Xiaomi officially 'recruits' humanoid robots to work at its electric vehicle factory.

A new technology experiment at Xiaomi is attracting attention as a humanoid robot is being directly integrated into the electric vehicle production line. At the company's Beijing factory, the humanoid robot, named CyberOne, has been tested in a special role: as an 'intern' in the car assembly process.

 

This is considered one of the rare experiments in the world where humanoid robots are not only used to demonstrate technology but also directly participate in a real-world industrial production environment.

Robots participate in the assembly line.

According to Xiaomi, two humanoid robots have been put into trial operation at the company's electric vehicle manufacturing plant. In a shift lasting approximately three hours, these robots were able to complete over 90% of their assigned tasks , a result considered quite positive for a technology still in its experimental phase.

 

These robots handle repetitive but highly precise tasks, such as picking nuts from automated trays, assembling them into vehicle frames, or transferring components between production stations. Although these are small operations, these tasks are crucial because automotive assembly lines operate at high speeds and require near-perfect accuracy.

At Xiaomi's electric vehicle factory, on average, a finished vehicle leaves the assembly line every minute . Therefore, robots must work fast enough to avoid disrupting the production rhythm. In initial tests, robots were able to keep up with the assembly line speed, although in some stages they were still slower than human workers.

 

The AI ​​technology behind humanoid robots.

To operate effectively in complex factory environments, robots are equipped with a variety of advanced artificial intelligence technologies.

One of the key components is the Vision–Language–Action -based AI model , which allows the robot to observe its environment using cameras, understand tasks through training data, and then independently take appropriate actions. As a result, the robot not only performs pre-programmed tasks but also has the ability to adjust its behavior to real-world situations.

Additionally, the robots are equipped with tactile sensors on their fingertips , allowing them to detect the contact force when gripping components. This enables the robots to adjust the bolt tightening force or assembly position to avoid errors.

Cameras mounted on its head and wrists help the robot locate components, detect assembly errors, and adjust operations in near real-time.

 

A test run for the 'factory of the future'

According to experts, introducing humanoid robots into the manufacturing environment could become a significant step in the development of smart factories .

Previously, industrial robots were primarily fixed mechanical arms designed to perform a specific task such as welding, painting, or assembly. In contrast, humanoid robots have a body structure similar to humans, allowing them to move more flexibly and perform a wider variety of jobs.

This is particularly useful in complex production lines where tasks can change frequently and require a high degree of adaptability.

Calling the robots 'interns' is also symbolic. According to Xiaomi, the robots are still in the learning process and cannot yet completely replace humans. Their immediate role is to assist workers by taking on repetitive or potentially risky tasks.

Xiaomi's experiment comes as China is heavily investing in humanoid robots – seen as the next step in industrial automation.

Many robotics companies in the country have begun developing and mass-producing humanoid robots with the goal of applications in manufacturing, services, and elderly care. The Chinese government also considers humanoid robotics a strategic industry for the next decade.

If trials like the one at Xiaomi's factory yield positive results, humanoid robots could soon become a familiar part of production lines. The image of robots working alongside humans on the factory floor – once only seen in science fiction films – could then become a reality in modern industry.