Foxconn's Robots Have Yet to Meet Apple's Precision Standards

Jiemian, a Chinese financial publication, is reporting that Foxconn's robots, the ones planned for use in assembling iPhones, are not precise enough to meet Apple's standards.

According to the report, the robots have a production accuracy of 0.05mm and Apple requires an accuracy of 0.02mm. In addition, the robots are apparently too large to be used effectively in the production system in place.

Foxconn robot production accuracy of 0.05 mm, while Apple's mobile phone production accuracy requirement is 0.02 mm. At the same time, Foxbots high accuracy requirements for Apple products, the volume is too great, "the robot has not downsized to fit into the production system in operation" Foxconn insiders said. As a solution to these problems, according to his statement, AR Division is actively studying and hope to resolve these issues as quickly as possible, the current robots are mostly used material handling.


Automation Technology Center Professor at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Zexiang Li, says "A nimble fingers technology research and development needs 1 year to 2 years."

A report from earlier this year noted that robots would only play a supporting roll in assembly of the iPhone 6 for Apple.

Foxconn reportedly has plans to deploy at least 10,000 Foxbots per Foxconn factory, and each robot will cost 20,000 to 25,000 U.S. dollars.

Read More [via GforGames]