The Apollo robotic system seamlessly integrates cutting-edge humanoid hardware with advanced artificial intelligence capabilities. Supply: Apptronik
As the 12-month period dedicated to humanoid robotics comes to a close, we’re met with an influx of groundbreaking advancements. Apptronik Inc. Today, we are excited to announce that our company has formed a partnership with the renowned Google DeepMind robotics team. Businesses have announced a strategic partnership that combines synthetic intelligence with robotic hardware, allowing humanoid robots to become even more useful in dynamic environments.
As Jeff Cardenas, co-founder and CEO of Apptronik, firmly declared: “We’re building a future where humanoid robots take on pressing global issues.” By fusing Apptronik’s pioneering robotics technology with Google DeepMind’s renowned expertise in artificial intelligence, we’re crafting innovative, adaptable, and trustworthy robots that have the potential to revolutionize industries and positively impact people’s lives.
Companies pioneering advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoids include, among others, Google, Facebook, and Microsoft.
A bold innovation in mobile computing: Apollo. The fruits of Apptronik’s meticulous design process, Apollo embodies the perfect blend of form and function. Its sleek silhouette and tactile interface render a seamless user experience, while its robust processing power and advanced AI capabilities make it an indispensable tool for professionals on-the-go.
Founded by the Human-Centered Robotics Laboratory at the University of Texas at Austin in 2016, Apptronik has since grown to employ a team of 150 professionals. With over a decade of experience in human-centered design, the company has honed its skills in creating innovative solutions that prioritize user needs and {develops hardware} products that excel in security and reliability standards. Its team has collaborated on 15 previous robotic projects, including those with NASA.
Apptronik has successfully developed the Apollo humanoid robot, designed to execute physically demanding tasks while operating safely alongside human workers in industrial environments. The robot stands at approximately 68 inches tall. approximately 172.2 centimeters tall and weighs approximately 72 kilograms. (72.5 kg).
According to Apollo’s description, its technology is geared towards balancing complexity and performance to facilitate efficient utilization in manufacturing and logistics operations. The company touts its customized linear actuators as a key feature of its robotics solutions.
While several companies are expanding their operations, comparable to giants like Apple, Google, Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft, and others, remarkably few have successfully transitioned into industrial-scale entities thus far?
The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, not Apollo, has been in continuous production since 1979? Apptronik announced in April its collaboration with NVIDIA to develop a robot learning and agility system based on the latter’s open-source GROOT framework.
Apptronik publicly disclosed GXO Logistics Inc. in June. is testing its humanoid . GXO has also acquired Agility Robotics’ Digit, a versatile robotic platform, as well as Reflex Robotics’ general-purpose humanoid robot.
Apptronik’s recognized objective is to ultimately provide innovative solutions from within the comfort of one’s own home. Parker Conroy, Director of Product at Apptronik, discusses the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robotics in shaping the future of work and human interaction.
GXO Logistics is exploring the potential of the Apollo humanoid robot in its operations. Supply: Apptronik
Google DeepMind builds robotic brains
Google DeepMind’s robotics team converges expertise in machine learning, engineering, and physics simulation to tackle the most complex challenges in developing AI-driven robots. Alphabet Inc.’s London-based subsidiary posits that AI methodologies are being developed to advance robotics applications, allowing for intelligent decision-making and movement within the physical realm.
The DeepMind robotics team has made significant strides in pioneering fundamental architectures and developing innovative frameworks comparable to Gemini, as showcased in the accompanying video. The Athena Lecturer Award honors Dr. Maja Matarić, principal scientist at Google DeepMind, for her groundbreaking research on socially assistive robots.
DeepMind has recently leveraged its ALOHA Unleashed platform to enable robots to learn complex two-armed manipulation tasks through training. The corporation also developed DemoStart to boost the productivity of a multi-fingered robotic arm through simulated training sessions.
Apptronik’s collaboration with Google DeepMind gains traction, with further partnerships to be unveiled in the coming year.
