Give the dog a drone

Mercedes-Benz Vans is using autonomous robotics at its Düsseldorf plant to reduce energy loss and support maintenance. Robo-dog “Aris” detects leaks and faults, while a drone automates container counts, increasing efficiency and freeing employees for higher-value tasks.

Specifically, robo-dog can detect compressed air leaks and noise anomalies in production systems, preventing failures and lowering energy loss. According to the company, Aris already supports a wide range of tasks. “For example, it can automatically carry out the routine inspection of analogue gauges of certain systems and machines. The data is recorded and can finally be evaluated as easily as possible,” which can reduce costs “in the six-digit range.”

Its stair-climbing ability allows fully autonomous movement across the site, with potential future applications including checking escape routes and contributing to digital twin models.

In parallel, an autonomous drone performs container counts on the plant premises. Using AI software, it identifies and counts load carriers by dimensions and outline, automating routine tasks and freeing employees for higher-value work. Both systems integrate into cloud applications, enabling interaction with each other and future connectivity across sites.

The Düsseldorf plant produces panel van variants of the Sprinter and eSprinter on a 325,000-square-metre site. Production of the current eSprinter generation began in 2023. Mercedes-Benz Vans describes the deployment of robotic systems as “a key step towards a digital future in our production network.”