Mercedes is replacing robots with people on the assembly line

Robots might be better at driving than people. They might also be better at solving a Rubik's Cube. Turns out, though, there's still one place in the world where humans still outshine robots: a Mercedes-Benz assembly plant.

According to Bloomberg, the intricate options offered on the new S-Class — from heated and cooled cupholders to four different types of tire valve stem caps — overwhelm traditional automotive assembly robots. Accordingly, Mercedes has begun replacing them with human workers.

“Robots can’t deal with the degree of individualization and the many variants that we have today,” Mercedes' head of production Markus Schaefer told Bloomberg. “We’re saving money and safeguarding our future by employing more people.” Read more...