Elon Musk claims AI and robotics will turn Tesla into a $5 trillion company, with plans to sell 20 billion humanoid robots in the future. If that were true, Tesla’s robots should already be working in factories.
But the reality is different. Instead of proving its value in manufacturing, Tesla’s Optimus robot was recently seen spending time with billionaire Kim Kardashian rather than performing real tasks. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz is taking a more practical approach by integrating humanoid robots into its Berlin factory, giving them actual jobs.
Mercedes Chooses Real Work Over Hype
Instead of designing its robots from scratch, Mercedes partnered with Apptronik, a U.S. company that already builds and sells humanoid robots for businesses.
Mercedes called Apptronik’s first model, Apollo, “one of the world’s most advanced commercial humanoid robots” and was so impressed that it not only purchased these robots but also invested a “low double-digit-million-euro“ amount in the company.
While this investment may sound significant, it’s likely only a fraction of what it actually took to develop Apollo. But the difference? Apollo is already working, while Optimus is still in development.
Apollo Robots Designed for Efficiency
Like most automakers, Mercedes has been using robots since the 1970s to perform repetitive and physically demanding tasks. However, Apollo is more than just an ordinary factory machine.
For now, Apollo’s job is to “transport components or modules to the production line for Mercedes-Benz’s highly skilled production staff to assemble and conduct initial quality checks on components.“
Unlike Tesla Optimus still struggling with basic tasks. Apollo is already making production lines more efficient.
Apollo’s design also makes it highly functional in real-world applications:
- Height: 5 feet 8 inches
- Weight: 160 pounds
- Lifting Capacity: Can carry up to 55 pounds
- Operation: Runs on swappable batteries, allowing continuous work
The Future: Smarter and More Independent Robots
Mercedes is working to make Apollo even smarter over time. The company is “using teleoperation processes and augmented reality” to allow human workers to train Apollo to handle more complex tasks.
This means employees are actively teaching the robots to perform the same work they do. While some might see this as training future competition, Apollo does not require constant human supervision and is already proving its value.
In the long run, robots like Apollo could reduce workplace injuries by taking over heavy lifting and repetitive tasks that put a strain on human workers.
Tesla vs. Mercedes Who’s Winning?
At this point, Mercedes and Apptronik are leading the humanoid robotics race. While Tesla has showcased its Optimus robot, it has yet to demonstrate real-world effectiveness in factories.
Tesla still has work to do:
- Optimus is not commercially available yet.
- Most of Tesla’s robot demonstrations are scripted, raising questions about actual capabilities.
- Apollo is already handling factory tasks, while Optimus is still in early development.
If Tesla truly wants to revolutionize manufacturing with AI-powered robots, it needs to focus on real progress rather than media stunts.
For now, Mercedes has taken the lead, proving that robots can already make manufacturing more efficient without the need for publicity gimmicks.
