Humanoid robots to join chip production factories for the first time

European semiconductor leader STMicroelectronics (ST) has partnered with Italian firm Oversonic Robotics to deploy RoBee, a custom cognitive humanoid robot, in semiconductor manufacturing for the first time. This marks the inaugural use of humanoid robots in logistics and production within semiconductor factories. RoBee is uniquely certified for both industrial and healthcare sectors and is designed to autonomously operate in complex environments, enhancing collaboration with human workers through AI-driven perception, decision-making, and interaction capabilities. Its applications include pick-and-place tasks, real-time data collection, and integration with industrial automation systems to improve production planning and logistics. STMicroelectronics emphasized that scaling automation and robotics, including humanoid integration, is critical for maintaining long-term competitiveness and improving product quality. The deployment of RoBee aims to support complex manufacturing flows, shorten cycle times, increase employee safety, and boost operational efficiency. This initiative underscores ST’s commitment to pioneering strategic and sustainable technologies in the semiconductor industry. The collaboration’s international launch will be showcased through live demonstrations