Apptronik tests humanoid robot Apollo in the GXO warehouse
The humanoid robot Apollo will soon be taking over warehouse work at GXO. However, he still needs to be trained for the job.
The Apollo robot helps in the warehouse.
(Image: GXO)
Robotics company Apptronik and logistics expert GXO Logistics have agreed to use the humanoid robot Apollo in GXO's warehouses. Initially, this will be a proof-of-concept program. Both companies want to work together to adapt the robot to the requirements of the logistics sector.
The plan is for the humanoid robot Apollo to initially perform repetitive tasks in GXO warehouses. It is intended to relieve human employees so that they can concentrate on "activities with higher added value", says Adrian Stoch, Chief Automation Officer at GXO.
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It is not yet clear what specific tasks Apollo will take on at GXO. It is conceivable, for example, that it will sort parcels - a physically demanding task that places great demands on human employees due to constant repetition. In a video, Apptronik gives a first impression of how Apollo could work.
Adaptations to the robot necessary
However, the robot still needs to be adapted and, above all, trained for its tasks in the logistics sector before it is ready. This includes not only tasks that require a great deal of force, but also those that require precise movements, such as scanning barcodes on parcels and containers.
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Apptronik therefore wants to refine the robot's AI model. This will initially take place in a laboratory environment. Only then can the robot be used in a GXO distribution center. This will probably take place in a warehouse at a GXO branch in the USA. The aim is to optimize logistics processes at GXO and take a further step towards scalable automation.
Apptronik's humanoid robot Apollo is just under 1.73 m tall. It can carry loads of up to around 25 kg. It is powered by batteries that can be replaced. Apollo can therefore work for longer and last a full working day.
The project with GXO is not the first that Apptronik has tackled with the Apollo robot. Together with Mercedes-Benz, the company is currently evaluating its use in the car manufacturer's factories.
GXO has already gained experience with humanoid robots in logistics applications. The company uses the Digit robot from Agility Robotocs to transport boxes.
The logistics company is also testing a wide range of hardware and software to drive forward warehouse automation. This includes AI-supported robots and autonomous transport vehicles. In 2023, GXO increased its warehouse automation units by 50 percent.
(olb)
