They thought AI would just help the cars… Mercedes is proving it’ll build the factories too!
When people think about artificial intelligence in the automotive world, they usually picture driver-assist features, voice assistants, or future self-driving systems. But at Mercedes-Benz, the vision is much broader. The German automaker isn’t just putting AI into its cars—it’s installing it right onto the production lines. And it’s not doing it alone. Humanoid robots are now joining the party. Welcome to the future, German edition.
Read more:
- The real issue with electric cars: This crucial part causes the most serious breakdowns
- Three records smashed at once by this legendary Italian supercar maker in 2024—no surprise, it’s all thanks to their three new models
AI in Mercedes—and in its factories too?
It’s in Berlin, at the historic Marienfelde site, that Mercedes-Benz has laid the foundation for its factory of tomorrow. The facility is called the Digital Factory Campus, and it’s not just a space for testing software or talking big ideas—it’s where new technologies are tested in real-world conditions before being rolled out across Mercedes’ global production network. The MO360 system, a kind of digital brain for the factory, already manages all operations. And now it’s getting new tools: AI-powered virtual assistants, an internal chatbot that responds to workers in real time, and most notably… Apollo. This American-made humanoid robot, created by Apptronik, now moves through the picking zones, delivering the right parts to the right people at the right time. It can even keep working during breaks. And yes, you guessed it—it doesn’t need coffee.
A humanoid robot instead of an exoskeleton
The automotive industry has used robots for decades. Robotic arms have long been welding, painting, and moving parts around. But a humanoid like Apollo—capable of walking and adapting to its surroundings—is a real game-changer. Mercedes-Benz is first using it for simple, repetitive tasks, mostly in internal logistics. And that’s just the beginning. This kind of robot could eventually reshape the role of factory workers. Until now, the focus was on physical assist tools like exoskeletons. But in recent years, those are already starting to feel outdated next to embedded AI. Mercedes has even announced a partnership with Google DeepMind to boost Apollo’s capabilities. So don’t expect these humanoids to just keep sorting boxes for long.
A factory reimagined from the ground up
But that’s not all. Mercedes is using this digital revolution to rethink what it builds too. The Marienfelde site will soon produce a new generation of electric motors called axial-flux motors. These ultra-compact and high-performance units involve around 100 production steps—more than 30 of which were invented entirely by Mercedes-Benz engineers. Once again, lasers, algorithms, and new patents are updating a process many thought was set in stone. And it’s not just for show: these motors will power Mercedes’ future all-electric lineup, including the brand-new CLA that was just unveiled. In other words, Mercedes is building its tech future in the same place where it assembles its parts.
The future according to Mercedes-Benz
The arrival of humanoid robots at Mercedes is sparking plenty of reactions. For some, it’s the logical next step—delegate repetitive tasks to machines while humans focus on what really adds value. For others, it marks the beginning of a shift that could come at a high cost for jobs. Mercedes, for its part, is trying to be reassuring. Apollo is here to help, not replace. But like with any technology, everything depends on how it’s used. One thing’s for sure: Mercedes-Benz is ahead of the game. In electric engines, in embedded systems like MB.OS, and now in how its vehicles are built. And for those still wondering how AI will really impact the automotive world, this concrete example might just start to answer the question.
This article explores how Mercedes-Benz is transforming its factories using AI and robotics—particularly the Apollo humanoid robot and the MO360 system. It shows how innovation is reshaping both the production lines and the electric powertrains of tomorrow. It also raises questions about the future role of human workers in this new landscape. One thing’s clear: the car of the future is already taking shape—long before it leaves the factory.
Source & images: Mercedes-Benz
