GXO, one of the world's leading logistics firms, is conducting trials of Apptronik's Apollo humanoid robot in warehouses. Apollo's lab performance will be assessed before deployment to a U.S. distribution facility.
Apollo's linear actuators match human muscle dynamics for complete movement. The 5'8" robot can lift 55 pounds, and it has a customizable safety zone border and force control architecture to operate safely with humans. It has swappable batteries with the longest runtime, according to Interesting Engineering.
Adrian Stoch, GXO's Chief Automation Officer, noted that the humanoid robot can boost repetitive work processes in distribution centers. They can also enhance safety and "let employees focus on higher-value tasks."
GXO's second humanoid robot alliance shows its warehouse automation superiority. GXO tested various innovative hardware and software solutions, including AI-powered robotics and autonomous vehicles, to enhance warehouse automation by 50% in 2023.
Apptronik co-founder and CEO Jeff Cardenas said that their goal is to help technology giant GXO manage its shipping operations and create a safer, more engaging environment for its workers using Apollo by creating "versatile robots."
Apollo, based on over 10 general-purpose robots, including NASA's Valkyrie, is designed for warehouses and factories. Apptronik wants Apollo to work in construction, oil and gas, electronics, retail, home delivery, elder care, and more.
Apollo is the first commercial humanoid robot with pleasant contact, mass manufacturability, large payloads, and safety, according to the manufacturer.
Tesla to Employ 1,000 Humanoid Robots
This development comes after Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed his plan to deploy 1,000 Optimus humanoid robots in factories by next year. Musk announced this huge undertaking during the Tesla shareholders' meeting, expressing confidence in the Optimus project's future.
TechTimes previously reported that the tech mogul highlighted Optimus' development, which he believes will change manufacturing processes. He predicted that Tesla's most important product, the humanoid robot, would earn enormous revenue.
Musk hopes to build and sell 1 billion humanoid robots each year, with each Optimus robot costing $10,000 and selling for $20,000. Tesla hopes to meet 10% of this demand and make $1 trillion.
Optimus humanoid robot "will have an increased presence next year, particularly in the workplace, where it will complete factory tasks," Elon Musk said. He also mentioned that by 2026, robots will be customizable, allowing consumers to customize software and programs.
Musk did not identify which factory tasks humanoid robots would replace, but he made significant assertions. However, Musk's goal of extensive autonomous robot deployment will shape Tesla's future operations with the Optimus project.
AI is Speeding Up Humanoid Robot Development
In China, humanoid robot research is accelerating because of continued AI advancements. Baidu's local AI models and chatbots improve robotics research.
Shenzhen-based LimX Dynamics COO Li Zhang said generative AI is helping robots comprehend and perceive their environment, a technology accelerating humanoid robot development, per CNBC.
He initially thought LimX would need eight to 10 years to develop industry and domestic robots. But the current AI breakthroughs make him foresee some humanoid robot applications in five to seven years.
A child grabs the finger of a Tesla humanoid robot on display during the World Intelligence Expo in Tianjin on June 23, 2024. PEDRO PARDO/AFP via Getty Images
This sector's rapid growth attracts big investments. OpenAI supports humanoid robot startups, while Tesla is creating Optimus. Chinese corporations like BYD invested in Shanghai-based Agibot early after its creation.
Stanford's newest AI Index research shows that China currently installs more than 50% of industrial robots worldwide, surpassing Japan in 2013. Industrial robot installation in China is highest in electronics, automotive, and metal and machinery.
