GXO partners with Reflex Robotics to pilot, deploy humanoid bots

GXO Logistics, a pure-play contract logistics provider, has announced a new agreement with Reflex Robotics, a general-purpose humanoid startup, to pilot Reflex’s robotics solution for deployment into live operations. This is GXO’s second Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) agreement for a humanoid robotic solution, following the first one earlier this year with Agility Robotics.

GXO's announcement called the Reflex Robot an 'out-of-the-box solution' that reaches operational capability within 60 minutes of deployment and ramps to become fully autonomous by learning from human demonstrations over time. The multi-purpose humanoid from Reflex can transition between repetitive tasks, from tote transfers between other kinds of automation to product picking, GXO noted.

“We’re pleased to partner with Reflex to develop applications for its Reflex Robot across various tasks in our warehouses,” said Adrian Stoch, Chief Automation Officer of GXO. “Through our operational incubator program, we are deploying cutting edge technology solutions that create new value for our customers, for GXO and our people.”

GXO explained that it uses its “operational incubator” program to partner closely with leading developers to validate practical use cases using the warehouse as a real-world laborator. With the Reflex Robot, GXO is currently co-developing an array of use cases across process paths through a pilot in an omni-channel fulfillment operation for a Fortune 100 retailer. The long-term objective of the agreement, GXO added, is to deploy the Reflex Robot widely across GXO’s operations, easing capacity constraints and enabling GXO’s team members to take on more fulfilling roles.

Ritesh Ragavender, CEO of Reflex Robotics, said, “We’re thrilled that GXO, the leading provider of automated logistics solutions, is partnering with us to further their strategy. We’ve learned a lot from working on site alongside the GXO team, and we’re rapidly accelerating our robot production to support use cases in shelf picking, order replenishment and quality assurance.”

To see the Reflex Robot in action at GXO, click here. As the video explains, in addition to partnering with Agility Robotics and Reflex Robotics, GXO also is collaborating with another startup in the humanoid warehouse robot space: Apptronik.