Sanctuary Announces Microsoft Collaboration to Accelerate AI Development for General Purpose Robots

Vancouver, BC, Canada, May 1, 2024:  Sanctuary, a company on a mission to create the world's first human-like intelligence in general purpose robots, is collaborating with Microsoft on the development of AI models for general-purpose humanoid robots, including Sanctuary’s Phoenix. Sanctuary and Microsoft will work together to bolster AI research and development and Sanctuary will leverage Microsoft’s Azure cloud resources for their AI workloads.

Building on the foundation of Large Language Models (LLMs), Sanctuary is making progress towards "Large Behavior Models" (LBMs) that ground AI in the physical world by enabling systems to understand and learn from real world experience. Sanctuary AI is taking advantage of these models for Carbon, the AI control system for its Phoenix robots. Carbon is designed to enable the robot it controls to do complex tasks, due to its foundation of high quality behavioral data. Sanctuary AI will take advantage of Microsoft Azure infrastructure for training, inference, networking, and storage. 

“Creating systems that think like, and understand us, is one of the biggest civilization-level technical problems and opportunities that we will ever face,” said Geordie Rose, CEO and co-founder of Sanctuary. “A challenge like this requires the best global minds to work together. We’re excited to be working with Microsoft to unlock the next generation of AI models that will power-general purpose robots.” 

Sanctuary brings deep technical expertise to the collaboration. The Sanctuary leadership team includes founders of D-Wave, the world's first commercial supplier of quantum computers, Kindred, the first company to use reinforcement learning in a production robot, and Softbank Robotics. Sanctuary was also the first company to deploy humanoid general-purpose robots in a commercial setting in early 2023. The robots were deployed in conjunction with one of the largest retailers in Canada, working both front-of-house and on logistics and warehouse-style tasks. The dexterous capabilities of Sanctuary AI’s robots have been tested across 400 customer-defined tasks across 15 different industries, with a focus on automotive, manufacturing, and logistics. 

The collaboration announcement builds on the work the companies have done together to help unlock remote physical work. Sanctuary has several breakthroughs in the AI and robotics industries and notably has built industry leading robotic hands with a broad set of precision, tactile, and payload capabilities. It also takes a considered and responsible approach to development. The name ‘Sanctuary’ represents, in part, a controlled, secure environment to develop AI prior to commercial deployment.

"We're excited to be working with Sanctuary to accelerate AI model innovation and embodied AI research in areas like reasoning, planning, and human-agent collaboration," says Ashley Llorens, Corporate Vice President and Managing Director, Microsoft Research. "Through our collaboration, Sanctuary will have access to Microsoft Azure infrastructure and services as they explore the future of general-purpose robots that can assist across various use cases and industries." 

About Sanctuary

Founded in 2018, Sanctuary is a multi-award-winning company based in Vancouver, Canada. Sanctuary is on a mission to create the world's first human-like intelligence in general purpose robots that will help us work more safely, efficiently, and sustainably, helping to address the labor challenges facing many organizations today. Sanctuary AI's growing list of customers and investors represents a wide variety of industries across Canada, the US, and other countries around the world.

Members of the Sanctuary team founded D-Wave (a pioneer in the quantum computing industry), Kindred (first use of reinforcement learning in a production robot), and the Creative Destruction Lab (pioneered a revolutionary method for the commercialization of science for the betterment of humankind). With experience at startups and technology leaders such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Softbank Robotics, the team has experience launching market-defining innovations rooted in previously unsolved and deep scientific problems.

Sanctuary Appoints John Watson to Board of Directors

Vancouver, BC – Nov. 24, 2021 – Sanctuary Cognitive Systems Corporation announced today that it had appointed John Watson to the company’s Board of Directors. As Group President, Customer Experience, Watson leads Bell’s Customer Operations, Field Services, and other service teams for BCE Inc., Canada’s largest communications company. Watson joins the existing Directors of the Board: Geordie Rose, Ajay Agrawal, Martin Reed, Mark Evans, and Dave Cummings.

“As a leader in organizational development, John brings a distinctive set of skills and experience to the Sanctuary Board of Directors,” Geordie Rose, Co-Founder and CEO of Sanctuary said. “We are very pleased that John is joining, and I am personally excited about the perspectives and advice he will bring as we work to achieve our mission to create the world’s first human-like intelligence in general-purpose robots.”

Leveraging industry-leading investments in talent development, big data, analytics, and machine learning, with more than 22 years experience as an executive officer at a number of publicly traded companies, Watson is currently delivering an improved Bell residential and wireless customer experience.

“Sanctuary is at a pivotal point in its business, financial, and technology growth,” Watson said. “It’s an exciting time to be joining the Board, and I’m enthusiastic about the company’s mission and what’s in store for the future.”

Watson has lectured on business strategy, customer experience, big data, marketing, leadership, and talent development. He holds an MBA from the Schulich School at York University.

About BCE Inc.

Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing advanced broadband wireless, TV, Internet, media and business communication services throughout the country. Founded in Montréal in 1880, Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.

Through Bell for Better, Bell is investing to create a better today and a better tomorrow by supporting the social and economic prosperity of its communities with a commitment to the highest environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards. This includes the Bell Let's Talk initiative, which promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns like Bell Let's Talk Day and significant Bell funding of community care and access, research and workplace leadership initiatives throughout the country. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.

____

About Sanctuary Cognitive Systems Corporation

Founded in 2018, Sanctuary AI is a Vancouver, Canada-based company. Sanctuary AI is on a mission to create the world’s first human-like intelligence in general-purpose robots that will help us work more safely, efficiently, and sustainably, helping to address the labor challenges facing many organizations today. Sanctuary AI’s growing list of customers and investors represents a wide variety of industries across Canada, the US, and other countries around the world.

Members of the Sanctuary team founded D-Wave (a pioneer in the quantum computing industry), Kindred (first use of reinforcement learning in a production robot), and the Creative Destruction Lab (pioneered a revolutionary method for the commercialization of science for the betterment of humankind). With experience at startups and technology leaders such as Amazon, HP, IBM, Microsoft, and Samsung, the team has experience launching market-defining innovations rooted in previously unsolved and deep scientific problems.

Sanctuary Hires Ben Reed as Chief Marketing Officer

Vancouver, BC – Nov. 1, 2021 – Sanctuary Cognitive Systems Corporation announced today that it had hired technology industry veteran Ben Reed as Chief Marketing Officer and member of the Senior Leadership Team. Reporting to Sanctuary Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Geordie Rose, Reed will lead the company’s marketing and communications initiatives across all owned, earned, and paid channels. His responsibilities will include overseeing all aspects of the planning, development, and execution of activities including advertising, public relations, industry analyst relations, the web, mobile, and social media.

“Ben has extensive experience with new and emerging categories, technology, hardware, and platforms after more than two decades in the technology industry,” Geordie Rose, Co-Founder and CEO of Sanctuary said. “We are beyond excited that Ben decided to join us, and I can’t wait to see the impact he will have on the business, our products, customers, partners, and the industry as a whole.”

Reed joins Sanctuary after a total of more than 17 years at Microsoft Corporation in various strategy, marketing, and communications leadership positions. He built and led the communication teams responsible for launching Microsoft Surface, Microsoft HoloLens, and the Microsoft Mixed Reality platform.

“Sanctuary is doing truly amazing things with cutting edge technology in artificial intelligence, cognition, and robotics,” Reed said. “It’s an exciting time to be joining the Sanctuary team and I’m looking forward to the positive influence we can have on society through our products and technology.”

Reed has worked at organizations of all sizes, from small startup businesses to large multi-national corporations. His experience extends across numerous industry verticals and channels spanning enterprise, B2B, B2C, sales, consulting, and retail. He brings a proven track record in business strategy, management, communications, marketing, and agency and vendor management.

Reed holds a bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering from the University of East Anglia. Originally from the United Kingdom, he has lived and worked in four continents and dozens of countries.

____

About Sanctuary Cognitive Systems Corporation

Founded in 2018, Sanctuary AI is a Vancouver, Canada-based company. Sanctuary AI is on a mission to create the world’s first human-like intelligence in general-purpose robots that will help us work more safely, efficiently, and sustainably, helping to address the labor challenges facing many organizations today. Sanctuary AI’s growing list of customers and investors represents a wide variety of industries across Canada, the US, and other countries around the world.

Members of the Sanctuary team founded D-Wave (a pioneer in the quantum computing industry), Kindred (first use of reinforcement learning in a production robot), and the Creative Destruction Lab (pioneered a revolutionary method for the commercialization of science for the betterment of humankind). With experience at startups and technology leaders such as Amazon, HP, IBM, Microsoft, and Samsung, the team has experience launching market-defining innovations rooted in previously unsolved and deep scientific problems.

Sanctuary Hires Philip Smith as Chief Financial Officer

Vancouver, BC – Jun. 7, 2021 – Sanctuary Cognitive Systems Corporation announced today that it had hired experienced banking and capital markets professional Philip Smith as Chief Financial Officer and member of the Senior Leadership Team. Reporting to Sanctuary AI Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Geordie Rose, Smith will manage the company’s finances. In addition to leading investor relations, his responsibilities will include overseeing all aspects of the company’s financial planning, reporting, accounting, and cash flow.

“Phil has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry with numerous senior governance roles,” Geordie Rose, Co-Founder and CEO of Sanctuary said. “We are thrilled that Phil decided to join us, and I am personally looking forward to the impact he will have, not just with investors, but across our whole business.”

Smith joins Sanctuary after more than 27 years at Scotiabank where he held a variety of increasingly senior roles in Finance, Capital Markets, Investment Banking, and Wealth Management. Most recently, he was Head of Investor Relations at Scotiabank in Toronto, ON.

“Sanctuary is at a pivotal stage in their business, financial, and technology growth,” Smith said. “It’s a great time to be joining the Sanctuary team, and I’m excited about the opportunity and jobs we’ll create as well as the impact we’ll have on the labour shortages around the world.”

Smith has previously served as Global Head of Debt and Equity Capital Markets at Scotiabank, and prior to that, he was Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Scotiabank’s Global Banking and Markets division. He brings proven experience in business development with broad deal experience across numerous sectors and regions.

Smith holds an MBA in Analytic Finance from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a BA in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University.

____

About Sanctuary Cognitive Systems Corporation

Founded in 2018, Sanctuary AI is a Vancouver, Canada-based company. Sanctuary AI is on a mission to create the world’s first human-like intelligence in general-purpose robots that will help us work more safely, efficiently, and sustainably, helping to address the labor challenges facing many organizations today. Sanctuary AI’s growing list of customers and investors represents a wide variety of industries across Canada, the US, and other countries around the world.

Members of the Sanctuary team founded D-Wave (a pioneer in the quantum computing industry), Kindred (first use of reinforcement learning in a production robot), and the Creative Destruction Lab (pioneered a revolutionary method for the commercialization of science for the betterment of humankind). With experience at startups and technology leaders such as Amazon, HP, IBM, Microsoft, and Samsung, the team has experience launching market-defining innovations rooted in previously unsolved and deep scientific problems.