Capgemini Launches Humanoid Robot at Nuclear Facility
Capgemini, in collaboration with Orano—a nuclear material recovery company—has introduced what they claim is the first intelligent humanoid robot designed for the nuclear industry. The robot, named Hoxo, is currently undergoing a four-month pilot test at Orano Melox Ecole des Métiers in the Gard region of France.
Testing Objectives and Capabilities
The trial aims to evaluate Hoxo's mobility, precision, and AI-driven responsiveness under real operational conditions. Equipped with embedded AI and advanced sensors, Hoxo can perceive its environment in real time, navigate autonomously, and interact safely. Its design mimics human movements to support teams working in locations where human access is restricted or hazardous.
Technological Foundations
- Uses Nvidia's AI infrastructure for pretraining machine learning models
- Incorporates Capgemini’s expertise in computer vision and robotics
- Combines robotics, artificial intelligence, computer vision, and digital twin technologies
"This project embodies the convergence of robotics, artificial intelligence, computer vision and digital twins," said Pascal Brier, chief innovation officer at Capgemini. "It redefines human–machine interaction in sensitive environments and pushes the boundaries of industrial automation."
Potential Impact
If the pilot proves successful, this initiative could significantly transform how automated systems are deployed in high-risk industrial settings, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Author's summary: Capgemini's humanoid robot Hoxo, tested in a French nuclear plant, represents a breakthrough in robotic assistance for hazardous industries, combining AI and advanced sensing to enhance human-robot cooperation.