Some humanoid AI robots have eluded research and development and are now in the real world as bartenders, concierges, deep-sea divers, and senior companions, even though many are still in the early stages of development.
Key Takeaways
Humanoid robots’ potential applications:- Enhanced Productivity: Humanoid AI robots are revolutionizing industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics by automating tasks and improving efficiency.
- Advanced Interaction: These robots, such as Ameca and Sophia, excel in human-like communication, enabling seamless integration into service-oriented roles.
- Technological Growth: Continuous investments and innovations, such as Tesla’s Optimus and OpenAI’s collaborations, are accelerating advancements in humanoid AI robotics.
- Societal Impact: Despite challenges like human acceptance, humanoid robots hold the promise of enhancing quality of life and tackling labor-intensive tasks.
Some help others with production and logistics by working in factories and warehouses. Others, including conducting orchestras and welcoming guests at conferences, seem to give surprise and amazement than anything else. Humanoid AI robots would inevitably see new developments and applications as technology advances.
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Table of Contents
What Are Humanoid AI Robots?
Robots that mimic and behave resembling people are known as humanoid AI robots. These robots tend to be designed to mimic real-world human movements, interactions, and expressions. They are often equipped with a variety of cameras, sensors, and artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools.
What Are the Current Applications of Humanoid AI Robots?
Though their use is still restricted and research expenses are expensive, humanoid AI robots are being introduced into the globe and are having a positive impact in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and hospitality. Nevertheless, the industry is anticipated to expand.
According to research firm MarketsandMarkets, the humanoid AI robot market was estimated to be worth $1.8 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to over $13 billion by 2028.
Advanced humanoid AI robots that have additional AI capabilities and humanoid qualities can perform additional duties in the service, educational, and healthcare sectors that would fuel growth and demand. Recent investments could usher in the era of sophisticated humanoid AI robots sooner rather than later.
The relationship between ChatGPT creator OpenAI and AI robots company Figure is supported by investors such as Jeff Bezos. As part of the agreement, OpenAI would probably modify its GPT language models to accommodate Figure’s robots’ requirements.
In addition, Nvidia, a manufacturer of microchips, unveiled plans for Project GR00T, which aims to create a foundation model for humanoid robots that may be used for a variety of purposes. These declarations follow Elon Musk and Tesla’s 2022 unveiling of the humanoid robot Optimus, which is still undergoing training.
However, before businesses can completely deploy their humanoid robots, pilot projects evaluating their capacity to cooperate and work securely with human equivalents in warehouses, factories, and other locations have to be carried out. Humanoid AI robots’ social integration and human acceptance of their assistance are uncertain.
Although the widespread use of these robots may be viewed by some as unsettling, hazardous, or as unnecessary competition in the job market, the possible advantages, such as improved productivity and security, may exceed several of the alleged drawbacks.
In any case, humanoid AI robots are going to make a huge impact, and we already have some of them that we can use as models. Here are some examples of the best humanoid AI robots currently in use.
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Examples of Humanoid AI Robots
Ameca
Ameca, the newest and sophisticated humanoid robot from Engineered Arts, is marketed as a development platform for testing AI and machine learning systems.
With its facial and multi-vocal recognition features, sensors that can follow movement around a space, and the ability to sense emotions and age, Ameca organically engages with people. Ameca can convey everyday facial expressions such as surprise and shock in addition to body language such as shrugging and yawning.
Alter 3
The newest humanoid robot from Osaka University and MIXI, termed Alter 3, has an ear for music and is driven by an artificial neural network.
Alter sang in an opera in previous incarnations. By conducting an orchestra at the New National Theater in Tokyo and participating in other live performances in 2020, Alter 3, which has increased sensors, expressive abilities, and vocalization system for singing, went even farther.
ARMAR – 6
Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany created the humanoid robot ARMAR – 6 to operate in industrial environments. ARMAR-6 has AI technology that enables it to learn how to hold objects and pass them to human coworkers.
It is also capable of handling drills, hammers, and other equipment. Additionally, it can perform maintenance tasks such as cleaning surfaces and may even request assistance when necessary.
Apollo
The 55-pound Apollo cans from Apptronik are made to work in factories and warehouses, and they could one day be utilized in retail and construction. When Apollo detects moving items nearby, it may stop its motion due to an impact zone, and Apollo is driven by four-hour-long swappable batteries.
Apptronik and Mercedes-Benz are collaborating on a pilot project to investigate how Apollo can automate different manual processes.
Atlas
Boston Dynamics created Atlas, a humanoid robot that can leap and backflip. It combines model-predictive control technology to enhance motion and depth sensors for real-time perception.
Company roboticists employ Atlas, which was constructed with 3D-printed components, as a research and design tool to improve humanoid coordination and agility. By performing push-ups, the company’s recent electric Atlas model has demonstrated tremendous potential.
Beomni
While AI helps Beomni learn tasks so it can eventually become autonomous, Beomni is operated remotely by human pilots wearing virtual reality headsets and other wearable technology, such as gloves.
Harry Kloor, the CEO and co-founder of Beyond Imagination, expressed his optimism to Built In in 2022 that Beomni would revolutionize the care that older persons receive while replacing hazardous and tiresome occupations in other sectors.
Through collaborations such as Dreamtech and Cobotic Surgical, Inc., the business has gained significant traction.
Digit
Digit, a humanoid robot from Agility Robotics, is ready to tackle even tiresome jobs. It can already unload trailers and move items. With each of its limbs working properly, Digit can stoop and crouch to pick up objects, modifying its center of gravity according on weight and size.
Surface plane-reading sensors also assist Digit in determining the best course of action and avoiding obstacles. In collaboration with GXO Logistics Inc., Agility Robotics has set up a small fleet of Digit robots at a GXO facility in Connecticut.
Jiajia
Jiajia is the first humanoid robot to leave China, having been developed over three years by researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China.
Chen Xiaoping, the team leader, told reporters during Jiajia’s 2016 unveiling that he and his team would soon work to make Jiajia capable of crying and laughing, according to the Independent. Mashable claims that Jiajia’s humanoid appearance was modeled after five USTC students.
KIME
Beer, coffee, wine, snacks, salads, and many others are served by KIME, a humanoid robotic bartender from Macco Robotics. Each KIME kiosk has an integrated payment system, a touchscreen, app-enabled ordering, and the capacity to dispense 253 items every hour.
KIME can identify its regular clients and pour two beers every six seconds, but it cannot provide the wise counsel of an experienced bartender.
Nadine
A humanoid social robot termed Nadine was created by researchers at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. It can function in a range of environments and has realistic skin, hair, facial emotions, and upper body movements. Researchers claim that Nadine is able to identify objects, gestures, words, and faces.
It even has an emotive system that simulates Nadine’s mood, feelings, and personality. Nadine has led a bingo game, worked in customer service thus far, and may eventually assume a significant position as a companion robot at assisted living facilities.
NAO
NAO, the first humanoid robot from Softbank Robotics, assists businesses in a variety of sectors, including healthcare and education. NAO, which is only two feet tall, has seven touch sensors, four directional microphones, speakers, and two 2D cameras for object recognition in order to better engage with people and its surroundings.
Speaking 20 languages, NAOs serve as patient service representatives and assistance in healthcare settings, in addition to contributing to the creation of content and teaching programming in classrooms.
OceanOne
OceanOne, a humanoid robot that dives, is investigating shipwrecks at the Stanford Robotics Lab. OceanOne made its first trip to the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of France in 2016 to investigate the remains of La Lune, a ship owned by King Louis XIV that was sunk in 1664.
The robot can descend to 1,000 meters in depth with its recent version, OceanOneK. OceanOneK, which includes haptic feedback and artificial intelligence, can operate tools and other equipment and has already investigated ship and aircraft debris underwater.
Pepper
Another humanoid robot from Softbank Robotics that works in medical and educational environments is termed Pepper. However, Pepper can follow human emotions and recognize faces, unlike NAO.
During the pandemic, Pepper, a hotel concierge, was utilized to keep an eye on older persons’ contactless care and communication. It was unveiled as a social assistance robot for people with intellectual disabilities at a Dayton institution recently.
Promobot
Promobot is a humanoid robot that may be customized to perform a variety of service-oriented tasks. Promobot can print visitor passes and receipts, scan and auto-fill papers, and issue keycards due to its conversation and facial recognition features.
Promobot functions as a concierge by integrating with a building’s security system and identifying the faces of its occupants. In addition to checking guests in at hotels, Promobot can assess vital health indicators such as blood sugar and oxygen levels in medical settings.
Robonaut 2
Robonaut 2, a humanoid robot created by General Motors and NASA, collaborates with humans in both space and on manufacturing floors. Robonaut 2, the first humanoid robot to enter orbit over a decade ago, served as an ISS helper until 2018, when it was brought back to Earth for maintenance.
Other robotics discoveries and advancements, such as the RoboGlove and Aquanaut from the ocean robotics company Nauticus, are being inspired by Robonaut 2.
RoboThespian
RoboThespian, another humanoid robot by Engineered Arts, with telepresence software that enables people to communicate with the robot from a distance.
RoboThespian can perform for large audiences and work in locations such as the Kennedy Space Center, where it responds to inquiries from interested visitors regarding the Hubble Telescope using automated eye contact and micro-facial expressions.
Sophia
Sophia, the driven by AI humanoid robot from Hanson Robotics, has visited several countries, been on the cover of Cosmopolitan Magazine, appeared on The Tonight Show, and spoken before the UN. Sophia, one of the popular humanoid robots, can interpret verbal, emotional, and visual information to improve human-robot interaction.
Sophia gained notoriety recently when she spoke at a college commencement, which was not without controversy.
Surena IV
The newest humanoid robot from the University of Tehran, Surena IV, can write its own name on a whiteboard, fetch a water bottle, and take selfies.
According to IEEE Spectrum, Surena IV has new hands that enable it to wield power tools and enhanced tracking skills. It can also change the position and angle of its feet, which helps it better negotiate uneven ground.
Punyo
The Toyota Research Institute’s recent humanoid robot is termed Punyo. Punyo’s squishy look represents the qualities of sweetness and tenacity, which are associated with the Japanese word punyo.
But unlike other humanoids, Punyo approaches lifting stuff in a distinct way. Punyo handles heavy weights naturally by utilizing its arms and chest rather than simply its hands.
Walker
Walker, a humanoid service robot from UBTECH Robotics, can safely climb stairs and balance on one leg due to enhanced hand-eye coordination and autonomous navigation.
According to Robotics and Automation News, Walker can vacuum, water flowers, and serve tea, demonstrating how useful this humanoid robot could be in the home.
Phoenix
Sanctuary AI’s seventh generation of Phoenix builds on the advancements made in its humanoid products. The ability to learn tasks quickly than its predecessors is one of the enhanced features of this edition of Phoenix.
Due to its superior intelligence, Sanctuary AI has already partnered with Magna International Inc., a car manufacturer, to install Phoenix, a general-purpose AI robot, in Magna’s facilities.
EVE
1X asserts that it was the first business to introduce a humanoid robot with AI capabilities into the workplace. The robot EVE from the business has two wheels for movement, powerful hand grippers, and cameras that provide panoramic vision.
Users can also instruct EVE to carry out several tasks sequentially using a voice command capability. EVE leverages AI to learn new tasks and get better based on prior experiences. EVE is poised to expand into sectors including as retail, logistics, and perhaps commercial security due to these capabilities.
Figure 02
The purpose of Figure 02’s humanoid robot is to provide artificial intelligence a tangible shape. The robot can lift 44 pounds, travel 2.7 miles per hour, and run on electricity for five hours at a time.
Furthermore, Figure has outfitted Figure 02 with GPT models, which let the robot to comprehend voice commands, due to its collaboration with OpenAI. In addition, Figure 02 can react through microphones and speakers, enabling organic dialogues.
Alex
With Alex, Boardwalk Robotics’ newest humanoid, the company has put functionality first.
Because the corporation feels that it is economical and that many duties do not require a robot to be mobile, Alex was created without legs. Because to its 19 degrees of freedom, adjustable wrists, and 22-pound payload capacity, Alex is perfect for jobs such as cleaning products, sorting objects, and performing other maintenance activities.
Optimus
Tesla Optimus is a new company that Elon Musk has brought to the humanoid AI robots market. Optimus, which was unveiled as part of Tesla’s larger technology goals, is a major technological crossover from the company’s established automotive sectors to novel robotics applications.
With its ability to utilize Tesla’s Full-Self Driving (FSD) software, Optimus is poised to transform the way humanoid AI robots carry out labor-intensive or repetitive jobs.
With the use of sensor fusion and decision-making skills akin to those found in Tesla automobiles, the incorporation of FSD technology enables Optimus to precisely navigate and manipulate its surroundings.
Advanced safety features including redundancy and fail-safes are included in Optimus ensure dependable functioning in a variety of situations. With Musk’s contentious West World comparison, which imagines a future in which robots revolt against their creators, Tesla’s foray into the humanoid robot industry has created a lot of noise.
Conclusion: Humanoid AI Robots
As artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics continue to develop, humanoid AI robots are anticipated to have a significant impact across a variety of industries, increasing productivity and improving quality of life.
The future of humanoid AI robots is both exciting and challenging, driven by technological advancements that result in intelligent, capable, and seamlessly integrated robots in everyday life.
It is imperative that investors, businesses, and policymakers approach these innovations with foresight, acknowledging both the challenges and the vast opportunities that humanoid AI robots would present over the next ten years.
FAQs: Humanoid AI Robots
What are humanoid AI robots?
Humanoid AI robots are a type of robot designed to resemble and mimic human behavior, appearance, and actions. They have a head, torso, arms, and legs, and are built to perform tasks in a way that is similar to how humans would.
The field of humanoid robotics involves advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning techniques to enable these robots to interact with humans effectively and perform complex tasks.
How do humanoid AI robots work?
Humanoid AI robots utilize a combination of hardware and software to function. The hardware includes motors, sensors, and actuators that allow the robot to move and interact with its environment.
The software consists of algorithms based on artificial intelligence and machine learning that enable the robot to process information, make decisions, and learn from experiences. For instance, robots developed by Boston Dynamics and Agility Robotics use advanced control systems to execute complex movements and tasks.
What is the significance of the first humanoid AI robot?
The first humanoid AI robot, known as WABOT-1, was developed in Japan in 1973. It marked a significant milestone in the field of robotics as it demonstrated the potential for robots to perform tasks that require humanoid dexterity and intelligence.
Since then, the evolution of humanoid robots has led to groundbreaking designs such as Atlas and Sophia, showcasing advancements in artificial intelligence and humanoid robotics technology.
What are some examples of humanoid AI robots?
There are several notable examples of humanoid robots today. Sophia, developed by Hanson Robotics, is famous for her ability to interact with humans and express emotions.
Atlas, created by Boston Dynamics, is known for its agility and ability to perform complex movements. Another example is Ameca, developed by Engineered Arts, which features a highly realistic humanoid face and can engage in conversation.