This partnership serves a dual purpose: validation testing of Apptronik's Apollo humanoid robots in the real world and training of Apollo's AI models, which should ultimately lead to Apollo being able to help build Apollo robots.
At the end of 2024, Automation World reported on the collaboration between the humanoid robot developer Apptronik and the Google DeepMind robotics team. The aim is to combine artificial intelligence and "embodied intelligence" to further develop humanoid robots for use in dynamic environments. The term "embodied intelligence" describes the interaction of mind and body to influence behavior and learning. In robotics, it refers to the use of AI to develop systems that can interact effectively with the physical world.
Although this news was not specifically aimed at the use of Apptronik robots in manufacturing, the latest news from Apptronik and Jabil clearly is. The two companies have announced a strategic collaboration that will see Apptronik's Apollo humanoid robots integrated into certain Jabil production processes. This includes the production lines at Jabil where Apollo humanoid robots will later be built. As Apptronik noted, this paves the way for Apollo to build Apollo.
Apollo robots will be used in Jabil's factory for real-world validation tests. These include various simple, repetitive intralogistics and manufacturing tasks such as inspection, sorting, collation, line delivery, fixture placement and pre-assembly before they are deployed to Apptronik's customers. By building and evaluating their function in Jabil's production environment, Apptronik and Jabil can capture real-world use cases for manufacturing automation with Apollo while optimizing Apollo's AI models.
"We are committed to advanced automation and robotics in our operations. Therefore, 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 experience first-hand the impact of general purpose robots as we test Apollo in our operations, but we will also help shape the future of manufacturing with the production of Apollo units. These new technologies and applications strengthen Jabil's world-class capabilities to solve complex challenges and produce at scale for our customers."
