European chipmaker STMicroelectronics deploys humanoid robots in semiconductor production for first time

The European chipmaker has announced a partnership with Italian firm Oversonic Robotics to deploy its cognitive humanoid robot, RoBee, across ST’s global production sites. The move marks what is believed to be the semiconductor industry’s first integration of humanoid robots directly into manufacturing systems, according to Interesting Engineering.

"Being the first to introduce cognitive humanoid robots in a sophisticated production context such as semiconductors means measuring ourselves against the highest standards in terms of reliability, safety, and operational continuity," said Fabio Puglia, President of Oversonic.

ST views humanoid robotics as an essential next step in its automation strategy. "A key parameter of the long-term competitiveness of our global advanced manufacturing infrastructure is our ability to deploy automation and robotics solutions at scale," Fabio Gualandris, President of Quality, Manufacturing, and Technology at STMicroelectronics said, adding that humanoids integration is "the next frontier."

Gualandris explained that the robots are designed to perform intricate manufacturing tasks, work seamlessly with existing automated systems, and improve production efficiency while enhancing employee safety, as reported by Benzinga.

Oversonic Robotics RoBee works in a factory. Photo courtsy of Oversonic Robotics

RoBee is the only humanoid robot certified for both industrial and healthcare applications, according to Interesting Engineering. Designed to operate autonomously in complex industrial settings, it uses AI-based perception, real-time decision-making, and multimodal interaction through its cognitive platform.

CATL, the world’s largest electric vehicle battery manufacturer, announced last week that it has begun deploying humanoid robots at scale at its Zhongzhou facility in central China. The company said it is the first in the world to use humanoid machines extensively for industrial automation, according to South China Morning Post.