The startup said its seventh generation of Phoenix robots can now learn automated tasks in less than 24 hours, instead of weeks, marking a “major inflection point.” The humanoid robots are also more dexterous thanks to miniaturized hydraulics, better data, more durable “hands” and other changes.  (The Logic)

Talking point: Sanctuary CEO and co-founder Geordie Rose said in a press release that he believes the robots are “the most closely analogous to a person” on the market. The company is also lowering the cost of making them and speeding up their development, as Sanctuary onboards customers looking to take advantage of artificial intelligence technology. The company’s focus on 10-finger hands with human-like dexterity helped it win business from Mark’s and SportChek, and it recently announced that its robots will be tested in Magna International’s auto-parts plants.