Gasgoo Munich- On March 27, SAIC Motor welcomed its first embodied intelligent humanoid robot employee to the workforce. Dubbed "Nengzai No. 1," the unit officially began duty on the mass production line for Buick Electra E7 batteries. This marks the automaker's first real-world deployment of a humanoid robot in a production setting—a significant leap forward in SAIC's shift from traditional automation to embodied intelligence.
Developed jointly by SAIC-GM and AgiBot—a portfolio company backed by SAIC Finance Holdings—the robot exemplifies the group's strategy of integrating capital, industry, and real-world scenarios.
The robot is now operational on the Buick Electra E7 battery line, handling critical tasks like cell retrieval and loading.
Image Source: SAIC
Battery pack manufacturing presents challenges: manual loading involves high-voltage risks and steep skill requirements, while traditional industrial robots are bulky and lack flexibility. "Nengzai No. 1" addresses these gaps with human-like capabilities—visual perception, dual-arm coordination, and force-controlled gripping. It autonomously identifies incoming cells and plans gripping paths without relying on fixed programming or precise material positioning.
SAIC has been positioning itself in the humanoid robotics sector for some time.
In 2023, the group launched a survey and deep testing of humanoid robots to meet the production needs of its vehicle manufacturing units. That same year, adhering to a strategy of early and innovative investment, SAIC Finance Holdings made a strategic move into the sector, pairing up with AgiBot—which was actively seeking industrial validation for its technology.
By 2024, under the guidance of SAIC Finance Holdings, SAIC-GM and AgiBot established a connection. Together, the three parties validated hundreds of workstations across dozens of scenarios. After nearly a thousand rounds of testing and optimization, they selected the cell production line as the inaugural deployment site, successfully bridging the gap between humanoid robot R&D and mass production application.
Beyond the partnership with AgiBot, SAIC Finance Holdings has poured more than 800 million yuan into humanoid robotics. The investment portfolio spans core technologies including robot bodies, embodied intelligence, tactile sensors, and planetary roller screws.
Fueled by this synergy of investment and production, more "interns" are lining up for permanent positions. For instance, embodied intelligent robots from another portfolio company, Galaxy General, are already undergoing testing at SAIC Yanfeng.
Meanwhile, SAIC's vehicle and component units are expanding beyond wheeled robots. They are piloting bipedal humanoid robots in production and logistics roles, building the technical reserves needed to navigate complex terrain and demanding manufacturing environments.
