GXO Deploys Reflex Humanoids in Warehouse Pilot

GXO Testing Begins

GXO, a leading logistics giant, has launched operational testing of Reflex Robotics' humanoid robots in a real-world warehouse environment, marking a pivotal step toward scalable automation. The pilot program integrates these wheeled humanoids into daily workflows, starting with teleoperated control by human staff to handle tote transfers and product picking. This deployment underscores GXO's strategy to boost efficiency amid labor shortages, with Reflex robots reaching full operational status in under 60 minutes upon arrival. Early feedback highlights seamless task switching, positioning this as a blueprint for broader industry adoption.

Spine Innovation Shines

Reflex Humanoids stand out with their adjustable spine mechanism, dynamically extending the torso to grab items from floor level or high shelves without repositioning the entire frame. Dual arms deliver over twice human lifting power, managing 25 pounds per arm or 50 pounds combined, ideal for heavy totes and cases. Swappable grippers, including three-finger hands with suction, enable precise handling of beverages, boxes, and scanners. This design excels in tight warehouse aisles, thanks to a compact base under two feet square that executes zero-degree turns effortlessly.

Vision Powers Reflexes

Engineers at Reflex Robotics engineered a head unit packed with multiple RGB cameras and a 180-degree articulated neck, granting panoramic environmental perception for fluid navigation. Paired with IMU, gyroscope, and force sensors, the system supports visual SLAM for mapping dynamic spaces, falling back to high-speed teleoperation when needed. This setup delivers 360-degree obstacle awareness, minimizing collisions during fast movements up to 1.4 meters per second. The proprietary software, compatible with ROS2 and open APIs, learns from demonstrations, paving the way for autonomous evolution in structured settings.

Warehouse Tasks Transformed

In GXO's pilot, Reflex Humanoids tackle palletizing, tote picking, box closing, beverage packaging, and carton disposal, freeing workers for complex decisions. Operators remotely guide the robots like a video game interface, achieving near-human efficiency in repetitive cycles. The wheeled base ensures maneuverability around pallets and conveyors, while force-limiting safety and emergency stops protect teams. This human-in-the-loop approach ramps productivity, with ambitions for one robot matching two humans soon, disrupting traditional fulfillment lines.

Dexterity Enabling Specs

Reflex Humanoids' skill architecture shines through dimensions of 170-220 by 61 by 61 centimeters, allowing seamless integration into human workspaces for collaborative lifting sessions. At 80 kilograms, the low-center-of-gravity base supports extended interactions, powered by a battery lasting 3-5 years or 16+ hours per charge. Sensors like RGB cameras and force detectors enable dexterous grasping of heavy totes and 50-pound cases, while visual SLAM navigation fosters intuitive obstacle dodging. Safety features such as collision detection empower confident teamwork, and ROS2-compatible software accelerates learning for natural, human-like task adaptation.

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