A machine named Apollo has recently taken a significant step forward in the robot revolution by performing a public demonstration of autonomously assembling an engine part.
Jeff Cardenas, CEO of Apptronik, the company behind Apollo, described the event as a major milestone for them.
Mercedes-Benz has invested in Apptronik and is testing several humanoid robots at its factories. These robots are designed to be flexible and work alongside humans, potentially saving companies from the hefty investment of traditional robotic arms.
Apollo, standing at 5’8″ tall, has the ability to lift more than 25kg and perform tasks that may be considered too mundane, hazardous, or dirty for humans.
The purpose of the trials is to determine the capabilities of humanoid robots and enhance their machine learning and dexterity.
Apptronik is cautious about making bold claims, acknowledging that the development of humanoid robots is still in its early stages.
Despite the optimism surrounding the future of humanoid robots, there are challenges to overcome, particularly in developing AI that can understand and operate in unpredictable environments outside of controlled settings.
While the potential for humanoid robots to impact the workforce and pose existential risks remains a topic of debate, for now, the focus is on advancing their capabilities and applications.