Nissan's AI-powered factory robots can haul 4,000 pounds — and call each other for backup
On September 4, 2026, Nissan deployed AI-driven autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) at the Smyrna factory. These robots can carry goods weighing over 4,000 pounds and can call for support from each other during congestion. Although there were instances during deployment where robots went to the same location simultaneously, causing “traffic congestion,” Nissan corrected the programming through its software team, enabling the robots to navigate independently, carry heavy loads, and request assistance from other robots. This project is one of the largest cost-reducing initiatives at the Smyrna factory. The AMRs were manufactured by OTTO, a company under Rockwell Automation. Similar to the robot systems used at factories such as Ford, General Motors, Jesús, and Caterpillar, these AMRs use sensors like lidars and cameras for obstacle avoidance navigation, rather than relying on magnetic tapes.