GXO heralds partnership with Apptronik on an AI-enabled humanoid robot

Earlier today, Greenwich, Conn.-based global contract logistics services provider GXO Logistics stated it is in the process of conducting an early-stage proof-of-concept program with Apptronik, an Austin, Texas-based robot manufacturer, on an AI-enabled humanoid robot.

Company officials said that this collaboration marks another milestone for GXO, in what the company described as its strategy to advance humanoid innovation by partnering with developers to help shape their prototypes to meet the evolving demands of the logistics industry.

A GXO spokesman told LM that this new partnership between GXO and Apptronik is about advancing humanoid automation to meet the demands of today’s supply chain, adding that advanced automation makes distribution center operations faster and more efficient for customers and creates new opportunities for people while enhancing safety.

“We’re excited to partner with Apptronik to develop their AI-enabled humanoid robot [named Apollo],” said Adrian Stoch, Chief Automation Officer, GXO, in a statement. “Apollo has great potential to add value throughout the distribution center, including the most labor-intensive operational processes. 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, we’ll also be evaluating its capability for other critical use cases along the way.”

GXO said that Apptronik’s general purpose industrial humanoid robot’s height is 5’8,” adding that it can carry 55 pounds while operating on swappable batteries configured to give it the highest operational time of any humanoid robot. It added that Apollo is powered by linear actuators that mimic the mechanics of human muscles and provide a full range of mobility.

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

GXO and Apptronik are currently evaluating the overall performance of the robot in a lab setting to further fine-tune Apptronik’s AI model before deploying the technology to a U.S. distribution center once it is ready.

This is not GXO’s foray into warehouse robotics, with the company saying that in 2023 it increased its total units of warehouse automation by 50% annually while also trialing various new hardware and software offerings, including AI-powered robotics and autonomous vehicles.

Jeff Cardenas, co-founder & CEO of Apptronik, said in a statement that Apptronik’s 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.

“That’s why we’re 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,” said Cardenas.   “The two phases of this R&D program represent essential steps toward the launch of an innovative scalable automation solution for GXO.”