Hexagon, a leader in manufacturing and measurement systems, has unveiled AEON, a humanoid robot developed in collaboration with Microsoft and NVIDIA. This innovative robot is designed to address labor shortages and enhance operational efficiency across various industries, including manufacturing, supply chain, and logistics.
AEON was introduced at the Hexagon LIVE Global customer and partner event in Las Vegas. While its appearance may resemble earlier humanoid robots, AEON distinguishes itself through advanced intelligence and reliability. Arnaud Robert, president of Hexagon's robotics division, emphasized the importance of humanoid robots in collaborative environments, stating that robots with a human-like form factor are more effective when working alongside humans.
Unlike traditional bipedal robots, AEON utilizes wheels for mobility, optimizing speed and efficiency in factory and warehouse settings. It is equipped with 22 Hexagon sensors and 12 cameras, providing comprehensive environmental awareness. NVIDIA's AI-driven mission control and spatial intelligence systems enhance AEON's decision-making capabilities, while Microsoft Azure handles training and analytics processing. Maxon's next-generation actuators ensure efficient movement across diverse environments.
AEON's key capabilities include:
- Agility: Combining dexterity and locomotion, AEON performs tasks requiring high accuracy, leveraging Hexagon's precision measurement technologies.
- Awareness: Integrating data from multiple sensors, AEON understands its environment and optimizes mission execution.
- Versatility: AEON handles a variety of tasks, from object manipulation and component inspection to creating digital twins through reality capture and teleoperation.
- Power Autonomy: A unique self-battery swapping mechanism allows AEON to operate continuously without the need for recharging.
The development of AEON reflects a growing trend in the robotics industry, where companies like NVIDIA are advancing humanoid robotics through platforms like the Isaac GR00T N1, an open humanoid robot foundation model designed to accelerate robot development. (investor.nvidia.com)
In summary, AEON represents a significant advancement in humanoid robotics, combining cutting-edge technologies from Hexagon, Microsoft, and NVIDIA to address labor challenges and enhance efficiency across multiple sectors.
Source: IT Europa Hexagon partners with Microsoft and NVIDIA to launch AI ‘humanoid’
