Boardwalk Robotics Introduces Alex: A Humanoid Upper Torso for Manufacturing, Logistics, and Maintenance

Boardwalk Robotics is making its debut in the commercial humanoid robotics market with Alex, a "workforce transformation" humanoid upper torso designed for applications in manufacturing, logistics, and maintenance.

Boardwalk Robotics Introduces Alex: A Humanoid Upper Torso for Manufacturing, Logistics, and Maintenance
Image credit: Boardwalk Robotics 

The IHMC Connection: A History of Robotic Excellence

Before discussing Alex, it's important to clarify the relationship between Boardwalk Robotics and the Institute for Human Machine Cognition (IHMC) in Pensacola, Florida. IHMC has an impressive track record in bipedal robotics, having secured second place in the DARPA Robotics Challenge with the Boston Dynamics DRC Atlas. NASA also turned to IHMC to improve the walking capabilities of its Valkyrie humanoid. Founded in 2017, Boardwalk Robotics has partnered with IHMC in building robots, most notably the Nadia humanoid, a research platform. However, Alex is the first commercial robot developed entirely in-house by Boardwalk.

A Focus on Manipulation: Why Alex Doesn’t Have Legs—Yet

The most striking feature of Alex is its lack of legs, at least for now. Boardwalk Robotics believes that for a humanoid robot to be practical and cost-effective in the near term, legs aren't always necessary. Many tasks can be efficiently performed with a stationary base or a simple mobile platform. Robert Griffin, a technical advisor at Boardwalk, notes that while some tasks may require legs, many do not, but almost all require advanced manipulation capabilities. This is why Alex's design prioritizes manipulation, with mobility to be added as needed.

Alex Humanoid 
Image credit: Boardwalk Robotics 

Safety First: The Advantage of a Stable Base

As the humanoid robotics market remains relatively uncrowded, Boardwalk sees safety as a key differentiator. According to Brandon Shrewsbury, Boardwalk Robotics' CTO, a full humanoid robot with legs poses safety risks, particularly if it falls. By keeping Alex on a stable base, the robot can operate more safely around humans and move its arms more quickly, while maintaining a dynamic safety zone.

Alex Humanoid 
Image credit: IEEE Spectrum 

From Research to Commercialization: Alex’s Journey

Despite its roots in research, Alex is not intended to be a research robot. While it can be purchased for research purposes, Boardwalk is marketing Alex as a commercial robot. The company is currently conducting pilot programs with select customers, aiming to transition to a service model. The initial sectors targeted include logistics and food processing, with one of the first pilots being conducted in the aviation industry.

The Future of Alex: Mobility and Beyond

Legs are on the roadmap for Alex, with IHMC expected to play a role in their development. Griffin mentions that every time they develop a new humanoid, it happens faster than the previous one. This is the eighth humanoid project that IHMC has been involved in, though some details remain confidential. Having access to a top-of-the-line locomotion system provides a significant advantage as they work towards adding mobility to Alex.

Educating the Market: The Challenges of Introducing Humanoids

Michael Morin, CEO of Boardwalk Robotics, joined the company to help translate their engineering prowess into a viable product. Morin, who previously helped commercialize Barrett Technologies’ WAM Arm and worked at Vicarious Surgical, notes that many companies are just beginning to learn about humanoid robots, making the customer education process longer. However, Boardwalk is committed to helping customers understand how Alex can be implemented in their operations.

If you're interested in acquiring an Alex for your own operations, Boardwalk Robotics is currently selecting commercial partners for additional pilot programs. Researchers also have the option to purchase Alex immediately.