Novares Group, a global supplier of plastic solutions, has partnered with robotics specialist Innov8 to launch one of Europe’s first pilot deployments of humanoid robots within a live automotive manufacturing environment.
The proof-of-concept (PoC) programme will test how Unitree humanoid robots can support industrial operations by carrying out repetitive and physically demanding tasks alongside human workers.
Innov8, which serves as Unitree’s master distributor in Europe, is responsible for the full robotic system, including use-case assessment, robot selection, systems integration, functional safety, deployment, operator training and ongoing support.
Structured testing is now under way at a Novares production facility, following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two companies.
Frédéric Sipahi, chief executive of Novares Group, said: “We are enthusiastic about working with Innov8 on this project, which reflects our commitment to anticipating the evolution of the automotive industry.”
Stéphane Bohbot, founder and president of Innov8 Group, added that the pilot that it aligns with the company’s goal “to make the most advanced robotics platforms work reliably, safely and usefully in real operating conditions.”
Beyond the initial pilot, the partners aim to develop new forms of human-robot collaboration that support the evolution of future manufacturing facilities.
Recently, Humanoid launched a POC that used its HMND 01 robots to autonomously transferred boxes from a conveyor to a trolley in Bosch’s dynamic logistics environment in Bühl, Germany.
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