#30 Touch or vision – that’s the question!

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Even though the world is still in shock over the latest political drama—especially the Zelensky-Trump meeting—we’re diving back into the world of robots. (Surprised? 😉)

This week, we’ve got fresh updates from the humanoid robotics front. In this episode:

• Apptronik – Will humanoid robots start building… other humanoid robots?

• Sanctuary AI – Tactile sensors as the key to faster learning and expanding robotic capabilities

• Figure – Figure 02 and Helix put to the test on a packaging line

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Are We on the Brink of a Revolution?

Apptronik just announced a partnership with Jabil, a major American electronics manufacturer. Jabil will be involved in designing, engineering, and producing the electronic circuit boards and systems for Apptronik’s robots.

This partnership gives Apptronik the chance to test Apollo in real-world conditions. But can this 5'8", 160-pound robot handle pilot tasks like inspections, sorting, product delivery, and light assembly?

On top of that, Jabil confirmed that in the future, Apptronik’s robots could be mass-produced in their factories.

After Figure's collaboration with BMW, this is yet another major push to roll out humanoid robots on a large scale.

Should we be worried about our jobs?

Now’s the time to seriously think about upskilling. Everyone keeps saying, “Robots won’t take our jobs.” Yeah, they will. At least the simplest, most repetitive, and mind-numbing ones. And once robots reach the point where they work just as efficiently as humans—trust me, no one will hesitate to replace workers.

Think about the future and start developing new skills today!

Sanctuary AI: Like That Gym Bro Who Only Trains Chest & Biceps

While other companies are focused on making their robots more mobile, Sanctuary AI’s Phoenix is getting next-level tactile sensors in its hands, allowing it to collect even more data from the outside world.

“The sense of touch is a key enabler for creating human-level dexterity in robots and critical for physical AI to achieve its full potential,” said Sanctuary CEO James Wells.

“Our tactile sensors enable reliable and confident fine manipulation when vision is occluded, unlocking capabilities such as blind picking, slippage detection, and prevention of excessive force application, all broadening the scope and range of tasks for our general-purpose robots.”

Phoenix’s finger pads now have seven-cell touch sensors with micro-barometers, getting closer to human-like sensitivity (down to 3mN).

And honestly, this is a huge deal. Grasping and handling objects are some of the biggest challenges holding robots back. Solving this would allow them to take on more roles in human-designed factories—which could speed up their industrial adoption.

Like I said before—develop your skills!

Figure AI & Their Helix Model

Figure is another company that specializes in warehouse logistics. Last week, it unveiled HELIX, its new AI model. Robots equipped with HELIX can unpack groceries immediately after receiving a one-sentence command.

This week, we saw even more robots working hard on a sorting line.

To humans, a sorting line isn’t nothing special—just a bunch of different-sized packages rolling down a conveyor. But for robots? Absolute nightmare fuel.

Robots hate working with a variety of objects. They thrive on repetition.

However, based on the latest Figure demo, their robots—powered by System 1—handle this challenge pretty well. Figure claims their robots have a deep understanding of 3D environments, allowing for more precise movements.

By combining images from two cameras, the system expands its visual capabilities, interpreting tiny details and contextual cues, ultimately improving reliable vision-based control.

Humanoids Are Everywhere

Not surprising, considering the humanoid robotics market is already valued at $10 billion this year. Where there’s money, there’s innovation.

Stay sharp!
Your guy, Jacek!