A CHINESE automaker has released chilling footage of an AI robot making sure cars are safe to drive inside its factory.
The humanoid can be seen conducting safety checks in place of humans as part of Dongfeng Motor's manufacturing process.
The Chinese state-owned automaker has partnered with robotics firm UBTech to integrate robots with traditional automated machinery to handle complex scenarios in unmanned manufacturing.
Ranging from safety belt inspection to door lock testing, two crucial aspects of car manufacturing, the AI robots are set to carry out various duties.
Other roles will include body quality checks, oil filling, and label application as the once unthinkable scenario becomes reality.
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And in footage released on UBTech's YouTube channel as part of their partnership with Dongfeng Motor, one robot is shown fulfilling those specific roles.
Known as "Walker S", the 5.5ft tall machine is videoed running through a number of safety checks as he walks alongside vehicles in a factory.
At the same time, human workers can be seen in the background fulfilling their respective roles, suggesting robots and humans could be set to work alongside one another.
Beginning with the "Left Front Door Lock Quality Check", Walker S's POV shows it taking a picture and uploading it to the company system, where it is then registered as "OK".
Featuring advanced fusion control algorithms, the robot can communicate with the factory system to access production line status and share collected data in real-time.
Next up is the "Left Back Door Lock", where Walker S fulfils exactly the same role, before moving onto the "Seat Belt Quality Check".
A view from within the vehicle shows Walker S reaching in and pulling on the seatbelt to ensure everything is in order.
Once that's complete, the robot moves checking the "Left Rear Light Cover", before conducting the "High-Precision Car Emblem Installation".
Walker S fits a plate into the emblem circle, before using a tool to cement it in place.
Through hands-on training, these robots are expected to enhance their capabilities in inspecting and assembling components.
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Lin Changbo, General Manager of Dongfeng Motor, believes the introduction of robots to the car factory will "accelerate" the automotive industry, Gizmochina report.
“This will not only bring greater improvement to Dongfeng Motor’s intelligent manufacturing level, but will also become a new style of intelligent manufacturing in the automotive industry," he said.
With its dual RGBD sensors and sophisticated four-eye system, the humanoid offers advanced perceptive capabilities.
A force-controlled human-like hand and a robot arm with seven degrees of freedom means it can perform tasks with impressive accuracy.
Vision cameras and depth sensors also enable it to sense and navigate its environment more efficiently.
A capacity to recognise 3D objects allows Walker S to avoid walking into other obstacles, while its flexibility ensures it can carry out complex maneuvers while maintaining stability.
As for its strength, Walker S can carry 6.6lbs in each hand and support up to 22lbs whilst walking.
Earlier this year, BMW announced it was developing and testing general-purpose robots to enter its workforce.
The robots are being developed in partnership with a company called Figure, based in California, who are designing them for difficult, unsafe, or tedious tasks in the manufacturing process.
