Sanctuary AI - A Story

Sanctuary AI’s flagship humanoid robot, Phoenix, embodies a vision of human-like intelligence and dexterity, with its name evoking rebirth and resilience. Unlike many humanoid robots that prioritize bipedal locomotion, Phoenix stands out for its focus on intricate hand movements, powered by advanced hydraulic hands that rival human dexterity. Its sleek, human-scale design, complete with a bold color palette and expressive sensors, projects a futuristic yet approachable presence, with hands capable of fine manipulation that feel almost alive. (PHOTO OF PHOENIX’S HANDS)

Founders with a Bold Vision

Sanctuary AI was founded in 2018 in Vancouver, Canada, by Geordie Rose, Suzanne Gildert, and Olivia Norton, a trio driven by a shared ambition to create the world’s first human-like intelligence in general-purpose robots. Geordie Rose, a physicist and serial entrepreneur, brought experience from founding D-Wave, a pioneer in quantum computing, and a deep belief in tackling grand technological challenges. Suzanne Gildert, with a Ph.D. in physics and a background in quantum computing and AI, envisioned robots that could learn and interact with the world as humans do. Olivia Norton, a computer engineering graduate with a keen understanding of technology’s societal impact, focused on translating complex systems into practical applications. Together, they set out to build robots that could address labor shortages by performing tasks too dull, dirty, or dangerous for humans, all while moving with grace and precision. (PHOTO OF SANCTUARY AI FOUNDERS)

Based in Vancouver, a growing hub for AI and robotics, the founders established Sanctuary AI in a vibrant ecosystem of innovation. Their headquarters, a modern facility with cutting-edge labs, became a playground for experimenting with AI and robotics, attracting talent passionate about reshaping the future of work. The founders’ vision was clear: create robots that don’t just automate but collaborate, powered by an AI “mind” that mimics human cognition and hands that match human dexterity.

A Focus on the Humanoid Hand

From the outset, Sanctuary AI took a distinctive approach, prioritizing the development of highly dexterous robotic hands over bipedal movement. The founders believed that true general-purpose robots required hands capable of performing complex, human-like tasks—picking up delicate objects, manipulating tools, or even folding clothes with precision. This focus led to the creation of Phoenix’s 21-degree-of-freedom (DOF) hands, powered by a unique hydraulic actuation system. Operating at low pressure with food-safe oil, these hands use miniaturized hydraulic valves—50 times faster and six times cheaper than standard options—to achieve unparalleled strength, speed, and controllability. The system’s low power consumption and ability to withstand over 2 billion cycles without degradation make it a breakthrough in robotic dexterity. (PHOTO OF PHOENIX HAND IN ACTION)

The hands are equipped with advanced tactile sensors, enabling Phoenix to detect slippage, adjust force, and perform “blind picking” in scenarios where vision is limited. This technology, paired with Sanctuary’s proprietary haptic gloves for teleoperation, allows the robot to feel and manipulate objects with near-human finesse. The founders saw these hands as the key to unlocking a vast range of industrial tasks, from sorting retail goods to assembling intricate components. By focusing on hand-eye coordination and fine manipulation, Sanctuary AI aimed to train its AI control system, Carbon, with rich behavioral data, enabling Phoenix to learn new tasks in under 24 hours. (PHOTO OF PHOENIX PERFORMING A TASK)

A Vision for Human-Like Intelligence

The founders’ ultimate vision is to create robots with human-like intelligence, capable of seamlessly integrating into human environments and addressing global labor challenges. They see Phoenix as more than a machine—it’s a platform for Carbon, an AI system designed to replicate human cognitive processes like memory, sight, sound, and touch. Carbon translates natural language into physical actions, allowing Phoenix to adapt to diverse tasks with minimal training. The founders believe that as populations age and labor shortages grow, general-purpose robots will become as ubiquitous as cars, transforming industries like manufacturing, logistics, and retail. (PHOTO OF PHOENIX IN A WORK ENVIRONMENT)

Sanctuary AI’s mission is grounded in practicality and impact. The founders aim to deploy millions of Phoenix robots to perform work that humans increasingly avoid, enhancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Their modular approach to Carbon and the dexterous hands ensures flexibility, allowing integration with various robotic platforms and fostering future collaborations. Despite challenges, including leadership transitions and the complexities of scaling AI, the founders’ commitment to human-level dexterity and intelligence remains unwavering.

The Road Ahead

Sanctuary AI’s journey is accelerating. In 2024, the company unveiled the seventh generation of Phoenix “[Sanctuary AI’s latest Phoenix humanoid can learn tasks in 24 hours - The Robot Report - www.therobotreport.com]” (http://www.therobotreport.com]”), with enhanced hardware and software that bring it closer to human-like capabilities. Pilot deployments, such as a week-long trial at a retail store where Phoenix completed 110 tasks, demonstrate its commercial potential. The founders’ roadmap includes scaling production, refining Carbon’s intelligence, and expanding applications across industries. (PHOTO OR VIDEO OF PHOENIX WORKING)

With total funding exceeding $140 million by July 2024, Sanctuary AI is poised to realize its vision. The founders’ focus on dexterous hands and human-like intelligence continues to drive innovation, positioning Phoenix as a cornerstone of a future where robots work alongside humans, transforming how we live and work. (PHOTO OF PHOENIX IN A FACTORY OR RETAIL SETTING)