APPTRONIK robotics, based in Austin (Texas), presented his new gumanoid robota named Apollo . Designed for mass production, the robot can not only work in warehouses, but in the future it can be used even on the moon and other planets.
Characteristics of Apollo:
Apollo has a height of 1.7 meters and a weight of 72.6 kg, which brings it closer to the size of an average person. The robot is able to lift weights of up to 25 kg and is powered by electricity. Unlike hydraulic systems, which are considered less safe, Apollo is equipped with a battery for 4 hours of work, which can be replaced to ensure a working day lasting 22 hours.
In order to avoid the effect of the “ominous valley” when people feel discomfort from the appearance of robots similar to a person, designers from Argodesign have given Apollo functions that should evoke trust in a person. The robot is equipped with digital panels on the chest, which display information about the battery status, current task, and other parameters.
History of creation and partnership with NASA:
Prior to the establishment of Apptronik in 2016, the team worked in the Robotics Lab laboratory at the University of Texas in Austin. The scientists also participated in the work on the Valkyrie robot for NASA as part of the Darpa Robotics Challenge from 2012 and 2013. Valkyrie served as a prototype for Apollo, adding unique features to its design, which allows it to function in environments intended for humans.
Apollo is designed to be the “iPhone among robots” that can perform thousands of different tasks thanks to software updates. The cost of Apollo in the future will be less than the cost of an average car.
Prospects in space research:
Initially, Apollo will be used in logistics, performing physically demanding work in warehouses to improve supply chains. However, the Apptronik team envisions broader prospects for the use of their robot, including the exploration of the Moon, Mars, and other celestial bodies.
Apptronik is also one of the partners of NASA, which is engaged in many projects related to scientific discovery, aeronautics, astronautics, planetary research, space technologies, and education. Some of NASA’s most famous missions include Apollo, which brought the first people to