Nissan Deploys AI Robots at Tennessee Assembly Plant

Nissan is deploying a fleet of AI-powered autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) at its assembly plant in Smyrna, Tennessee, to automate the transport of vehicle components. Manufactured by OTTO, a Rockwell Automation company, these robots use lidar and cameras to navigate the factory floor and can haul up to 4,190 pounds, replacing several forklift trips within the body shop.

The initiative represents the plant's largest cost-reduction project of the year as the automaker seeks to lower production costs during a sales turnaround. While the rollout eliminates the current roles of 64 forklift and tug operators, the company stated these employees will remain with the company in different positions.

Nissan is now evaluating the expansion of AMR technology into stamping and general assembly operations by 2027. The deployment is supported by Powerhouse Controls, which integrated the robots with the plant's material-flow system to ensure operational efficiency.