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GXO Logistics, a leading player in the e-commerce logistics sector, is making strides in the integration of humanoid robots into its warehousing operations. The company is currently testing a variety of humanlike robots developed by three different robotics firms, as it seeks to incorporate cutting-edge technology into the warehouses it manages for its clients.

Adrian Stoch, the Chief Automation Officer at GXO, expressed a positive outlook regarding the potential of humanoid robots. In a recent interview with Business Insider, he highlighted that these innovative machines represent the first generation of robots capable of potentially handling multiple tasks within a warehouse environment. This capability is made possible by advancements in complex artificial intelligence models. However, Stoch pointed out that while the technology shows promise, the humanoids currently being tested are still limited to performing single tasks.

“We are going really broad and aggressive on the category,” Stoch stated, emphasizing the company’s proactive approach to exploring the capabilities of humanoid robots in logistics.

Among the humanoid robots being piloted is Digit, manufactured by Agility Robotics, which is currently employed at the Spanx warehouse operated by GXO in Atlanta. Digit's primary role involves moving heavy containers from a robot developed by 6 River Systems to a conveyor belt, showcasing its ability to handle physical tasks in a dynamic environment.

In addition to Digit, GXO is testing another humanoid named Apollo, created by Apptronik, alongside an undisclosed technology customer, as well as a robot from Reflex Robotics, which is working with a client in the sports apparel sector. Reflex's robot efficiently transports empty corrugated cardboard from a Locus Robotics machine to recycling equipment. Stoch mentioned that discussions are ongoing about the optimal deployment of Apollo in collaboration with the technology customer currently engaged in the pilot program.

GXO is also exploring partnerships with four additional vendors that are developing humanoid robots, underscoring its commitment to advancing automation in its operations.

Stoch elaborated on the collaborative nature of these initiatives, stating, “It’s a risk-free proposition for them, and they’re able to bring in their technology, implement it outside of the normal core process, and we provide feedback from our operators and my team.” This feedback loop is vital for refining the technology, as it allows GXO to partner with vendors to implement necessary improvements based on real-world performance.

According to Stoch, GXO envisions its warehouses as experimental “lab environments.” This approach enables the company to provide firsthand insights to robotics firms about the practical applications of their technology in live operations. Although GXO has previously partnered with various vendors on other automated solutions, including robotic arms and autonomous mobile robots, the integration of humanoids marks a significant evolution in its incubator program, with Digit currently demonstrating the most progress.

However, it's important to note that the humanoid pilot program at GXO remains relatively small in the context of its overall operations. With over 1,000 warehouses and a workforce exceeding 150,000 employees, the current deployment includes only two units of Digit, both located in a single facility.

Stoch emphasized that before further humanoids can be deployed, improvements in the robots’ dexterity and their capacity to learn and adapt to various tasks through artificial intelligence are essential. Furthermore, he noted that humanoids are not yet at a stage where they can be manufactured efficiently at a large scale.

“We’re not at wide-scale deployment and commercial viability yet, but we’re not 10 years away, that’s for sure,” Stoch remarked, reflecting a balanced perspective on the timeline for broader adoption of humanoid robots.

In recent years, large technology corporations such as Meta and Tesla have also invested heavily in the development of humanoid robots, viewing them as the next frontier of physical AI. These companies anticipate that humanoids will eventually be capable of performing a wide range of tasks currently carried out by human workers.

Despite this optimism, there exists a degree of skepticism regarding the practicality of humanoids in the workforce. Forrester analyst Paul Miller has projected that by the end of 2024, fewer than 5% of the robots entering workplaces this year will possess the capability to walk. Miller raised a critical question, stating, “The big open question is: when is a humanoid form the right one?” He went on to elaborate that human workers often engage in a diverse array of tasks, some of which may be better suited to human capabilities, others potentially best handled by software, and some tasks ideally performed by specialized robots.

Ultimately, the challenge lies in determining how to effectively segment these tasks to optimize the use of humanoid robots in the workforce.