inbox
Google DeepMind says robot maker Apptronik's Apollo 2 humanoids achieved a 96% success rate sorting automotive parts on active Mercedes-Benz production lines, using AI to handle preparation work that feeds vehicle assembly.
The company disclosed the proof of concept on Nov. 10, identifying sites in Kecskemét, Hungary, and Sindelfingen, Germany. The work provides a specific test for its Gemini Robotics 2.5 model: arranging the components needed by the people building cars.
The task was automotive kitting, which involves taking parts from bulk bins and organizing them in the order needed for each vehicle. DeepMind's example involved picking up metal brackets and placing them into sequencing containers. That ties the demonstration to a defined step in preparing an assembly line's supplies. The trays are meant to match the parts needed for each vehicle, so getting the sequence right is part of the task. The robot has to organize the components as well as move them.
Two models divided the work. Gemini Robotics ER tracked the workflow, while Gemini Robotics 2.5 controlled the robot's hands and arms, according to DeepMind.