Humanoid robots such as Digit and Apollo are expanding beyond Amazon warehouses
Humanoid robots Digit and Apollo test in GXO Logistics, wider use beyond Amazon.
GXO Logistics has embarked on a remarkable initiative to expand the use of humanoid robots beyond the confines of Amazon warehouses. Under a multi-year partnership signed last year with Agility Robotics, GXO began deploying Digit, a 5-foot 9-inch, 140-pound robot, in their operations. The autonomous capabilities of Digit allow it to walk in several directions, squat, bend, and handle items with precision, thanks to its sophisticated 360-degree lidar, camera, and various sensors for navigation and obstacle detection. This robot is employed at the Spanx warehouse in Atlanta, marking a significant step in automation outside traditional environments.
Another key player in this robotic transition is Apptronik's Apollo, which GXO is piloting in collaboration with American firm Jabil. Apollo showcases unique characteristics such as a height of 5-foot 8-inches, a weight of 160 pounds, and a 55-pound payload capacity with a 4-hour battery runtime. While details of its client testing remain undisclosed, plans are underway to refine its integration into various operational processes. The remarkable factor here is Jabil's commitment to eventually produce more Apollos, signifying a shift towards a potential self-replicating model of production in robotics.
Moreover, GXO's technological advancement is supported by a collaboration with Reflex, a company known for its robotics-as-a-service approach. Reflex provides a machine that is distinctly less humanoid than Digit and Apollo, but still features arms and a moveable head that operates from a torso connected to a wheel-mounted base. This machine is poised to achieve full autonomy through continuous learning by imitating human tasks and movements. Such diversity in robot design and functionality broadens the scope for their application across different sectors of logistics and beyond.
Adrian Stoch, GXO's chief automation officer, emphasizes the experimental phase of their robotic deployment strategy. Discussions with additional four vendors are ongoing to explore further humanoid robot integration. Stoch mentioned that the process allows vendors to implement technology with feedback gathered from GXO operators, ensuring adaptability and improvements tailored to real-world scenarios. Even though only two Digit units are active among over a thousand GXO warehouses, the prospect of broader deployment looms with promising efficiency enhancements across the supply chain landscape.
Controversy does persist, with Damion Shelton of Agility Robotics candidly addressing potential obsolescence concerns. His statement points to the primary emphasis on the business health using robotics as potentially outweighing employee job security fears. Echoing this sentiment, Amazon reported significant financial success with a $30.4 billion net income in 2023, underscoring the lucrative nature of robotic integration.
Sources: TechSpot, Business Insider, GXO Logistics, Agility Robotics, Jabil