He estimates that their workload is equivalent to that of about four full-time human employees, though he was quick to point out that no humans lost their jobs to the robots, as they were just reassigned. When the robots need to charge, they roll right onto the charger. Because they were part of a pilot program, Rand said the dealership has a deal with Richtech. While he wasn’t sure of exact figures for a standard agreement, he said dealerships can rent or buy the robots outright. They own the three they have now, which are Titan models. ALL WORK, SOME PLAY We thought you’d never ask: Of course, the robots have names. (Well, two of the three do for now; the third name is pending.) Rand said they took a vote, going through choices such as Auto, Wall-E, Optimus Parts, Parts Vader, Hot Wheels and Mercedes May Bob. The winners? Rosie and M2B2. The techs also had fun at times, adding googly eyes, mustaches and even a Burger King crown to the Titans. Don’t forget the music! Rand said they’re able to download any genre and especially liked seeing the robots roll to “Low Rider” by War, early on. And just like your favorite festive human colleague that starts their Christmas playlist on Nov. 1, the robots can get annoying with their seasonal music. “At Christmas, the techs [go] nuts after the first month,” Rand said. “They’re like, ‘We can’t play this all the time. We have to have something else, because we started it in October…” Rand says the robots are a must-have for any dealership considering them. (We think McGovern Automotive Group would agree.) “We didn’t realize the unintended gains from having them,” Rand said. MORE AI Robots aren’t the only tech reshaping Rand’s fixed ops department. A voice-to-text system, built with Revion and Tekion, lets techs narrate notes instead of typing, cutting documentation time on a repair order from 20 to 25 minutes down to about 10. Rand also has a different take on the video MPI trend. He argues that most technicians aren’t naturally suited to being on camera and points to his own store’s low customer open rate in a mandated brand’s video MPI program as proof. He prefers photos instead. (We know at least one writer who digs this approach). LOOKING AHEAD Despite all that, Rand says humans aren’t going anywhere, pointing out that advisors build real relationships with clients because they know their families, their needs and what matters to them beyond just the vehicle. “I don’t think that’s ever going to change because people want that interaction,” Rand said. The article was originally published by Car Dealership Guy and is reprinted with permission. To view the original article, scan the QR code. For more information, visit news.dealershipguy.com. https://news.dealershipguy.com/p/rockin-robots-on-a-missionat-mercedes-benz-of-plano Meet the Titans: Rosie and M2B2 take a charging break at Mercedes-Benz of Plano while posing for a picture with Finley Ewing IV. Finley Ewing IV, CEO of Ewing Automotive Group and TADA Board Member, at his Mercedes-Benz of Plano location with the hard-working technicians and an amazing team of robots. 21 DEALERS’ CHOICE
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