Accenture invests in Sanctuary AI to boost logistics operations
UNITED STATES and CANADA — Outsourcing company Accenture has invested in robotics firm Sanctuary AI to streamline logistics operations.
Sanctuary AI develops humanoid general-purpose robots powered by AI. With Accenture’s expertise in technology, Sanctuary AI can enhance its service offerings in various industries’ warehouse operations.
“We see huge potential for their robots in post and parcel, manufacturing, retail, and logistics warehousing operations, where they could complement and collaborate with human workers and automate tasks that traditional robotics can’t,” said Joe Lui, Accenture’s global advanced automation and robotics lead.
PhoenixTM, Sanctuary AI’s general-purpose robot, has performed a multitude of tasks at a Mark’s retail store in Canada. These include choosing and packing merchandise and correctly cleaning, labeling, and folding items with robotic hands.
Phoenix is powered by CarbonTM, an AI system that mimics subsystems found in the human brain, such as memory, sight, sound, and touch.
Geordie Rose, chief executive officer and co-founder of Sanctuary AI, believes robotics will transform the future workforce.
“We can help some of the biggest companies in the world manage this change and provide the best solutions for its clients,” Rose said.
Sanctuary AI will join Accenture Ventures’ Project Spotlight, an engagement and investment program that connects emerging technology startups with the outsourcing firm’s client base.
Through the deal, Accenture has beefed up its robotics portfolio. It has invested in Japanese robotics firm Mujin and has acquired Eclipse Automation. The outsourcing giant acquired Pollux in 2021, which marked its first acquisition of an industrial robotics solutions provider.
Accenture ranked #1 in the OA500 2024, an objective index of the world’s top 500 outsourcing companies. This is the second year the company clinched the index’s top spot.
