Sanctuary’s Latest Humanoid Robot: Faster Learning and Lower Costs

Sanctuary AI may not be as widely recognized as other humanoid robotics companies like Boston Dynamics, Agility, Figure, and 1X, but this Canadian firm has been making strides in the field for quite some time. Notably, the recently unveiled robot represents the seventh generation of its Phoenix series.

While previous models focused on integrating legs, Sanctuary is placing greater emphasis on the upper body functionality. Recent videos showcasing the latest robot highlight its human-like upper body movements during product sorting, as well as its impressive speed in learning new tasks.

Up to now, much of the discourse around humanoid robotics has understandably centered on mechatronics—specifically, how these machines physically navigate their environments. For instance, Boston Dynamics' recent videos vividly illustrate how quickly robotic capabilities can be communicated in just a few seconds.

However, as we advance, the intelligence of robots will become just as, if not more, crucial. Though "general intelligence" is a broad and somewhat nebulous concept, many experts agree that we are still five to ten years away from developing robots that can learn new tasks in ways comparable to their human counterparts.

That said, today’s systems are not incapable of rapid learning. Sanctuary AI claims that its new Phoenix model can automate new tasks in under 24 hours. “With generation seven, we believe we have created the most human-like system currently available,” co-founder and CEO Geordie Rose states. “We view this as the foundation for general-purpose AI robotics and a vital step toward achieving artificial general intelligence; we are excited to lead this innovation.”

Now, while the time taken and consistency in task execution may vary significantly depending on the complexity, the tasks demonstrated are relatively straightforward—such as sorting objects by color—in a controlled environment. It’s important to note that Sanctuary has successfully deployed earlier versions of its systems, and the company has recently announced a partnership to introduce its robots into Magna auto manufacturing facilities.

Primarily, the seventh-generation robot—launched just a year after its previous model—introduces several enhancements, including increased operational uptime, improved range of motion, reduced weight, and a more cost-effective bill of materials.