Accenture, the professional-services giant, has announced its investment in Sanctuary AI, a Vancouver-based company known for its development of humanoid robots. The company’s flagship robot, Phoenix, was recognized as one of Time Magazine’s 200 best inventions of 2023 and has attracted attention from investors and technology titans alike.
Sanctuary AI’s goal is to create “the world’s first human-like intelligence in general purpose robots,” capable of performing tasks quickly, safely, and effectively. The company’s CEO, Geordie Rose, believes that robots with human-like intelligence will transform the workforce of the future.
Accenture’s investment in Sanctuary AI signifies its recognition of the potential of humanoid robots in various industries. Joe Lui, Accenture’s global advanced automation and robotics lead, sees “huge potential for their robots in post and parcel, manufacturing, retail, and logistics warehousing operations, where they could complement and collaborate with human workers and automate tasks that traditional robotics can’t.”
The investment from Accenture follows a series of high-profile investments in humanoid robot ventures. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and large technology companies like Nvidia have invested approximately $675 million in Figure AI, a competing humanoid robot venture. Other technology titans, including Elon Musk of Tesla Inc., have also been developing their own humanoid robots.
Sanctuary AI’s Phoenix robot stands at five feet seven inches tall, weighs 155 lbs., and possesses hands with dexterity similar to that of humans. The robots are powered by an artificial intelligence (AI) control system called Carbon, which mimics subsystems found in the human brain.
The Canadian government has also recognized the potential of Sanctuary AI’s technology and has provided $30 million in funding through its Strategic Innovation Fund. Additionally, Sanctuary AI closed a series A funding round worth $75.5 million earlier in 2022.
Sanctuary AI has already made strides in the commercial deployment of its humanoid robots. The company partnered with Canadian Tire Corp. to deploy its first general-purpose robot in the retail chain’s Mark’s stores. The robot, Phoenix, has successfully performed a range of tasks, including choosing and packing merchandise, cleaning, tagging, labeling, and folding items.
The development of humanoid robots aligns with the growing trend of using robots to reduce the need for human labor. Restaurants, such as Richmond’s Happy Lamb Hot Pot, have already adopted non-humanoid robots to serve customers and carry out tasks in the kitchen.
With the investments and advancements in humanoid robot technology, the future of the workforce looks set to be transformed. As Geordie Rose, CEO of Sanctuary AI, states, “Robots with human-like intelligence will completely transform the workforce of the future.” With the collaboration between Accenture and Sanctuary AI, they aim to provide the best solutions for their clients and navigate the challenges that come with this transformative change.
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