Honda Substitutes Employees with Robots and AI to Reduce Expenses at Chinese EV Facility | Carscoops
Honda's new electric vehicle factory in China employs 30% fewer workers than traditional human labor.
Recently, the facility commenced production of the all-electric Ye P7 crossover.
AI technology enhances tasks such as welding, which helps to reduce fixed costs and boost production efficiency.
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are utilized to move heavy components like battery packs, eliminating the need for manual handling.
Honda is placing its bets on automation and artificial intelligence to revolutionize its electric vehicle production in China, significantly decreasing its reliance on floor workers by 30%. While robots have not yet completely replaced human staff, Honda's advancements—along with similar initiatives from other companies like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Dongfeng—indicate a potentially challenging future for blue-collar workers.
The Japanese automaker has recently started producing the all-electric Ye P7 in collaboration with local partner Guangzhou Automobile Group. The Guangzhou factory employs AGVs to transport crucial vehicle components, including heavy battery packs, which were traditionally moved by human workers.
In a discussion with Nikkei Asia, Honda disclosed that it is also employing AI to optimize the welding process for the Ye P7, aiming to "minimize fixed costs as much as possible." The company views "electrification as a chance to fundamentally rethink our vehicle production process."
The Ye P7 holds significant importance for Honda. In many Western markets, the Japanese automaker has fallen behind several competitors in launching battery-electric vehicles that have mass appeal. With China emerging as the world's largest EV market, the company must stay competitive to avoid a decline in its Chinese sales.
Similar to the S7, which was launched earlier this month in collaboration with Dongfeng, the P7 is equipped with an 89.8 kWh battery pack, and its base versions come with a rear motor generating 268 hp. There is also a dual-motor variant that provides a combined output of 469 hp. Rear-wheel drive configurations are said to have a range of 404 miles (650 km), while the all-wheel drive model reportedly can travel up to 385 miles (620 km) on a single charge.
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Honda Substitutes Employees with Robots and AI to Reduce Expenses at Chinese EV Facility | Carscoops
Honda's electric vehicle factory in China needs 30% fewer workers than traditional human staff.