Meet Apollo, a Robot Designed to Do Jobs Humans Don’t Want
The realm of science fiction is inching closer to reality as Apptronik, an Austin-based robotics startup, introduces Apollo, its latest humanoid robot. With a vision to revolutionize various industries, Apptronik envisions a future where versatile general-purpose robots handle “dull, dirty, and dangerous” tasks, leaving humans free from these burdens.
Apollo, the newest creation from Apptronik, stands at a human-scale height of 5 feet, 8 inches (1.7 meters) and weighs 160 pounds (72.6 kilograms). Designed to be mass-produced and operate alongside humans, Apollo is capable of lifting 55 pounds (25 kilograms). The robot is powered by electricity, utilizing a four-hour battery that can be swapped out for a continuous 22-hour workday.
Unlike many humanoid robots that can evoke the “uncanny valley” feeling, where humans find humanlike robots unsettling, Apollo is designed with a user-friendly and approachable appearance. Digital panels on its chest provide communication about tasks, battery life, and future actions. Apollo also boasts a friendly face and deliberate movements, such as turning its head to indicate directions.
Initially targeted for logistics applications within warehouses to address labour shortages and enhance supply chains, Apollo’s capabilities are projected to expand significantly over the next decade. Apptronik aims to make Apollo a versatile solution for various industries, including construction, electronics production, retail, home delivery, and elder care.
Jeff Cardenas, the CEO of Apptronik, articulated the company’s overarching goal: “Our goal is to build versatile robots to do all the things that we don’t want to do to help us here on Earth, and eventually one day explore the moon, Mars and beyond.”
The journey to Apollo began when Apptronik’s founders, who were previously associated with the Human Centered Robotics Lab at the University of Texas at Austin, worked on Valkyrie, a NASA robot, during the DARPA Robotics Challenge. The experiences gained during this project contributed to the development of Apollo’s innovative design.
Apollo’s capabilities are underpinned by unique actuators, which allow it to perform human-like actions such as walking, flexing arms, and gripping objects. Apptronik’s team has meticulously developed these actuators through over 35 iterations, enabling Apollo to execute tasks in various environments.
In addition to its application on Earth, Apollo holds the promise of venturing into space. Apptronik collaborates with NASA, envisioning Apollo and similar robots contributing to lunar and Martian exploration. These robots could be utilized to construct and test habitats and environments suitable for humans before astronauts arrive, potentially reshaping the future of space exploration.
With a commitment to revolutionizing industries and advancing technology, Apptronik’s Apollo heralds a new era of humanoid robots capable of performing tasks that were once confined to the realms of science fiction.
