Aptiv, Robust.AI to co-develop AI-powered collaborative robots

Aptiv, a global technology company focused on enabling a safer, greener and more connected future, and Robust.AI, a provider of AI-driven industrial automation, announced a strategic cooperation to co-develop AI-powered collaborative robots (cobots).

The companies said this partnership combines Aptiv’s portfolio, including Wind River platforms and tools - with Robust.AI’s robotics background and human-centered design to accelerate innovation in warehouse and industrial automation.

Machine learning, AI and cobots working together

“Aptiv, together with our strategic partners, is enabling the future of the intelligent edge through technologies that sense, think, act, and optimize in real time,” said Javed Khan, executive vice president and president of software, advanced safety and user experience, Aptiv. “By combining Aptiv’s intelligent perception, compute and software solutions with Robust.AI’s innovative robotics platform, we are accelerating the deployment of scalable, AI-powered solutions that deliver real value across multiple industries.”

Through the partnership, the companies said that Aptiv’s perception portfolio and machine learning technologies will be integrated with the Robust.AI platform to deliver scalable, efficient and secure robotic workflows. The joint offering will feature: 

• Aptiv PULSE Sensor: A compact, surround-view camera paired with an ultrashort-range radar, enabling reliable and accurate 360-degree sensing.
• Aptiv Radar ML and Behavior ML: Advanced machine learning technologies for real-time perception and dynamic path planning in complex environments, built on Aptiv’s Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
• Robust.AI’s Platform Architecture: Encompasses advanced, AI-powered optical sensors and decision-making models, real-time simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), a patented holonomic drive system, a force-sensitive handlebar that instantly transfers control to human operators and other features that improve productivity, efficiency and safety.
• Expanded Proof-of-Concept (PoC): Utilizing Aptiv compute and Wind River platforms, including the VxWorks real-time operating system (RTOS) and Helix Hypervisor, to deliver performance and virtualization, low-latency operation and enhanced flexibility to support a wide range of system designs.

Multi-use options inside warehouses

Robust.AI’s Carter is a multi-functional cobot designed to augment existing workforces. The company said its software-defined functionality delivers the capabilities of three robots - fulfillment picking, point-to-point transport and mobile sorting - enabling support for multiple workflows on a single platform.

With drop-in automation capabilities, Aptiv said that Carter delivers rapid and significant productivity gains, along with data-driven insights that optimize workflows, improve warehouse efficiency and enable continuous learning.

“Aptiv’s expertise in developing advanced AI models, sensors and real-time operating systems for autonomous vehicles will enhance Carter’s ability to safely collaborate with human operators in dynamic, close-quarter environments,” said Rodney Brooks, co-founder and CTO, Robust.AI. “Integrating these AI-powered capabilities will enable us to leapfrog even other advanced solutions and bring Carter’s enhanced productivity and efficiency benefits to new industries.”

Aptiv said its integration capabilities, global reach and resilient supply chain enable scalable production of complex systems across diverse markets - proven by the deployment of advanced technologies in millions of vehicles worldwide. The company said this will allow Robust.AI to focus on its core strengths - human-centric design and AI-powered workflows - while ensuring its technologies are delivered cost-effectively and at scale.