Robots hit the production line: SAIC entrusts battery production to a humanoid

Humanoid robot on SAIC’s battery production line

SAIC Motor, one of China’s biggest carmakers, has started bringing humanoid robots into its manufacturing plants. The first android, called “Nengzai-1”, has already begun work on the battery assembly line for the Buick Electra E7 hybrid crossover.

Who built Nengzai-1

The robot was created through a collaboration between SAIC-GM (the joint venture between SAIC and General Motors) and AgiBot.

Humanoid robots becoming a factory trend in China

Across Chinese industry, deploying humanoid robots is increasingly emerging as a new direction. Similar trials were previously launched by Xiaomi and CATL, which have been testing robots at their own facilities. These moves may point to the sector shifting sooner rather than later towards production systems that are more flexible and more autonomous.

SAIC Motor brands, joint ventures and wider operations

SAIC is one of the largest automotive corporations in the PRC. It builds vehicles under a range of brands, including Roewe, MG, IM and Maxus, and it also produces Sunwin buses. In addition, SAIC participates in joint ventures with General Motors and Volkswagen.