World's largest auto parts maker Magna starts using humanoid robots in factories

On April 11, 2024, it became known that the world's largest auto parts manufacturer Magna is introducing humanoid robots at its enterprises. Their supplier is Canadian startup Sanctuary AI, based in Vancouver.

Magna, which ships products to 58 automakers, including, and Byd Ferrari , Volkswagen AG invested in Sanctuary AI in 2021. In May 2023, the startup introduced a humanoid 170 robot Phoenix cm tall. The car received hands with 20 degrees of freedom and tactile feedback. The robot is capable of lifting loads weighing up to 25 kg. Phoenix is claimed to be the world's first general-purpose humanoid robot capable of thinking and acting like humans.

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Sanctuary AI

As part of the agreement, Magna intends to test Sanctuary AI robots at its factories and explore options for their possible use. It is assumed that thanks to its unique manipulator hands, Phoenix will be able to adapt to different tasks. As of April 2024, Magna does not disclose exactly what functions robots will perform at enterprises. At the same time, it is noted that Magna will assess how its industrial potential can be used for the mass production of humanoids Sanctuary AI.

It is said that in March 2022, the startup Sanctuary AI raised approximately $55.6 million for development. In November of the same year, the Government of Canada's Strategic Innovation Fund invested another $21.8 million in the company. In March 2024, strategic investments in the startup were carried out by the venture capital division of the global consulting company Accenture Plc. In addition, Nvidia Corporation, one of the world's largest suppliers of GPU-based accelerators for artificial intelligence applications, is working with Sanctuary AI.^[1]

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