Apptronik, a robotics startup based in Austin, has revealed Apollo, a humanoid robot designed to collaborate with humans. Standing at 5 ft 8 inches and weighing 72.6 kilograms, Apollo is built to work safely alongside humans and can handle weights up to 25 kilograms. Fitted with approachable features, it runs on electricity and boasts a four-hour rechargeable battery. Apollo’s interactive digital panel on its chest provides task updates and time estimates. The robot’s sensors, actuators, and intentional movements emulate human actions.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Human-Centered Robotics Lab: A research facility at the University of Texas at Austin, focusing on developing robotics technologies that interact closely with humans for various applications.
- Actuators: Components that enable robots to perform physical actions, similar to human muscles enabling movement, grasping, and other interactions.
- Sensors: Devices that gather data from the environment, helping Apollo assess its surroundings. Torso-mounted sensors create a 360-degree view and assist in decision-making and orientation.
- Digital Panel: Located on Apollo’s chest, this interactive display provides information about the ongoing task, estimated completion time, and future actions, enhancing transparency in human-robot interaction.
