Apptronik collaborates with Jabil to produce Apollo humanoid robots

The Apollo humanoid robot is intended to be used for a variety of applications. | Credit: Apptronik

As part of the pilot program, newly manufactured Apollo units will use Jabil’s factory environment for real-world validation testing. The robots will complete an array of simple, repetitive intralogistics and manufacturing tasks, including inspection, sorting, kitting, lineside delivery, fixture placement, and sub-assembly, before being deployed to Apptronik customer sites.

The partners asserted that the humanoids will augment the existing workforce, freeing people from repetitive tasks for more creative, thought-intensive work.

Apptronik trains Apollo robots on real tasks

On a recent episode of The Robot Report Podcast, Apptronik co-founder and CEO Jeff Cardenas described his intent to create a “flywheel” to generate training data for robot AI models. Every humanoid robot manufacturer has a similar need for data, he said.

Austin, Texas-based Apptronik is seeking situations where its robot can learn real tasks and quickly iterate to improve the AI models that define their utility. Having a partner like Jabil that can both build and deploy Apollo into production is a win-win for both organizations.

Jabil has built a reputation for helping customers scale their production from one to thousands of units. The St. Petersburg, Fla.-based company said it has multiple customers that are developing robots and warehouse automation, pushing the boundaries of technology.

As the manufacturing partner for Apollo humanoid robots, Jabil said it can provide Apptronik the flexibility to scale production around the world as needed. Jabil added that its expertise in developing and making robots will allow Apptronik to unify its supply chain and gain access to Jabil’s advanced manufacturing capabilities.

“This collaboration will benefit Apptronik customers through world-class quality, scalability, inventory management, turn-key procurement, and rapid production, while providing Jabil the opportunity to test new automation solutions in support of safer operations, greater efficiency, and accelerated time to market,” it said.

“Humanoid robots have the potential to revolutionize the way we live and work, but for that to become a reality, we need to be able to build them rapidly at scale, at the right price point, and in geographies where our customers are located,” said Cardenas. “Our partnership with Jabil, along with our unique design for manufacturability and ability to have Apollo humanoid robots handling material movement and assembly tasks in the factory, are critical components needed to create a flywheel effect that could make humanoid robots ubiquitous.”

The strategic partners said they expect to deploy Apollo in logistics applications. | Credit: Apptronik

Jabil prioritizes humanoid scalability

“We’ve been committed to advanced automation and robotics across our operations, so piloting Apollo is a logical next step for our division and for Jabil in the long term,” said Rafael Renno, senior vice president of global business units at Jabil.

“Not only will we get a first-hand look at the impact that general-purpose robots can have as we test Apollo in our operations, but as we begin producing Apollo units, we can play a role in defining the future of manufacturing,” he added. “These new technologies and applications further enhance Jabil’s best-in-class capabilities to solve complex challenges and manufacture at scale for our customers.”

Apptronik just announced a $350 million series A round last week. This gives the company the fuel necessary to begin expanding both the company and its manufacturing capabilities.

The announcement of its partnership with Jabil answers the primary question: How quickly can Apptronik scale up to produce its humanoids? Not only does Jabil have experience with bringing robotics startups’ products to market, but it will also bring insights as a customer.

Learn about humanoids at the Robotics Summit & Expo

Humanoid robots will be front and center at the Robotics Summit & Expo, which will be on April 30 and May 1 in Boston and is produced by WTWH Media, parent company of The Robot Report.

The first day of the show will feature a panel about the state of humanoids with Pras Velagapudi, chief technology officer of Agility Robotics; Aaron Prather, director of robotics and autonomous systems at ASTM International; and Al Makke, director of engineering at Schaeffler. They will explore the technical and business challenges shaping the development of humanoids. The panelists will also share insights from early deployments, the ongoing efforts to establish safety standards, and what’s on the horizon.

Aaron Saunders, chief technology of Boston Dynamics, is giving the opening keynote on Day 2 of the event. He will discuss the recently redesigned Atlas robot and share his thoughts about the future humanoids.

The Robotics Summit & Expo will bring together more than 5,000 developers focused on building robots for a variety of commercial industries. Attendees will gain insights into the latest enabling technologies, engineering best practices, and emerging trends.

The event will include over 200 exhibitors, 60-plus speakers, and more than10 hours of dedicated networking time. It will also feature a Women in Robotics Breakfast, a career fair, startup showcase, and more. Returning to the show are the RBR50 Pavilion and RBR50 Awards Dinner, which will honor the winners of the annual RBR50 Robotics Innovation Awards.

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