Sanctuary AI isn’t often mentioned in the same breath as humanoid robotics companies like Boston Dynamics, Agility, Figure, and 1X, but the Canadian company has been operating in the space for some time. In fact, a new robot unveiled Thursday is actually the seventh generation of its Phoenix line.
While a recent version introduced legs to the line, Sanctuary is more concerned with what happens from the waist up. Tellingly, the new videos of the latest robot focus on the system’s torso. The Canadian firm highlights the system’s human-like movements while sorting product, as well as the speed with which it can learn such tasks.
Much of the humanoid coverage up to this point has (understandably) revolved around mechatronics, specifically what these robots look like as they navigate the world. Boston Dynamics’ recent video is a perfect example of how much you can communicate in just a few seconds.
Ultimately, however, robotic intelligence will be just as important (or perhaps more so) to these systems in the future. While “general intelligence” is one of those broad, abstract terms, the consensus among many robotics experts is that robots are still five to ten years away from being able to learn new tasks in a similar way to their human coworkers. .
However, that doesn’t mean that current systems can’t learn tasks quickly. Sanctuary, for example, suggests that the new Phoenix is capable of automating new tasks in less than 24 hours.
“With the seventh generation, we have a system that we believe is the most human-like of any available,” says co-founder and CEO Geordie Rose. “We see this as not only the cornerstone of general-purpose AI robotics, but also a critical step on the path to artificial general intelligence, and we are delighted to lead that advancement.”
Image credits: AI Sanctuary
Now, the amount of time and consistency will almost certainly vary from task to task. The ones shown in the demo are relatively simple (separate objects of different colors) in what appears to be a structured and controlled environment. But Sanctuary absolutely deserves credit for having implemented previous systems. The company also recently announced a deal that will bring its systems to Magna’s automotive manufacturing facilities.
For the most part, the seventh-generation robot, introduced 12 months after its predecessor, brings more improvements to the line, including longer uptime, improved range of motion, lighter weight and a lower bill of materials. cost.
