As the state of artificial intelligence in BC continues to heat up in 2023, local robotics leader Sanctuary AI has announced a significant milestone for its specialized technology.
Sanctuary AI, which raised a sizeable round of funding last year, has successfully completed the first-ever “deployment of a unique system designed to deliver the world’s first human-like intelligence in general-purpose robots at a customer commercial facility,” according to a statement from the Vancouver firm.
The deployment, in partnership with Canadian Tire Corporation, brings Sanctuary AI “one step closer to delivering innovative labour solutions” using general-purpose robots with human-like intelligence.
“Many organizations are facing labour challenges,” explains Geordie Rose, co-founder and CEO of Sanctuary AI, of the pilot project’s purpose. “Our population is aging, birth rates are declining, and workers have more choice for what they do and where they work than ever in history.”
The deployment—a sneak peak into the future, perhaps—took place at an otherwise standard Mark’s retail store in Langley, BC.
The week-long pilot at the CTC-owned store tested the general-purpose robot in a complex, real-world store environment.
“Through our partnership with Canadian Tire Corporation, we worked on analyzing how their work was done and what work people like and don’t like doing, in both their retail and distribution center environments,” said Rose. “In January we deployed a general-purpose robot to a retail store to attempt to perform many necessary but rudimentary tasks that people note finding unsatisfying or unfavourable.”
His company reported 110 retail-related tasks completed correctly, including front and back-of-store activities such as picking and packing merchandise, cleaning, tagging, labelling, folding, and more.
The tested tasks had previously only been performed in Sanctuary AI’s labs, Rose explains.
“The results were spectacular,” he said. “We are ecstatic to have accomplished this with Canadian Tire Corporation.”
“Working with Sanctuary AI has enabled Canadian Tire Corporation to further explore cutting-edge innovations and accelerate operational efficiency,” stated Cari Covent, who serves as Vice President of analytics and AI for CTC.
“With the Mark’s pilot, we were able to focus human resources on higher-value and more meaningful work, like customer service and engagement,” the VP added.
Sanctuary AI believes it is at the forefront of a digital transformation that will help its customers operate more safely, efficiently, and sustainably.
“Sanctuary AI is strategically positioned as a powerful systems-level company that constantly evolves to integrate best-in-class hardware and AI approaches,” affirms Rose. “We have created a technology platform that has a solid balance of Sanctuary AI-made components and third-party components we have sourced from outstanding companies, many of whom we have exclusivity agreements with.”
A human-like AI controlling Sanctuary AI general-purpose robots “should be able to perform physical labour across virtually every industry,” the company predicts.
“Our approach is built around the philosophy of always working with the best people, organizations, and technologies available,” said Rose.
Sanctuary AI, one of several innovative hardware startups across BC, was founded in Vancouver in 2018.
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