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One of the worlds largest logistics provider, GXO, has partnered with Apptronik, a robot manufacturer. The collaboration aims to explpre Apptroniks Apollo humanoid robots use in warehouses.

With the capacity of operating on swappable batteries, the machine offers highest operational time of any humanoid robot.

Apollo is powered by linear actuators that mimic the mechanics of human muscles and provide a full range of mobility.

The robot can carry 55 pounds of weight and stands 58 tall. The machine can work safely around and directly with people with its unique force control architecture and flexible safety zone perimeter.

The companies claimed that together, they are evaluating the overall performance of the robot in a lab setting to further fine-tune Apptroniks AI model before deploying the technology to a U.S. distribution center once ready.

Its unique force control architecture and flexible safety zone perimeter allow Apollo to work safely around and directly with people.

Were excited to partner with Apptronik to develop their AI-enabled humanoid robot. Apollo has great potential to add value throughout the distribution center, including the most labor-intensive operational processes, said Adrian Stoch, Chief Automation Officer, GXO.

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, well also be evaluating its capability for other critical use cases along the way.

The humanoid partnership with Apptronik is the second for GXO, the leader in warehouse automation and a first mover in the AI-driven automation space. In 2023, GXO increased its total units of warehouse automation by about 50% year over year and trialed a broad range of new hardware and software solutions, which include AI-powered robotics and autonomous vehicles.

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, said Jeff Cardenas, co-founder & CEO of Apptronik.

Thats why were committed to helping technology leader GXO optimize its logistics operations and create an even safer, more engaging workplace for its employees with the help of Apollo. The two phases of this R&D program represent essential steps toward the launch of an innovative scalable automation solution for GXO.

Apollo, a humanoid robot built to work alongside people in environments, culminated from the design and development of over 10 general purpose robots, including extensive work on NASA Valkyrie.

Apptroniks goal is to introduce the next generation of robots that will change the way people live and work, while tackling some of our worlds largest challenges.

The company claims that Apollo will operate in warehouses and manufacturing plants in the near term eventually extending into construction, oil and gas, electronics production, retail, home delivery, elder care and countless more areas.

Apollo is the first commercial humanoid robot that was designed for friendly interaction, mass manufacturability, high payloads and safety, according to the company.

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Prabhat Ranjan Mishra Prabhat, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, is a tech and defense journalist. While he enjoys writing on modern weapons and emerging tech, he has also reported on global politics and business. He has been previously associated with well-known media houses, including the International Business Times (Singapore Edition) and ANI.

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Humanoid robot with highest operational time in tests by US logistics giant - Interesting Engineering