CATL Deploys Embodied AI Humanoid Robots in Large-Scale Battery Testing

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), the world's largest manufacturer of electric vehicle batteries, has initiated the first large-scale integration of embodied Artificial Intelligence humanoid robots on a new-energy battery production line. This industrial deployment was confirmed operational in mid-December 2025 at CATL's Zhongzhou manufacturing base in Luoyang, central Henan province.

The integration specifically targets the high-risk task of manually connecting high-voltage testing connectors during the final battery pack testing procedures, including End of Line (EOL) and Direct Current Resistance (DCR) checks. This previously manual operation involved handling plugs carrying hundreds of volts, presenting inherent safety risks and contributing to inconsistent efficiency metrics.

The robotic platform utilized is the 'Xiaomo' humanoid robot, developed by Qianxun Intelligence, a key CATL ecosystem partner. The robot's operational intelligence relies on an end-to-end Vision-Language-Action (VLA) model, a sophisticated architecture enabling robust environmental perception and broad task generalization. This framework allows the robot to interpret visual data and language context to generate direct physical actions, moving beyond narrowly programmed automation.

In practical application, the robot has achieved a connector insertion success rate exceeding 99% during precision tests. Performance metrics indicate a substantial increase in manufacturing throughput, with the robot's daily output documented at three times that of manual labor due to its capacity for continuous operation. Furthermore, the operational speed and precision reportedly match that of highly experienced human personnel.

Beyond the primary assembly function, the system autonomously monitors connection status, flags anomalies to reduce defect rates, and enters an inspection mode during assembly lulls. This deployment exemplifies CATL's commitment to advancing smart manufacturing practices synchronized with its green energy technology initiatives. The reliance on VLA models suggests a strategic shift toward adaptable automation capable of handling the high flexibility required in processes involving multiple product variants.

CATL, which held global market shares of approximately 38% for EV batteries and 36.5% for energy storage batteries in 2025, is also pursuing carbon neutrality in core operations by 2025. Notably, the Xiaomo robot is powered by CATL's proprietary battery technology, illustrating synergy across the industrial value chain. This implementation provides a tangible model for automation upgrades in complex industrial settings, contrasting with other robotics systems that have reportedly encountered challenges during continuous factory trials.