Renault will be one of the first manufacturers to introduce humanoid factory robots, with the launch scheduled for 2027.
Renault Group said it will deploy 350 humanoid robots in its factories in 2027 to perform repetitive tasks as part of a plan to reduce the production time of a single car by 30%, becoming one of the first automakers to introduce such technology on the production line, according to Automotive News.
The works, called Calvin-40, were developed in collaboration with the French startup Wandercraft, in which Renault owns a minority stake, and are designed to carry cargo weighing up to 40 kg (90 lb). On March 10, during the presentation of its futuREady strategic plan, Renault demonstrated how robots lift sets of tires at its factory in Douai, France. According to production manager Thierry Charvet, Renault has already reduced the assembly time of new models such as the Renault 5 and Twingo EV to 10 hours or less, and the works are designed to further reduce time and costs while freeing workers from painful, repetitive work. Calvin currently performs simple operations such as lifting tires and carrying panels, as speed and maneuverability remain limited, although Renault expects improvements in artificial intelligence and software to expand its capabilities over time. Charvet noted that the main advantage of robots is their ability to carry heavy loads in a confined space, where wheeled mechanisms would need a much wider surface.
Renault first invested in Wandercraft in June 2025 as part of a $75 million funding round and plans to mass-produce both Calvin robots and personal exoskeletons called Eve.