Apptronik, Jabil to build, pilot humanoid robots in manufacturing

AI-powered humanoid robotics company Apptronik and engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain systems provider Jabil recently announced a pilot and strategic collaboration to build Apollo humanoid robots and integrate them into specific Jabil manufacturing operations.

This collaboration includes deploying to production lines that will build Apollo humanoid robots, paving the way for Apollo to build Apollo.

Improving labor productivity by automating repetitive tasks

As part of the pilot program, newly manufactured Apollo units will leverage Jabil’s factory environment for real-world validation testing.

The robots will be used to complete an array of simple, repetitive intralogistics and manufacturing tasks, including inspection, sorting, kitting, lineside delivery, material handling, conveyance, assembly, fixture placement, and sub-assembly before being deployed to Apptronik customer sites.

“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, Jabil SVP of global business units. “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.”

When humanoids are introduced to Jabil’s manufacturing lines, they will augment and support the existing workforce by improving labor productivity - people who may have previously done those repetitive tasks will be able to dedicate their time to more creative, thought-intensive projects that shape and improve the future of Jabil’s operations.

Evaluating use cases for humanoid robots

Jabil said it supports customers in the development of robotics and warehouse automation systems, pushing the boundaries of technology. By building and evaluating robot function within a production environment, Apptronik and Jabil will gather valuable real-world use cases for humanoids in manufacturing while also optimizing Apollo’s AI models and neural network.

As a worldwide manufacturing partner for Apollo humanoid robots, Jabil said it can provide Apptronik the flexibility and agility to scale production around the world as needed. Jabil’s knowledge in developing and manufacturing robots will allow Apptronik to unify its supply chain and gain access to Jabil’s manufacturing capabilities around the globe.

The companies said this collaboration will benefit Apptronik customers by providing quality, scalability, inventory management, turn-key procurement, and rapid production while also providing Jabil the opportunity to test new automation systems in support of safer operations, greater efficiency, and accelerated time-to-market.

Affordable, easy to maintain actuators will help Apollo scale

To fulfill customer demand for its humanoid robots at the price point necessary for mass adoption, Apptronik’s design includes a range of actuators that are affordable and simple to maintain. Its latest generation of actuators require a significantly reduced number of components, manufacturing time, and cost compared to previous generations.

“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 Jeff Cardenas, Apptronik co-founder and CEO. “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.”

With a cost-effective, simplified bill of materials and ability to mass produce units at scale with Jabil, Apptronik said it aims to make general-purpose humanoid robots more affordable to expand into new markets and roles, such as front-of-house retail, elder care, and eventually home use.