Renault to Deploy Hundreds of Humanoids
Renault plans to deploy more than 300 humanoid robots in its auto plants by the end of next year. Photo courtesy Renault Group
PARIS—Renault Group plans to deploy more than 300 humanoid robots in its auto plants by the end of next year. The first application will be at its ElectriCity facility in Douai, France, that assembles electric vehicles such as the Megane E-Tech sedan and the Scenic E-Tech sport utility vehicle.
According to the automaker, “these robots will support operators in repetitive or demanding tasks, improve efficiency, and contribute to safer and more flexible manufacturing operations.”
The first machines used by Renault will be Calvin-40 robots made by Wandercraft, a start-up French company that specializes in AI-enhanced exoskeletons. The humanoids can lift payloads up to 88 pounds.
Renault invested in Wandercraft in 2025 to “accelerate automation and to develop robots for our specific auto industrial use, giving us the opportunity to concentrate our people on more value-adding tasks and alleviate operators from painful and nonergonomic duties.” Initial material handling applications will include carrying parts in the body shop and lifting tires on the final assembly line.
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