Automation

On the Floor

Humanoids Building Humanoids, and New Robots for Agriculture Equipment in Kansas 

Human-like robots are taking over the factory floor as research continues.

This episode of On the Floor is brought to you by Mouser. To learn more, visit mouser.com.

Humanoid robots are popular attractions whenever automation is demonstrated to the public, but it’s an open question about whether they are the ideal form factor for industrial production. Several companies are testing humanoids on the shop floor, and a major agricultural equipment manufacturer, AGCO, is implementing a program with agility robotics at the company’s Hesston, Kansas plant.

In China, German industrial heavyweight Schaeffler has launched an operation where humanoid robots build critical joint and actuator components for other humanoid robots, a possible precursor to AI driven, recursive improvement production process for industrial automation. 

Written by

James Anderton

Jim Anderton is the Director of Content for ENGINEERING.com. Mr. Anderton was formerly editor of Canadian Metalworking Magazine and has contributed to a wide range of print and on-line publications, including Design Engineering, Canadian Plastics, Service Station and Garage Management, Autovision, and the National Post. He also brings prior industry experience in quality and part design for a Tier One automotive supplier.