DeepMind’s AI humanoids are already doing factory work at Mercedes
DeepMind reports its Apollo 2 humanoids achieved 96% success rate sorting automotive parts on active Mercedes-Benz production lines in Germany and Hungary.
The robots performed automotive kitting tasks, taking parts from bulk bins and organizing them in the correct sequence for vehicle assembly. This work represents a practical test of DeepMind's Gemini Robotics 2.5 model in a real manufacturing environment rather than a laboratory setting.
Operational questions remain
While DeepMind highlighted the 96% success rate, the company did not disclose critical metrics such as human intervention rates, cycle times, or how the robots perform during full shifts. These details are essential for manufacturers evaluating the technology's practical implementation.
The models improved after a few weeks of post-training and transferred to Mercedes production with little performance drop-off.
Broader partnership context
The collaboration extends beyond this pilot. In March 2024, Apptronik and Mercedes agreed to explore various uses for humanoids, including delivering assembly kits, inspecting components, and transporting containers of kitted parts. The potential advantage lies in handling repetitive, physically demanding work in spaces designed for humans without requiring complete factory redesigns.
The demonstration used two models: Gemini Robotics ER tracked the workflow, while Gemini Robotics 2.5 controlled the robot's physical movements. This division of labor shows how different AI systems can collaborate to complete complex manufacturing tasks.
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