Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor, AI² Robotics partner to deploy embodied AI robots in vehicle manufacturing

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On June 7, 2025, Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Co., Ltd. ("DFLZM") and AI² Robotics formally signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Shenzhen. The two parties will jointly explore the comprehensive application of embodied AI large models in automotive manufacturing scenarios, aiming to build a data flywheel that drives technological iteration and cultivates new productive forces.

The partnership comes at a pivotal moment in the automotive industry's intelligent transformation. According to the agreement, AlphaBot 2—AI² Robotics' latest general-purpose intelligent robot powered by its GOVLA embodied large model—will be deployed for the first time in DFLZM's automobile factories. The robot will undertake intelligent operations across multiple scenarios including material loading and unloading, cart towing, windshield label application, and protective cloth placement. These operations span critical manufacturing processes such as quality inspection, assembly, logistics, and plant maintenance, marking the first full-scenario validation of a domestically developed embodied large model in vehicle production.

As a pioneering company in the development of end-to-end VLA (Vision-Language-Action) technology in China, AI² Robotics launched its self-developed GOVLA model in April, building upon its foundational AI2R Brain system. GOVLA features adaptability from desktop to open environments, coordination from single-arm to full-body operations, and reasoning capabilities for tasks ranging from simple to long-horizon complexities.

Equipped with GOVLA, AlphaBot 2 overcomes the longstanding limitations of conventional robotics—such as poor generalization and low interaction intelligence. It can now operate in virtually any scenario, manipulate a wide range of objects, and complete diverse tasks with near-human-level dexterity and learning agility.

In real-world deployment at DFLZM's facilities, the AlphaBot 2 has demonstrated full-spectrum intelligent capabilities. Leveraging 34+ degrees of freedom for full-body coordination, 360-degree autonomous mobility, and proficiency in executing long-duration, complex tasks, the robot can synchronize arms, torso, and chassis for high-precision operations. This allows it to navigate autonomously across work zones, adapt to the flexible and high-load demands of automotive production lines, and efficiently support multi-model mixed production with significantly reduced deployment and adaptation times.

For example, in loading and unloading tasks, AlphaBot 2 can autonomously lift boxes from carts, adjust orientation, and place items with pinpoint accuracy, simultaneously managing item retrieval, light deactivation, and placement maneuvers. In cart towing, it uses full-environment sensing to assess production line status in real-time, plan optimal routes, and execute safe, autonomous towing of empty carts. During door inspection and protective cloth application, the GOVLA model coordinates vision, decision-making, and motion systems to independently recognize and inspect doors, scan surfaces, and apply protective materials with precision—handling multi-step, long-horizon tasks with stability and reliability.

AI² Robotics' edge lies not only in its world-class GOVLA model but also in the "data flywheel" it is building with DFLZM's complex, real-world scenarios. Operations at DFLZM's plants will generate massive volumes of high-value, real-scene data that are irreplaceable by simulation—critical assets that will:

Feed precise model iteration: Continuously enhance GOVLA's understanding of complex industrial environments, task nuances, and long-tail operational challenges.

Accelerate performance and generalization: Real-world data will drive rapid gains in efficiency, precision, robustness, and adaptability to new tasks and scenarios—enabling the system to become "smarter with use."

Strengthen real-world deployment barriers: Establish AI² Robotics' unique know-how and data assets, solidifying its technical leadership and making the practical application of VLA technologies more defensible and harder to replicate.

This collaboration goes beyond AlphaBot 2's factory role. On the R&D front, AI² Robotics and DFLZM will prioritize co-innovation in areas such as mobile transport robots and in-vehicle robotic systems. The companies will also work together to advance the manufacturing of robotic bodies and key components, leveraging DFLZM's expertise and supply chain resources to further the development of China's intelligent robotics industry.