1X Technologies Unleashes New Research Model
Get the latest news on 1X Technologies, Google DeepMind, humanoids in manufacturing, and more.
This week, 1X Technologies started using a groundbreaking world model designed to train robots in real-world environments while questions linger about humanoid robots' role in manufacturing.
Meanwhile, GXO Logistics continues to expand its automation efforts, teaming up with Reflex Robotics to test their latest humanoid robots in warehouses.
Also, don’t miss my latest article on how Google DeepMind is redefining humanoid robotics with ALOHA Unleashed and DemoStart, showcasing the real-world impact of their robotic innovations.
Let’s dive in...
1X Technologies Advanced Model to Enhance Robot Training in Home Environments
1X has started using a world model that serves as a virtual simulator for its robots, capable of imagining how the environment will change in response to various robot actions. This model can predict complex interactions with objects, from rigid bodies to deformable items like laundry.
Using real sensor data, the world model eliminates the need for manual asset creation seen in traditional physics simulators, such as Bullet or Mujoco, which often struggle with everyday tasks.
This new approach to robot evaluation addresses a common challenge—ensuring reproducibility and scalability across diverse, real-world environments. While the model is highly capable, it still faces limitations, such as object coherence and self-recognition failures.
Questions Remain About the Impact of Humanoid Robotics In Manufacturing
Humanoid robots are drawing attention in manufacturing, driven by advancements in AI. Technologies like generative AI enable robots to learn tasks quickly and respond to natural language commands.
Decreasing costs for sensors and actuators make them more accessible, while major investments like the $675 million for Figure AI signal industry interest. Early uses include Amazon’s deployment of Agility Robotics’ Digit in warehouses.
Despite this, humanoid robots face scalability challenges, with costs ranging from $30,000 to $150,000. However, they may address labor shortages in environments where traditional robots struggle. Manufacturers should explore where humanoid robots could enhance automation strategies, particularly in flexible, low-volume production environments.
GXO Partners With Another Humanoid Robot Startup for Warehouse Automation
GXO partners with another humanoid robot startup, Reflex Robotics, to pilot its latest multi-purpose robot in warehouse operations. The collaboration, under a Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, will introduce Reflex’s humanoid robot.
The robot becomes operational within 60 minutes and can autonomously handle tasks like tote transfers and product picking after learning from human demonstrations.
Through its “operational incubator” program, GXO will test the robot in real-world scenarios, aiming to eventually deploy it widely to ease capacity challenges and allow employees to focus on more fulfilling work.
This marks GXO’s second RaaS partnership, reflecting its commitment to innovative warehouse automation.
