Chinese robotics company Kepler has initiated a new stage in automotive automation by deploying its humanoid robot Forerunner K2 at SAIC-GM’s Shanghai plant. With redesigned limbs for greater rigidity and tactile manipulators with 11 degrees of freedom, the K2 model demonstrated its ability to perform heavy-duty tasks and quality inspection operations..
Mechanical and artificial intelligence advances on the K2 robot
The Forerunner K2 upgrade represents a major leap forward in humanoid robot manufacturing. humanoid robots. Its integrated structure facilitates maintenance and supports loads of up to 15 kg per hand. In addition, the new 2.33 kWh battery allows autonomy of up to eight continuous hours, ensuring efficiency during industrial production shifts.
The cloud-based cognitive system enables the robot to learn by imitation and reinforcement, executing tasks autonomously. Thanks to improvements in visual perception, gait planning and autonomous navigation, Bumblebee can move with stability in complex manufacturing environments.
Performance in real scenarios
During tests at the SAIC-GM plant, Kepler robots performed quality inspections, handled large parts and loaded stamped components independently. Their flexible fingertip sensor systems increase the dexterity required for handling mechanical fixtures.
Robots performed quality inspections. Source: Kepler
The implementation of humanoid robots in assembly lines aims to improve accuracy, reduce human error and optimize the efficiency of production processes in the automotive industry.
Kepler’s move follows trends seen at other manufacturers such as BMW, which has begun to integrate Figure integrating Figure’s humanoid robots humanoid robots at its factory in Spartanburg, Germany. Competition in industrial robotics is growing, driven by the quest for smarter, safer and more efficient manufacturing.
Future plans
Kepler plans to expand the use of its robots to other sectors such as logistics, education, scientific research and security operations. Their emergency detection, intelligent inspection and autonomous navigation technology positions them as key allies for tasks in extreme environments.
With its deployment at SAIC-GM, Kepler not only validates the effectiveness of its robots in real-world scenarios, but also redefines the standards of industrial automation in the era of Industry 4.0.
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Source and photo: Kepler
