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Humanoid robot proof-of-concept launched 

29 June 2024

GXO Logistics and robot manufacturer Apptronik will partner to develop the Apollo humanoid in a warehouse environment.

GXO CHIEF automation officer Adrian Stoch, says: “Apollo has great potential to add value throughout the distribution centre, including the most labour-intensive operational processes. These kinds of robotics reduce repetitive work and improve safety while freeing associates to focus on higher-value-added activities. As we progress on our R&D journey with Apptronik, we’ll also be evaluating its capability for other critical use cases along the way.”

Apptronik’s general purpose industrial humanoid robot stands 5’8” tall, can carry 55 pounds and operates on swappable batteries. Apollo is powered by linear actuators that mimic the mechanics of human muscles and provide a full range of mobility. Its force control architecture and flexible safety zone perimeter allow Apollo to work safely around and directly with people. Together, the companies are evaluating the overall performance of the robot in a lab setting to further fine-tune Apptronik’s AI model before deploying the technology to a US distribution centre once ready.  

Jeff Cardenas, co-founder & CEO of Apptronik, adds: “Our mission is to build versatile robots that can do work in real-world applications – from large, powerful movements like transporting boxes and totes to small, precise ones like picking individual items or scanning barcodes.”

The humanoid partnership with Apptronik is the second for GXO.

You can see Apollo in action here.

 
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