A “humanoid” robot named Apollo has made history by becoming the first robot to work alongside humans in a factory. Created by Apptronik, Apollo has two arms, two legs, and two eyes, with an average height and appearance resembling a human. Currently, Apollo’s job involves lifting and moving boxes and containers in the factory. However, Apptronik envisions future versions of Apollo being capable of performing household chores as well.

In order to make people feel more comfortable working with Apollo, the robot has been designed with human-like features. While robots are already used for various tasks such as sorting grains, assisting in medical training, and cleaning floors, Apollo is the first human-like robot to be employed in a human job.

Although Apollo currently performs basic tasks, its capabilities will continue to expand as technology progresses. According to Apptronik CEO Jeff Cardenas, the robot is just a software update away from gaining new features and functionalities. Cardenas envisions a future where Apollo can assist with housework, much like the fictional character Rosie from “The Jetsons”.

While Apollo’s current battery life is limited to four hours, Apptronik plans to build upon the success of the initial two Apollo robots by constructing four more. However, this battery limitation means that Apollo can only work for half-day shifts compared to its human co-workers. Nevertheless, Apptronik aims to address these challenges and continue improving the robot’s capabilities.

Economists predict that humanoid robots like Apollo, once mass produced and introduced to the market, could fill roles in aged care, manufacturing, and security. Several companies, including Tesla, Boston Dynamics, Samsung Electronics, and Hanson Robotics, are also actively developing human-like robots with varying capabilities.

As technology advances, the possibility of affordable humanoid robots becoming a reality in factories by 2025 to 2028 and in homes by 2030 to 2035 is within reach, according to a report by Goldman Sachs. This breakthrough in robotics represents a significant milestone in the integration of robots into human workplaces and everyday life, making science fiction a tangible reality.

Sources:

– New York Post
– Goldman Sachs
– Axios

Glossary:

– Humanoid: Resembling a human in appearance
– Functionality: The capabilities and uses of a technological device
– Co-workers: Individuals who work together in the same company or team
– Mass produced: Production on a large scale
– Manufacturing: The process of creating goods or products
– Economists: Experts who study the distribution and use of money in society
– Navigate: To find one’s way around a particular space or area
– Vaulting: A gymnastics sport involving running and jumping over a vault or low box