Apptronik, an AI-powered robotics company, has announced a strategic partnership with Google DeepMind to accelerate the evolution of humanoid robots.
This collaboration aims to push the boundaries of embodied artificial intelligence (AI), combining Apptronik‘s expertise in humanoid hardware with DeepMind’s cutting-edge AI capabilities. Together, the two companies plan to create intelligent, adaptable robots capable of performing complex tasks and interacting seamlessly with humans in dynamic environments.
A leap forward in Humanoid Robotics
Founded in 2016 out of the Human Centered Robotics Lab at the University of Texas at Austin, Apptronik has spent nearly a decade developing humanoid robots.
The company’s Apollo robot is a testament to its engineering prowess. At 5 feet 8 inches and weighing 160 pounds, Apollo is built to perform physically demanding tasks in industrial spaces while operating safely alongside human workers.
“We’re building a future where humanoid robots address urgent global challenges,” said Jeff Cardenas, CEO and co-founder of Apptronik.
The collaboration with Google DeepMind brings together Apptronik’s legacy in robotics with DeepMind’s renowned expertise in AI and machine learning. “By combining Apptronik’s cutting-edge robotics platform with the Google DeepMind robotics team’s unparalleled AI expertise, we’re creating intelligent, versatile and safe robots that will transform industries and improve lives. United by a shared commitment to excellence, our two companies are poised to redefine the future of humanoid robotics,” according to Cardenas.
This partnership aims to develop robots that not only perform tasks with precision but can adapt to unpredictable environments and interact intuitively with humans. With the help of DeepMind’s advanced AI models like Gemini, the robots will be equipped with the reasoning and learning capabilities needed to handle a wide range of real-world challenges.
Key Highlights
- Apptronik teams up with Google DeepMind to advance humanoid robotics using AI-powered intelligence and embodied hardware.
- Apptronik’s flagship humanoid, Apollo, is designed for industrial environments and will benefit from DeepMind’s advanced AI to enhance its versatility and performance.
- Apollo is the first commercial humanoid robot built with an emphasis on mass manufacturability, safety, and high payload capacity.
- Apollo is set to operate in warehouses and manufacturing plants, with future potential across industries like construction, oil and gas, retail, elder care, healthcare, and more.
Apollo Humanoid Robot
Apollo, Apptronik‘s flagship humanoid, was developed from the company’s extensive experience in building over 15 previous robots, including NASA’s Valkyrie. The robot is designed for both heavy-duty industrial work and friendly human interaction.
Apollo is the first commercial humanoid robot built with an emphasis on mass manufacturability, safety, and high payload capacity, making it a versatile solution for a range of industries.
In the near term, Apollo will operate in warehouses and manufacturing plants. However, its potential applications extend far beyond these sectors. Apollo is designed to eventually work in areas such as construction, oil and gas, electronics production, retail, home delivery, elder care, and countless more industries. This wide applicability positions Apollo as a transformative force in industries facing labor shortages and the need for automation.
Growing demand for Humanoid Robots
Apptronik’s work with humanoid robots is gaining traction. In just under a year since unveiling Apollo, the company has already partnered with major industry players like Mercedes-Benz and GXO Logistics. These partnerships underscore the demand for robots that can assist with manual labor in sectors like manufacturing and logistics.
Barry Phillips highlighted the growing need for humanoid robots to address global challenges, saying, “We’re experiencing unprecedented global challenges like aging populations, persistent labor shortages, and shrinking workforces. We see humanoid robots as an ideal solution to many of these problems due to their human-like form, adaptability, and dexterity.”
The Apollo robot will be initially deployed for tasks such as material handling, sorting, and heavy lifting in industrial settings. Additionally, its potential applications in healthcare and eldercare are being explored as part of the company’s vision to improve the quality of life for older adults and alleviate the burden on the healthcare system.
The humanoid robotics space is rapidly evolving, with numerous companies like 1X, Agility Robotics, Boston Dynamics, Figure AI, Fourier, Realbotix, Tesla, and Unitree entering the race. However, relatively few have advanced to commercial trials. The efficacy of humanoid robots is still an open question, but it’s a challenge that many founders and investors believe is worth pursuing.
