AUTOMATION HISTORY

Tether Invests in Italian Robotics Startup Generative Bionics Amid Humanoid Hype $94,248.00 $3,360.60 $2.17 $922.97 $143.99 $0.999903 $3,357.84 $0.282085 $0.151605 $0.476397 $1.031 $4,106.50 $62.78 $3,649.42 $94,426.00 $589.53 $14.83 $1.00 $3,362.80 $0.999899 $9.64 $3,642.10 $0.257237 $28.92 $442.09 $377.05 $94,345.00 $1.029 $87.08 $1.70 $14.62 $0.142415 $0.00000897 $0.999966 $1.08 $0.157384 $1.68 $0.108512 $2.36 $0.999888 $5.91 $1.13 $1.21 $203.70 $312.08 $0.077119 $0.999426 $3.61 $114.66 $1.87 $1.36 $0.288779 $4,205.54 $14.18 $0.99891 $0.00000501 $3,361.34 $0.969037 $1.00 $179.82 $3.67 $0.00802402 $0.00321008 $0.220907 $144.15 $4.88 $0.03129321 $0.512422 $0.638577 $0.00000163 $1.14 $0.055141 $4,221.57 $3,862.75 $0.999866 $1.89 $10.67 $0.129692 $1.11 $0.999088 $90.19 $1.11 $1.00 $0.999888 $0.056157 $0.228196 $923.88 $10.65 $156.60 $0.141231 $3,561.95 $5.93 $2.41 $1.58 $0.01325681 $93,878.00 $3,553.84 $0.01336406 $94,217.00 $94,137.00 $1.003 $0.04925127 $1.76 $0.140853 $1.001 $0.00001022 $10.92 $3,588.22 $0.999603 $2.41 $0.01272213 $29.11 $3,610.60 $113.56 $94,277.00 $1.017 $0.242579 $2.26 $95,550.00 $166.60 $1.11 $0.263201 $0.999825 $1.26 $3,486.51 $0.03922479 $0.707792 $0.345225 $0.999615 $3,364.83 $0.999736 $0.699452 $49.88 $6.14 $6,081.94 $0.42061 $0.086132 $0.905841 $94,552.00 $0.652318 $0.320234 $3.00 $0.118493 $0.912816 $0.651761 $1.002 $0.510493 $3,363.05 $3,361.81 $0.0055596 $0.04831267 $193.88 $0.00005253 $3,615.81 $0.997266 $2,460.42 $1.00 $3,556.22 $0.135053 $1.21 $0.079618 $0.109693 $11.94 $3,682.48 $0.444081 $1.001 $1.006 $1.034 $3,735.14 $0.0047223 $0.073382 $0.00000042 $20.70 $93,984.00 $1.11 $1.009 $0.272484 $0.078608 $2.46 $23.33 $0.02070069 $0.397351 $0.395583 $90,454.00 $0.151554 $0.148963 $94,358.00 $0.101506 $23.32 $0.03836844 $3,353.66 $0.0078721 $0.349763 $1.97 $0.366577 $18.04 $0.224403 $0.00734387 $0.00000037 $0.01962437 $0.00006458 $133.88 $0.177505 $3,636.68 $0.03382452 $1.16 $29.50 $1.22 $3,317.10 $0.999365 $0.094895 $135.23 $3,628.50 $1.56 $0.277624 $3,360.07 $1.001 $32.32 $0.02881346 $94,347.00 $0.03599332 $0.160241 $0.191149 $4.36 $0.31187 $0.0031622 $1.004 $1.088 $977.68 $28.99 $1.007 $94,492.00 $0.994621 $3,362.42 $4.26 $0.118899 $0.291255 $14.61 $3.43 $1.00 $0.18687 $0.531042 $0.167424 $0.316086 $2.50 $0.083272 $0.250523 $0.717855 Tether has entered the humanoid robotics race. The company said Monday it invested in Generative Bionics as part of a €70 million (US$81 million) round, joining a sector dominated by firms like Tesla and Nvidia. Tether said its funding will help the startup complete industrial testing and build its first production facility ahead of planned deployments in 2026. Generative Bionics describes its machines as “Physical AI” systems designed to fuse humanoid robotics with artificial intelligence. “Tether invests in technologies that strengthen global digital and physical infrastructure and expand human potential,” Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino said in a statement. “Humanoid robotics and Physical AI represent a powerful evolution in how intelligence and capability operate in the real world.” For Tether, the investment continues a pattern of funding hardware and infrastructure projects beyond crypto, including artificial intelligence, media, and agriculture, and brain-computer interface technology, that sit outside its core stablecoin business. Other firms joining Tether in the Generative Bionics fundraise included the Artificial Intelligence Fund of CDP Venture Capital, which led the round, as well as AMD Ventures, Duferco, Eni Next, and RoboIT. Launched in 2024, Generative Bionics spun out of the Italian Institute of Technology, where researchers built more than 60 humanoid prototypes over two decades. According to the company, 70 of the Italian Institute of Technology’s engineers joined the company and are working to turn that research into commercial robots for manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and retail environments, bringing the label “Made in Italy” to the humanoid robot market. Generative Bionics also said it plans to debut its first complete humanoid robot at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. “Our mission is to build a future where intelligent humanoid robots collaborate daily with people, amplifying human cognitive and physical potential,” Generative Bionics CEO and Co-Founder, Daniele Pucci, said in a statement. “Our Physical AI enables us to design and manufacture human-inspired robots that create tangible value across multiple applications.” Betting big on robotics Humanoid robotics drew heavy investment in 2025. In February, Figure AI raised $675 million at a valuation of $2.6 billion. That was followed by Bedrock Robotics in July, which secured $80 million. In April, Roundhill Investments filed for a humanoid robotics ETF, reflecting growing confidence that humanoid systems could ease labor shortages and support operations in industrial settings. Morgan Stanley has projected the market could reach $5 trillion by 2050, led by demand in logistics and manufacturing. Your gateway into the world of Web3 The latest news, articles, and resources, sent to your inbox weekly. © A next-generation media company. 2025 Decrypt Media, Inc.

President Trump approved exports of Nvidia’s H200 AI chips to approved Chinese customers in exchange for a 25% U.S. surcharge, a move with major market and national‑security consequences. Markets tread cautiously ahead of the Fed: S&P 500 and Dow held near flat while the Nasdaq lagged as AI names wobbled. Bond yields jumped after mixed jobs data, boosting the dollar and pressuring rate‑sensitive sectors. Key catalysts are the Fed decision, Nvidia policy headlines, and volatile crypto moves that are keeping volatility elevated. Trump’s surprise reversal opens the door for advanced Nvidia H200 AI chips to flow to China while U.S. enforcement scrambles to stop illegal exports. The policy shift has market and national-security implications as prosecutors pursue smuggling networks tied to chip rerouting. 25% - Proposed U.S. surcharge on Nvidia H200 chip sales to China. Chinese authorities are preparing curbs on H200 availability even after Washington approved limited exports, signalling Beijing will control domestic access. The tug-of-war raises questions about how much practical benefit U.S. approvals will deliver to Chinese AI firms. Brussels opened a formal antitrust probe into Google’s use of online content to train AI, expanding pressure on Big Tech across the continent. Regulators are investigating whether unpaid content use and AI summaries harm publishers and competitors. CVS Health lifted full‑year 2025 guidance and outlined AI upgrades and revenue targets that propelled the stock higher, signalling durable operational improvement. More on wsj.com A bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery heated up as Paramount launched a hostile takeover just days after Netflix struck a deal for parts of the company. The contest threatens to redraw streaming power and invites intense regulatory and political scrutiny. The Supreme Court appears poised to expand presidential removal power, a move that would weaken independent agency protections. Oral arguments suggest a major shift in separation-of-powers precedent is possible. Lucid shares plunged further after a major analyst cut estimates, highlighting persistent demand and profitability challenges in the EV sector. More on benzinga.com A sharply divided Federal Reserve meets amid widespread expectations of a rate cut, but policymakers may signal a pause to follow. Investors are bracing for nuanced guidance that could reshape 2026 rate bets and market positioning. Delayed job‑openings data showed openings steady, sparking volatility in bond markets as yields jumped. Traders are reassessing growth and inflation prospects ahead of the Fed meeting. Commerce moved to allow limited H200 exports to approved Chinese buyers with a proposed 25% U.S. cut; the EU opened new antitrust probes into Big Tech AI training practices; federal courts struck down an executive ban on wind‑project permits. Bitcoin popped into the mid‑90k range ahead of a widely anticipated Fed move, underscoring crypto’s sensitivity to macro catalysts. Traders remain cautious about the durability of gains as policy shifts loom. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated he will not cede territory to Russia, rejecting U.S. pressure to compromise and rallying European support. The firm stance complicates diplomatic efforts and the U.S.-crafted peace framework. Inflation is there and maybe not going down. — Jamie Dimon, JPMorgan Chase CEO Tensions in East Asia escalated after incidents involving Chinese military activity and dangerous radar locks. Regional partners are stepping up deployments and defence projects amid concerns over Beijing’s behaviour. Microsoft unveiled a major push into India and Canada with multibillion-dollar AI and cloud investments to capture fast‑growing demand. The spending ramps up the race among hyperscalers to dominate global AI infrastructure. IBM’s planned acquisition of Confluent marks a big strategic bet on real‑time data streaming to power AI workloads. Investors rewarded the deal with a sharp move in both stocks. Exxon raised its 2030 cash‑flow outlook and shares jumped, even as the company cuts planned low‑carbon investment by a third. The moves underline oil majors’ repositioning as they balance returns with energy transition commitments. Brookfield and Qatar announced a $20 billion joint venture to build AI infrastructure, signaling sovereign wealth’s deepening role in hyperscaler supply chains. The deal underscores Gulf capital’s appetite to fund large-scale datacenter and GPU projects. Air Transat cancelled and suspended flights as pilot strike deadlines loomed, disrupting travel ahead of the holiday season. The airline set contingency measures to repatriate passengers while talks continue. Federal courts struck down parts of the administration’s wind‑energy restrictions, a significant legal defeat for the White House’s environmental policy. Judges ruled the executive action unlawful, restoring momentum for renewable projects. U.S. prosecutors continue an aggressive enforcement push against attempted Nvidia chip smuggling even as export rules shift. Recent detentions and charges underline the complexity of policing high‑value tech flows. The White House unveiled a multibillion farm aid package to blunt damage from tariff-driven trade shocks while signalling tougher trade measures ahead. The move highlights political pressure to shield vulnerable sectors from policy fallout. 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Humanoid robots line up to greet visitors at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai on July 7. (CHEN YUYU/FOR CHINA DAILY) Political advisers in Shanghai have suggested advancing the industrialization of humanoid robotics in the city, leveraging its strengths in artificial intelligence and robotics. They said Shanghai is well-positioned to lead the large-scale application of humanoid robots in China. Addressing the current challenges the industry is facing in the metropolis, including a lack of core components and reliance on imported key functional parts, members of the Shanghai Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference proposed nurturing a high-end industrial chain and supporting collaboration among industry, academia and research institutions to achieve joint technological breakthroughs. The advisers submitted proposals related to the humanoid robotics industry during the ongoing annual sessions of the city's legislative and political advisory bodies, which will run through Saturday. Industry insiders have highlighted the potential significance of humanoid robots in various sectors, including manufacturing, hazardous environments, healthcare, elderly care services and underwater scientific research. For instance, in industrial settings, such robots could enhance work efficiency, particularly in enterprises requiring repetitive tasks with high precision. The robots could function as a tool for doctors in performing precision surgeries, and key parts such as robotic arms could serve as prosthetics, enabling individuals with disabilities to return to normal life and work. In October 2023, Shanghai set a goal to establish itself as a globally influential hub for robotics innovation. The initiative includes creating 10 top-tier robot brands, showcasing 100 bench mark scenarios for robot applications and expanding the value of related industries to 100 billion yuan ($13.63 billion) in the coming years. Political advisers from the Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce suggested accelerating research and development in areas such as motors, drivers, sensors and main controller chips for humanoid robots. Another proposal, submitted by advisers from the Shanghai Association for Science and Technology, emphasized the need to bridge gaps in precision, life span and reliability between domestic products and their overseas counterparts. "Local research has made certain advances in motion control processing, environmental perception and decision-making algorithms for human-computer interaction, but further progress is needed to meet diverse needs. Additionally, the intelligence level of machine vision learning models requires improvement," the advisers wrote in a collective proposal. They also recommended that multiple enterprises share resources and establish a data bank containing information on robot actions and knowledge. By building a joint computing power center and developing multimodal large models, enterprises could reduce R&D costs, they suggested. A joint proposal by 12 political advisers highlighted the importance of verifying the characteristics, feasibility and economic value of humanoid robots in various scenarios and creating a detailed list of areas where such robots could have a significant impact. Enterprises could then develop their core technologies accordingly. The advisers outlined a commercialization path for humanoid robots, starting with niche applications and gradually expanding to mass markets. "After being deployed in specific application scenarios, the robots can transition to semi-open environments such as warehousing, retail and catering, performing semi-automated tasks like carrying and distributing items," said Zhang Jianhua, one of the political advisers involved in drafting the proposal. "For the next phase, the robots will be promoted to provide services such as housekeeping support and health management in settings like homes, offices, elderly care facilities and hotels. Eventually, they will be more widely used in daily life and workplaces," said Zhang, who is also vice-president of Shanghai University.

news Alerts There are no new alerts at this time In Detroit, entrepreneur Art Cartwright’s humanoid robot went viral after it was captured on video along a busy street. The attention comes as humanoid robot companies attempt to publicize their robots as the next frontier for the robotics industry in Detroit and across the country. NBC News’ Maggie Vespa has a closer look.Aug. 2, 2025 © 2025 NBCUniversal Media, LLC

China's top economic-planning body, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), issued a rare warning earlier today about the emergence of bubble conditions in the country's humanoid robotics industry. This warning comes just as Elon Musk is planning to scale production of the Tesla Optimus robot next year. Bloomberg cites comments from NDRC spokeswoman Li Chao, who warned that more than 150 companies and startups are developing nearly identical robots, creating the risk of a classic investment bubble that could trigger a bust cycle and stifle real innovation. "Frontier industries have long grappled with the challenge of balancing the speed of growth against the risk of bubbles, an issue now confronting the humanoid robot sector as well," Li warned. Humanoid robotics has exploded in popularity since Unitree's robot dog with a flamethrower attachment. We've purchased one from an importer (minus flamethrower attachment) to see what all the excitement is about… Taking a look at the Solactive China Humanoid Robotics Index - a thematic equity index tracking Chinese companies involved in the commercialization of humanoid and robotics technologies - is up 28.5% year to date and doubled from 2024 lows. Related: Goldman Finds "Inflection Point" With Humanoid Robots; We Tested Unitree's Robodog Goldman's Chat With Top Robotics Firm Reveals Skynet Humanoid Timeline China Humanoid Robotics Index Jumps After Unitree Debuts "Stellar Hunter" Latest reports: Humanoid Robot Roundup: Tesla Kicks Off Optimus Pilot Production As Goldman Tours China's Supply Chain Humanoid Robot Roundup: Auto Industry Poised To Lead First Wave Of Adoption Citi forecasts the humanoid robot industry could reach $7 trillion by 2050, although mass adoption remains a 2030s story. Assistance and Requests: Contact Us Tips: tips@zerohedge.com General: info@zerohedge.com Legal: legal@zerohedge.com Advertising: Contact Us Abuse/Complaints: abuse@zerohedge.com Make sure to read our "How To [Read/Tip Off] Zero Hedge Without Attracting The Interest Of [Human Resources/The Treasury/Black Helicopters]" Guide It would be very wise of you to study our privacy policy and our (non)policy on conflicts / full disclosure.Here's our Cookie Policy. How to report offensive comments Notice on Racial Discrimination.

BEIJING, Aug. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Noetix Robotics, a fast-growing humanoid robotics company headquartered in Beijing, achieved outstanding results at the Global Humanoid Robotics Games, earning two gold medals and one silver to place third overall on the medal table. Competing with its humanoid robots N2 and the newly launched E1 across nine categories, Noetix demonstrated both athletic excellence and technological innovation, marking a major milestone in its mission to make humanoid robots part of everyday life. Noetix Robotics N2 won the floor exercise championship at the Global Humanoid Robotics Games “Our success at this year’s Games reflects the progress we have made and the path we are committed to,” said Zheyuan Jiang, Chairman of Noetix Robotics. “Humanoid robots are more than an engineering breakthrough. They are a bridge between technology and human life. At Noetix, we are focused on moving robots beyond the laboratory and into everyday settings, where they can become trusted companions and assistants.” Beijing has become a leading hub for robotics, fueled by strong policy support and steady investment in core technologies and the supply chain. The city has fostered a vibrant ecosystem of robotics companies with backing in talent, funding, and facilities. Noetix Robotics has also benefited from substantial support from the Beijing government, including talent policies, workspace, and investment incentives. By hosting the Global Humanoid Robotics Games, Beijing created a fair international stage for competition, pushing technical progress and sparking public interest in embodied intelligence. All three top medal-winning teams this year were backed by the Beijing Robotics Industry Development Fund, highlighting the city’s strategic commitment to the field. Noetix Robotics was among the companies with the broadest participation, entering nine different events including the 100 meters, 400 meters, 1,500 meters, 4×100-meter relay, 100-meter hurdles, high jump, standing long jump, floor exercise, and solo dance. The company competed with two humanoid robots, the compact N2 and the new E1, which together showcased versatility, agility and innovation in both athletic and artistic arenas. The N2 features 18 degrees of freedom, a lightweight design, one to two hours of battery life, and a maximum running speed of 3.2 meters per second. Powered by self-developed motion control algorithms, it can adapt to complex terrain and perform advanced movements such as flips, sprinting, and dancing. It has gained recognition for its strong performance-to-cost ratio and is widely used in education, research, and dynamic demonstrations. The E1, an advanced bipedal humanoid, stands 1.36 meters tall with 21 degrees of freedom, extended arms, waist flexibility, and modular expansion. It walks at 1.2 meters per second with one to two hours of endurance. Powered by multi-modal AI, the E1 synchronizes speech, facial expressions, and body movements with low-latency response, enabling multilingual interaction and emotional expression. Its 48V low-power system supports memory, personality development, and immersive engagement while allowing customizable appearance and persona. With modular options such as dexterous hands and advanced arms, the E1 is one of the most versatile humanoid robots in its class. On the field, Noetix Robotics claimed two golds and a silver, showcasing both athletic skill and cultural flair. The E1 took gold in the standing long jump with a 1.25-meter leap, while the N2 dazzled in floor exercise, scoring 41.60 points with a series of jumps and flips, higher than the combined totals of all other competitors. The silver came in solo dance, where Noetix and the Beijing Dance Academy performed Yingge, a traditional folk dance from China’s Chaozhou-Shantou region. Blending culture with technology, the routine earned 95.30 points, just 0.1 short of gold. Looking ahead, Noetix Robotics aims to make humanoid robots part of daily life, serving as companions, helpers, and household assistants. The company plans to further enhancing their athletic and functional abilities, moving them from labs and competitions into real-world applications that enrich everyday living. About Noetix Robotics Founded in September 2023 in Beijing, Noetix Robotics focuses on developing and manufacturing humanoid robots. The company has built proprietary servo motors and motion control algorithms that enable highly integrated and intelligent systems. Its technologies power fast bipedal running, natural interaction, and advanced manipulation. Noetix is committed to creating the next generation of humanoid robots for household services, eldercare, education, companionship, and research, with the mission of making robots a practical part of daily life. Noetix Robotics E1 participated in the 1500M running competition at the 2025 World Humanoid Robot Games ​ Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Comment * Name * Email * Website Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Copyright © 2024 Money Compass Media (M) Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved Login to your account below Remember Me Please enter your username or email address to reset your password. Copyright © 2024 Money Compass Media (M) Sdn Bhd. All Rights Reserved

Humanoids of Unitree Robotics at the World Robot Conference in Beijing in August. (CHINA DAILY) When I recently visited Unitree Robotics, a cutting-edge Chinese humanoid robot company in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, I decided to test their creation in a unique way. I volunteered for an experiment — having both the robot and myself standing side by side and pushed over, in order to see who would recover their balance more quickly. To make things even more challenging, I requested to be blindfolded, ensuring I couldn't anticipate the push. The result blew my mind. While I stumbled several steps, struggling to regain my balance, the humanoid robot barely moved, staying almost in place. The level of advancement in Chinese humanoid robotics has been far beyond what I anticipated. Earlier this month, Unitree offered an update on their engineering, showcasing their humanoid robots sauntering down a boardwalk, making their way across uneven terrain and catching up with a human jogger. The company even claimed that the latest robot was "the most agile" humanoid robot so far. Robots are often referred to as the "crown jewel of manufacturing", with humanoid robots considered the pinnacle of achievement in the field. Achieving this level of sophistication means that humanoid robots are becoming more humanlike — and, in some ways, even surpassing human abilities. This evolution holds significant implications, as humanoid robots are expected to play increasingly critical roles in areas like disaster rescue, industrial inspections and high-risk environments that are too dangerous or inaccessible for humans. More importantly, Chinese robotics makers are mass-producing them and make them cheap for common consumers. Unitree G1, priced at 99,000 yuan ($13,600), was released in May. Described as a "humanoid intelligent entity and AI avatar", the G1 is 127 centimeters tall and weighs around 35 kilograms. What sets the Unitree G1 apart is its price point. In comparison, Tesla's Optimus is projected to have a price of $25,000, making Unitree's offering significantly more cost-effective. This pricing strategy could accelerate the adoption of humanoid robots across various industries in China. According to the company, the humanoid robot, priced at 99,000 yuan, which is considered very reasonable, can simulate human hand movements with remarkable precision, making it one of the most affordable options in the market. In addition to the humanoid robots, Unitree also offers the Go2 robotic dog, starting at 9,997 yuan, along with various accessories. The Go2 series has been well-received for its versatility and affordability, making it a popular choice among tech enthusiasts. Rick Xiong, general manager of the Beijing Embodied Intelligence Robotics Innovation Center, said: "These combined efforts will shape the future in our favor. Chinese robot companies have the right timing, the right place and the right people to accelerate the humanoid robot push." Xiong said that leading Western countries have witnessed deep-pocketed industry giants dominating the robot landscape, whereas China is characterized by a proliferation of small to medium-sized enterprises striving to navigate the competitive terrain of humanoid robots. He also said that the rise of artificial intelligence large language models, exemplified by technologies like ChatGPT, has been a game-changer in the robotics industry. Advisers foresee Shanghai as humanoid robotics hub

SHANGHAI, Oct. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Recently, the XMAN-R1, a humanoid embodied service robot developed by Keenon Robotics – a global leader in general-purpose and special-purpose embodied humanoid robots – has been officially deployed at the Shangri-La Traders Hotel, Shanghai Hongqiao Airport. The hotel has not only become one staffed by humanoid robot servers but also establishes the world’s first smart scenario model demonstrating collaborative operations between “General-Purpose + Special-Purpose” robots. Keenon’s integrated robot matrix has been fully integrated into the hotel’s operations, covering diverse scenarios such as front desk greetings, room cleaning, food and item delivery, and luggage handling. The newly opened Shangri-La Traders Hotel, Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, part of the Shangri-La Group portfolio, aims to create a benchmark for a new generation of business hotels combining efficiency and enjoyment. Facing challenges like high service demand and the critical need for consistent service quality, the hotel management sought technological innovation to optimize human resource allocation, strengthen service standardization, and create a unique stay experience for guests. In this partnership, Keenon’s humanoid service robot XMAN-R1 assumes the role of a greeter. Through natural language interaction and anthropomorphic actions, it can proactively greet arriving guests, engage in intelligent Q&A interactions, and present a welcome gift to each guest. Its smooth and natural service performance creates a highly technological and immersive experience for guests. Keenon’s special-purpose robots also perform their respective duties diligently: the delivery robot W3 handles in-room deliveries; the high-payload transport robot S100 manages luggage; the cleaning robot C40 takes care of hotel cleaning; and food delivery within the hotel restaurant is handled by Keenon’s T10 and T3 robots. The XMAN-R1 is Keenon’s humanoid service robot, developed based on vast amounts of real-world scenario data and designed with the philosophy of “Role-Oriented, User-Friendly, and Safety-First,” enabling it to seamlessly adapt to the service industry scenarios Keenon has deeply cultivated for years. The core driving force behind it is the company’s self-developed KOM2.0, the world’s first Vision-Language-Action (VLA) model for the service industry, which forms the foundation of the robot’s general intelligence. The vertically-optimized model for specific domains like hotels, KEENON ProS, acts like comprehensive “vocational training,” equipping the robot with professional job skills. Keenon’s proposed concept of “Robot Role-Orientation” involves deconstructing commercial service scenarios into independent work modules, where each module corresponds to a single, standardized role with clearly defined boundaries and responsibilities, establishing a precise “Robot-to-Role” correspondence. This approach is expected to accelerate the commercial application of embodied humanoid robots. As a pioneer with 15 years of deep cultivation in the service robotics field, Keenon Robotics has successfully deployed its embodied robot solutions in over 60 countries and regions worldwide, with cumulative deployments exceeding 100,000 units. Addressing the unique challenges of the service industry – characterized by non-standardization, high dynamism, and strong interaction – Keenon’s strategy of synergistic advancement between “General-Purpose” and “Special-Purpose” robots will faster promote the broader commercial adoption of embodied intelligence. Humanoid robots, with their anthropomorphic form, demonstrate innate advantages in environmental adaptation, intent understanding, and complex task execution; while special-purpose robots for delivery, cleaning, etc., achieve superior operational efficiency in their respective roles. The successful deployment of this Keenon general-purpose and special-purpose robot portfolio at the Shangri-La Traders Hotel, Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, not only embodies the concentration of Keenon’s years of commercial scenario data accumulation and technological development but also signifies that embodied intelligence is now practically enhancing hotel operational quality and guest stay experiences in a more efficient and convenient manner, providing a highly valuable practical reference model for the industry’s intelligent upgrade. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/keenon-humanoid-robot-joins-hotel-workforce-pioneering-worlds-first-general-purpose–special-purpose-robot-collaboration-model-302599869.html SOURCE KEENON Robotics ​ Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Comment * Name * Email * Website Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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Key Highlights: AGIBOT has officially rolled out its 5,000th mass-produced humanoid robot, marking a major milestone for the company and the broader robotics industry. The achievement reflects years of work in solving key challenges related to robot stability, reliability, and durability. According to Mr. Zhihui Peng, Co-Founder, President, and CTO, the company remains committed to listening to industry partners and delivering practical, general-purpose robots that can be deployed across real-world scenarios. The 5,000 units include a diverse product portfolio: AGIBOT’s humanoid robots are being used commercially in eight major applications, including guided reception, exhibition services, entertainment, intelligent manufacturing, logistics sorting, security inspection, commercial cleaning, data-collection training, and scientific research. These deployments demonstrate how embodied AI can support industrial upgrades, reshape service workflows, and accelerate digital transformation across multiple sectors. The widespread adoption of AGIBOT robots also shows growing global demand for practical humanoid solutions that can integrate into existing business operations. In a separate milestone for the company, the AgiBot A2 humanoid robot has officially entered the Guinness World Records after completing a 66-mile (106 km) walk over three days. The robot began its journey in Suzhou on the evening of November 10, 2025, and arrived at Shanghai’s Bund waterfront on November 13. The route covered highways, city streets, and various terrains, with the robot following traffic rules throughout the trek. Standing 5 feet 6 inches tall, the A2 model is designed for customer service roles and is equipped with chat interaction features and advanced lip-reading technology. Videos of the walk show the robot navigating alongside cyclists, scooters, and busy urban environments. China’s rapid expansion in humanoid robotics is being driven by major government deployments, rising investment, and growing adoption across non-tech industries. Large contracts are putting humanoid robots to work in border control, logistics, and public-service roles, while new funding is accelerating robots with advanced sensing for delicate, human-like tasks. Automakers are entering the field with plans for prototypes and in-vehicle robots, signaling that robotics is becoming a core industrial priority. National tech fairs are drawing big crowds with agile, performance-ready humanoids, reflecting expanding commercial and consumer interest. With production costs falling and manufacturers preparing massive output increases, China is shifting from experimental showcases to true large-scale deployment, positioning itself as the fastest-moving force in the global humanoid robotics race. Read More: (via)

BEIJING: UBTech Robotics said it has secured a US$37 million (S$48 million) contract to supply its latest humanoid robots for a trial project with a humanoid robotics testing centre based near China’s border with Vietnam. The Shenzhen-based firm said the deal was made with a testing centre focused on trying out how the humanoid robots could be used in border management, which could help in guiding travellers and managing crowds, as well as handling logistics or patrolling factories, as reported by AFP. The trial will rely mainly on the newest version of UBTech’s Walker robots, which can change their own batteries. Deliveries are expected to begin in December. The company did not say whether the robots would run on artificial intelligence or be operated remotely. China has been encouraging local companies to develop humanoids as it aims to lead the global robotics market. A report by consulting firm Leaderobot in April estimated that China’s humanoid robotics sector could reach RMB82 billion by 2025, making up about half of global sales. Several Chinese firms have been trying to show what humanoids can do. Earlier this month, a robot from Shanghai-based AgiBot set a Guinness World Record after walking 100 kilometres over three days. Beijing also hosted what it called the world’s first-ever humanoid robot games in August, featuring more than 500 machines competing in basketball as well as competitive cleaning. Still, large-scale real-life use has been elusive. Goldman Sachs recently warned that the industry could face overcapacity as production grows faster than actual demand. UBTech said its Walker series recorded RMB1.1 billion in sales so far this year. Addressing concerns of overcapacity, UBTech executive Tan Min told local media that orders they received were higher than what the company had publicly shared. /TISG Read also: ‘Not caused by ChatGPT’: OpenAI says chatbot urged California teen to seek help over 100 times Hot this week Popular Categories The Independent SG © The Independent Singapore

Written by 36Kr English Published on 15 Sep 2025 7 mins read Since the end of the World Humanoid Robot Games, Unix AI’s customer hotline has been ringing nonstop. “In the second week after the competition, more than a dozen hotel clients came to visit us,” said Yang Fengyu, founder and CEO of Unix AI. Earlier in August, Unix AI won two gold medals and one silver in the hotel cleaning and guest reception categories of the international event. That success quickly drew the attention of hotels, retirement homes, and other operators exploring service robotics. Both competitions tested robots on generalization, dexterity, and speed. The cleaning task required collecting scattered items in a room as quickly as possible. The reception task involved taking a guest’s suitcase and delivering it to a designated endpoint. Unix AI’s strong performance reflected accumulated experience. Its robots were already deployed in “quasi-consumer” cleaning scenarios, particularly in hotels, where they learned on the job while gathering data. In hotel rooms, they clean, tidy, and remove trash. While still slower than human staff, the relatively high tolerance for error in these settings allows them to work behind closed doors at their own pace, Yang said. He believes the skills honed in such environments will eventually transfer to households, restaurants, cafes, and even fast-food outlets. The company is already in the early stages of small-scale deliveries, with contracts signed with hotel groups, property managers, and retirement communities. Unlike other robotics startups, Unix AI has not pursued the increasingly popular end-to-end VLA (vision-language-action) approach, citing limited training data. Instead, it breaks down tasks into key points and trajectories, then applies imitation learning. With only a small number of demonstrations, its robots can master new movements. Once deployed in real-world settings, they continue to refine themselves through a self-reinforcing data flywheel. Yang, born in 2000, studied computer science at the University of Michigan and later began a PhD in the same field at Yale University before pausing his studies in 2024 to establish Unix AI. “Over the past two decades, hardware has been dominated by Chinese companies,” Yang said. “With China’s supply chain and market advantages, I saw an opening.” During his conversation with 36Kr, Yang also shared updates on the company’s yet-to-be-released third generation of its humanoid robot, Wanda. The following transcript has been edited and consolidated for brevity and clarity. Yang Fengyu (YF): As soon as the competition ended, our hotline was flooded. In the second week alone, more than ten hotel clients visited our facilities. Although our work-oriented events didn’t draw much attention onsite—we didn’t even make it onto the big screen—the results generated interest among potential clients. The preparation also improved our robots’ capabilities. For example, the reception event required robots to lift a suitcase onto a luggage cart and then push it to a designated spot. The challenge was that the pulling direction didn’t always align with the robot’s forward motion, creating multiple hardware issues. We spent more than a month iterating on hardware before the task was removed, but the process made our robots stronger. YF: Hotel cleaning is what we consider a “quasi-consumer” skill. Once robots master cleaning, tidying, and trash collection in hotels, those atomic actions can be transferred to homes, restaurants, or retirement facilities. Hotels also generate valuable data. Unlike industrial sites, which restrict access for confidentiality reasons, hotels allow us to feed cleaning data back into our models. They also offer higher tolerance for mistakes, since robots often work behind closed doors with less human interaction risk. YF: Exactly. The cleaning competition simulated a hotel room where robots had to pick up scattered bottles and boxes, which our robots already handled well. They can also take on more complex tasks, such as removing trash bags, making beds, or cleaning bathrooms. YF: We’re taking reference from Tesla. First, deploy enough robots in real-world scenarios. Then use a data flywheel to build scale. This lowers the training threshold. We don’t even need algorithm engineers. Deployment engineers can manage it. Just as scaling laws in large language models show how data quantity drives breakthroughs, I believe embodied intelligence can achieve the same. But it depends on how you scale. Data diversity is more important than volume. I’d rather have one billion naturally distributed data points than a curated handful. The only way to gather natural data is through real-world deployment, not staged collection. Scale is equally critical. In multimodal AI, training requires data in the billions. In autonomous driving, even with clean data, you need at least hundreds of thousands of cars to approach Level 4 performance. Robotics will need a comparable scale. Without tens of thousands of robots in the field, you can’t build a robust model. YF: Closing a door is inherently difficult as it involves hinges, body angles, and handle manipulation. At the venue, we discovered the door was a meter wide, larger than the 75–80 centimeters we had trained for, which broke our dual-arm closing strategy. That night, we used virtual reality (VR) equipment to capture new data and retrained the skill. The next morning, we were first up, with no chance for further adjustments. Fortunately, we succeeded. Our imitation learning platform, UniFlex, was crucial. It can learn a new task from just five to ten demonstrations. YF: It’s a perception-operation decoupled model based on key-point imitation learning. We break actions into key points and motion trajectories and learn them in topological space. It’s related to approaches like DMP (dynamic movement primitives) and VMP (variational movement primitives), which are less discussed today but are seeing a resurgence with large models. With just a few demonstrations, a robot can generalize to similar tasks, such as closing different doors even when the handle’s design or position changes slightly. YF: In the long run, I believe in the VLA approach. But for now, with limited robot data, end-to-end VLA isn’t practical. YF: Tactile sensing is crucial. Our UniTouch system fuses vision and tactile data to improve material recognition and contact feedback, enabling more humanlike handling. Unlike VTLA, which compresses multiple modalities into a latent vector, we integrate tactile signals directly into our key-point framework. This enables robots to “imagine” how an object should feel based solely on visual input. YF: Not yet. The challenge is balancing density, durability, and cost. A single high-precision tactile sensor for one finger costs RMB 6,000–8,000 (USD 840–1,120), wears out quickly, and makes grippers bulkier. The cost-benefit ratio isn’t there yet. YF: This year marks the beginning of mass production in robotics. Hardware stability is paramount. YF: Three reasons. First, suppliers are too slow, while in-house development gives us control. Supplier solutions also create black boxes, complicating debugging. Second, cutting out middlemen reduces costs. Instead of buying a harmonic reducer for RMB 1,000–2,000 (USD 140–280), we use our own design, which is cheaper even for an entire joint. That’s why we can price our second-generation Wanda robot at RMB 88,000 (USD 12,300) and still maintain healthy margins. Third, data consistency. If hardware isn’t made in-house, data from different robot generations may be incompatible, rendering models useless. The hardest part is supply chain stability and quality control, which we’ve been focused on all year. YF: The third generation is designed purely for work. It’s less humanlike in appearance but more powerful, with omnidirectional wheels, higher load capacity, and better height control. But the unit we showcased was still experimental. It was fresh from assembly when we sent it to the World Robot Conference and then the games. Its algorithms weren’t fully tested, but the results were promising. The second-generation Wanda is stable, already in mass production, and served as our backup. YF: Being born after 2000 doesn’t mean much to me. What matters is that young entrepreneurs in embodied intelligence aren’t bound by old ways of thinking. I come from a technical background. I write code myself, so I know what works and what doesn’t. This is a technology-driven field, and young people are the driving force. YF: I’ve always wanted to start a company. I also studied finance and business. My PhD advisor is also an entrepreneur, and he encouraged me. In academia, you often create problems to solve problems. I prefer tackling real-world issues. Over the past two decades, hardware has been dominated by Chinese companies. With China’s supply chain and market advantages, I saw an opening. YF: It’s about complementarity. A group of veterans working together will still follow veteran playbooks. We bring energy and sensitivity to the frontier of technology. The veterans bring industry experience and resources. Together, the combination creates powerful chemistry. KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This article was written by Fu Chong for 36Kr. Loading... Subscribe to our newsletters KrASIA A digital media company reporting on China's tech and business pulse.

School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, University of Leicester Daniel Zhou Hao receives funding from UK Space Agency, European Space Agency, and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) UK. University of Leicester provides funding as a member of The Conversation UK. View all partners https://doi.org/10.64628/AB.w77wr59us Share article Print article Humanoid robots have long been a staple of science fiction, but there is now real progress being made. A range of new models made by or backed by the likes of Boston Dynamics, Tesla and OpenAI are able to walk and move like humans, as well as perform feats of agility and dexterity. But it’s the ability to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into these humanoid robots that could truly allow them to make the leap into everyday life. AI-enabled “brains” could help dramatically improve the ways that humanoid robots interact with humans and the outside world. This would give humanoid robots their “iPhone moment”, meaning they break through into the market in a big way. Large language models, the technology behind AI chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, have shown they are good at learning from the vast amounts of data they are fed with and are good at selecting the right information and using it to reason with. They are the key to something called “embodied intelligence”. Embodied intelligence refers to the integration of cognitive processes with physical actions, a bit like how our brains control our limbs. The aim of embodied intelligence is to enable robots to interact with the world in a similar manner to humans. This concept relies on large language models and visual AI systems to help computers make sense of objects in videos and pictures. It establishes a machine logic about the relationships between the observer and the objects, and helps the robot understand how interactions could happen between them. LLMs alone wouldn’t be acting as the robot’s “brain” necessarily, but the technology could help improve how they generally interact with the world. A good example is an AI system built by Google called PaLM-E. Engineers behind the development of PaLM-E trained it to directly ingest raw streams of robot sensor data. The resulting AI system allowed the robot to learn very effectively. This field is advancing so quickly that by the time I finish writing this article, a new, innovative AI model or paradigm may be released. Advancements such as PaLM-E infuse humanoids with visual-spatial intelligence, allowing them to make sense of our world without requiring extensive programming. The potential applications of humanoid robots are vast and varied. Early modern research in humanoid robotics focused on developing robots to operate in extreme environments that are dangerous and difficult for human operators to access. These include Nasa’s Valkyrie robot, designed for space exploration. However, we will probably first see commercial humanoid robots deployed in controlled environments such as manufacturing. Robots such as Tesla’s Optimus could revolutionise manufacturing and logistics by performing tasks that require precision and endurance. They could work alongside human employees, enhancing productivity and safety. For example, in a factory, Optimus could handle hazardous materials, perform quality control inspections, and assist in assembly processes. The new Boston Dynamics Atlas2, announced a few months ago, already demonstrates some use cases for use in factories, such as lifting and storing heavy components. Beyond industrial applications, humanoid robots could also find a place in households. Imagine a future where Optimus helps with daily chores, such as cleaning, cooking, and even caring for the elderly. Earlier this year, Stanford University’s Aloha robot went viral on the internet for demonstrating its ability to make Chinese food, load dishes into a dishwasher, prepare beds, and put laundry into the wardrobe on its own. Eventually, we may see humanoids deployed in more professional areas such as hospitals for care roles or in public security, requiring professional domain knowledge and high public acceptance. While the technological potential of humanoid robots is undeniable, the market viability of such products remains uncertain. Several factors will influence their acceptance and success, including cost, reliability, and public perception. Historically, the adoption of new technologies often faces hurdles related to consumer trust and affordability. For Tesla’s Optimus to succeed commercially, it must not only prove its technical capabilities but also demonstrate tangible benefits that outweigh its costs. There are ethical considerations too. For instance, who has access to all the data collected by the robot as they interact with humans, sometimes in what could be deeply private moments? There is also the potential for humanoid robots to displace jobs, such as in the elderly care sector where they could have a key role. These ethical factors will play a critical role in shaping public opinion and regulatory frameworks. Science fiction author Isaac Asimov drafted Three Laws of Robotics for humans to interact with robots effectively. In abridged form, they stipulate that a robot may not injure a human being, that a robot must obey orders given it by human beings and that a robot must protect its own existence as long this doesn’t clash with the first or second law. These laws may still be relevant, as current debates extend beyond just humanoid robots to include any high-level autonomous systems that could pose societal risks and cybersecurity issues. But it’s important to remember that current AI is still far from the real intelligence we are familiar with, so the scenarios depicted in movies like AI: Artificial Intelligence, directed by Steven Spielberg, or I, Robot, starring Will Smith, are unlikely to happen anytime soon. We need experts from various fields, including robotics, ethics and economics, to weigh in on the development of humanoid robots. Their insights will be crucial in navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the technology. As we stand on the brink of this new technological frontier, it is essential to consider not only what is possible but also what is desirable for our collective future. Meanwhile, as I watch my garden’s grass grow steadily upwards, all I can think about is having a humanoid robot trim it – after it has made me a relaxing cup of tea. Copyright © 2010–2025, The Conversation Media Group Ltd

ByBernard Marr, Contributor. Walking, talking humanoid robots that were once firmly the domain of science fiction are on their way. In fact, a Morgan Stanley report recently predicted that 13 million human robots will be among us by 2035, rising to one billion by 2050. But we probably won’t have to wait even 10 years to see one. In fact, what could be considered the first wave of truly useful, human-like machines is already here. Recent years have seen a number of prototypes and production models stepping out of the robotics labs of some of the world’s leading AI companies and into the world. In many ways, they are all very different from each other. However, they all embody the core concept of a machine that mimics our own anatomical design in order to carry out physical tasks that previously only humans could do. So in this piece, I’ll take a look at some of the advanced, useful, impressive and sometimes scary humanoid robots that are already among us today (or at least, will be soon). Manufacturer: Tesla Height: Approx 1.73 meters (5ft 8in) Weight: 57kg (125 lbs) Cost: Projected around $20,000 to $30,000 when produced at scale Probably the most famous of the current batch of humanoid robots. Most of the things Elon Musk does receive media attention, including his claim that he expects this robot to be more important to the company than its cars in the future. The Generation 2 model was announced in 2023 and is said to have successfully carried out tasks in Tesla factories. The robot is reportedly built around the same end-to-end automation framework as the cars, with different elements like motors, battery systems, AI and navigation networked in the same way. The main differentiators are its tactile hands and human-like motion. Optimus has been shown picking up eggs, dancing, serving drinks, performing household chores, and playing Rock Paper Scissors with Kim Kardashian. However, there has been criticism that some of Optimus’s actions and speech during public demonstrations appear to be assisted by humans via telepresence (remote control) rather than truly AI-driven behavior. Manufacturer: Boston Dynamics Height: Approx 1.5 meters (4ft 11in) Weight: 80kg Cost: Unknown – not commercially available This is the name currently being used for what will be the newest model in the Atlas series. Since 2013, videos of Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robots, most recently Atlas HD, have amazed and amused YouTube audiences, where it has been seen sprinting, flipping, dancing and often falling over in amusing ways. Unlike previous models, the All-New Atlas is fully electric rather than powered by hydraulics. The switch-over will make the robots lighter and more damage-resistant, with more precise control over their movements. See highlights of the previous Atlas models here and meet the All-New Atlas here. Manufacturer: 1X Technologies Height: 1.65m (5ft 3in) Weight: 30kg (66lbs) Cost: Expected price $20,000 - $30,000 Neo Gamma is a domestic robot capable of carrying out chores like vacuum cleaning, laundry folding, and loading dishwashers, according to videos released by the OpenAI-backed US/Norwegian manufacturer. Rather than being armored in hard plastic or steel, Neo Gamma’s “skin” is crafted from a cushiony nylon fabric, designed to both look more comfortable at home and enhance safety. A previous model, Neo Beta, was capable of running at 7 mph, although there’s no detail yet about how that might change with the Gamma. Its mechanical framework is built around tendon-driven actuators designed to give the humanoid a realistic range of motions and movements. And it can also engage in human-like conversations thanks to its custom LLM. You can see a promotional video created by 1X to announce the arrival of Neo Gamma here. Manufacturer: Fourier Intelligence Height: 1.75m (5ft 7in) Weight: 63kg (139lbs) Cost: Not publicly known, but previous GR-1 models were reportedly priced at $149,000 Touted as “the world’s first mass-produced humanoid robot”, GR-2’s hands are said to be twice as dexterous as those found on its predecessor, the GR-1. Currently, Fourier’s humanoids are largely used in academic and industrial settings, but trials are taking place to assess their use in domestic and caregiving settings, too. The GR-2 can walk at up to 5 mph and excels at handling objects in a tactile way, being capable of adjusting its grip in real time to suit different tasks and objects. See GR-2 in action here, and this video explores some of the ways that GR-2 has improved on GR-1. Manufacturer: Unitree Height: 1.78m (5ft 10in) Weight: 47kg (104 lbs) Cost: From $16,000 In 2024, H1 took the Guinness World Record for the fastest running speed achieved by an electric (non-hydraulic) bipedal humanoid robot, of 7.38 mph. This Chinese-designed humanoid has a 360-degree perception of its environment thanks to LiDAR sensors and is able to walk, run and perform backflips using electric actuators alone. It is built on open-source technology in order to make it accessible to a wider range of businesses with limited budgets. In one video, it’s also seen opening bottles of Coke, frying food in a pan, operating a hammer and soldering iron, and folding itself up into a package small enough to be carried. Manufacturer: Figure AI Height: Approx 1.68 meters (5ft 6in) Weight: 70kg (155 lbs) Cost: Not publicly disclosed, projected at around $150,000 F 02 could be considered the workhorse of the humanoid robot world, considering it has been successfully put to work at BMW’s Spartanburg, U.S. manufacturing plant. Working on production lines, it has been credited with achieving a 400% increase in speed of work over its predecessor model F 01. Other units have been shipped to undisclosed customers who have put them to work in warehouses and factories. In the industrial setting for which it’s designed, it can move safely among human workers, lifting large objects as well as carrying out precision tasks. Figure is powered by a proprietary AI model created for it by OpenAI, with Figure also receiving funding from OpenAI, Amazon, Microsoft, Nvidia and Intel. This video shows some clips of Figure 02 in action, as well as having a conversation. Manufacturer: Agility Robotics Height: Approx 1.75 meters (5ft 9in) Weight: 70kg (155 lbs) Cost: Not publicly disclosed This robot is specialized for factory work and, alongside the F 01 and F 02, is one of the few robots known to have been commercially sold and deployed. Use cases have focused on repetitive logistics tasks where it is capable of picking up and carrying objects, retrieving items from shelves and sorting into totes. Manufacturer: Sanctuary AI Height: Approx 1.7 meters (5ft 7in) Weight: 70kg (155 lbs) Cost: Not publicly disclosed What sets Phoenix apart from other industrial humanoids, such as F 02 and Digit, is its superior ability to learn new tasks. While training robots to complete physical tasks they haven’t attempted before is often a weeks-long process, Phoenix has been able to cut this down to just 24 hours. In addition to industrial settings, Phoenix has been commercially deployed in retail premises, where it was responsible for stocking shelves and packaging customer orders during its pilot tenure at a Canadian clothing store. Watch Phoenix become faster at performing repetitive human tasks here. Manufacturer: Apptronik Height: 1.73m (5ft 8in) Weight: 72kg (160lbs) Cost: Unknown This heavy-hitting industrial humanoid can lift 25k in its arms while navigating aisles and loading bays. It can palletize goods and has completed successful pilots with Mercedes-Benz as well as NASA, which has been backing the manufacturer since Apptronik took part in the DARPA Robotics Challenge in 2013. Apptronik itself was initially spun out of the University of Texas’s Human-Centered Robotics Lab, with the specific aim of advancing humanoid use in industry. Check out this short video introducing Apollo and some of the tasks it can carry out. Manufacturer: Booster Robotics Height: 1.2m (4ft) Weight: 30kg (66lbs) Cost: Currently sells for Euro 39,000 in France, and $47,685 in the U.S. Four teams of these robots, operated fully autonomously, competed in three-versus-three soccer matches in China. Four university teams competed in what is said to be the first fully autonomous championship featuring robots playing “human sports”. The robots are capable of working as a team to control the ball and score goals, and are capable of withstanding impacts from the ball or other players, and picking themselves up after falling. Viewers commented that pro footballers shouldn’t worry about their jobs yet and two players were “stretchered off” after becoming damaged. But it was still an exciting preview of what could be in store at the first World Humanoid Robot Games, which will also take place in China. You can see footage of the robot-versus-robot match here. As these remarkable machines continue to evolve, the line between science fiction and reality is disappearing fast. Whether they’re helping in factories, folding laundry, or playing football, humanoid robots are no longer just prototypes; they’re becoming co-workers, companions, and collaborators in our daily lives. The real question now is: how ready are we for them?

The first World Humanoid Robot Games are underway in China, with robots competing against each other in track and field, soccer, kickboxing and other events. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. Humanoid robots are racing, fighting and falling over in a first-of-its-kind World Humanoid Robot Games event held in China. The Olympics-style competition features more than 500 robots from 16 different countries going head-to-head in sports such as running, soccer and kickboxing. The event also features more niche competitions, including medicine sorting and handling materials for cleaning services, Reuters reported. An opening ceremony officially kicked off the games in Beijing on Thursday (Aug. 14), featuring robots dancing and playing musical instruments alongside human operators and companions. Robot athletes will now compete until the games come to a close on Sunday (Aug. 17). Faced with an ageing population and stiff U.S. tech competition, China is investing billions of dollars into robotics. The games are a testament to the strides engineers are making in the field. However, spectators have also seen their fair share of robots moving awkwardly and falling over. Human biology is very complicated, so building machines that can walk like us — let alone run and play sports — is difficult. For example, in robot soccer, participants didn't pass the ball to each other with Messi-like precision, but rather walked into the ball to clumsily knock it forward, occasionally stumbling over each other and having to be dragged off the pitch. The robots are also slower than humans. The fastest robot to have ever run 1,500 meters, for example, finished in 6 minutes and 34 seconds, which is almost twice as long as the human record, which stands at 3 minutes and 26 seconds, according to France 24. Related: China launches world's first robot that can run by itself 24/7 — watch it change its own batteries in unsettling new footage Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox. We've already seen humanoid robots compete in sporting events. For example, in June, China hosted what was billed as the world's first humanoid robot combat competition, which saw kickboxing robots awkwardly knock seven bells out of each other. Robot aficionados might also be familiar with robots playing soccer and robots running half-marathons. —Watch this robot 'cannibal' grow bigger and stronger by consuming smaller robots —Students build new 'hybrid drone' — watch it fly in the air and then seamlessly dive underwater —Watch this cute robot elephant go bowling — it's the first 3D-printed robot of its kind The new robot games bring together all of these sports and many more for the first time. They also provide engineers with an opportunity to test out their latest tech. "You can test a lot of interesting new and exciting approaches in this contest," Max Polter, a member of the HTWK Robots football team from Germany, told Reuters. "If we try something and it doesn't work, we lose the game. That's sad but it is better than investing a lot of money into a product which failed." Patrick Pester is the trending news writer at Live Science. His work has appeared on other science websites, such as BBC Science Focus and Scientific American. Patrick retrained as a journalist after spending his early career working in zoos and wildlife conservation. He was awarded the Master's Excellence Scholarship to study at Cardiff University where he completed a master's degree in international journalism. He also has a second master's degree in biodiversity, evolution and conservation in action from Middlesex University London. When he isn't writing news, Patrick investigates the sale of human remains. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name. Live Science is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site. © Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. Please login or signup to comment Please wait...

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All Rights Reserved, IE Media, Inc. China just signed a US$37m deal to put self-charging humanoid robots on its borders. China’s UBTech Robotics has secured a 264 million yuan (US$37 million) contract to deploy industrial-grade humanoid robots across border crossings in Guangxi, expanding the country’s push to apply robotics in public-facing and industrial environments. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in December. The agreement was signed with a humanoid robot centre in Fangchenggang, a coastal city bordering Vietnam. The deployment will involve UBTech’s Walker S2, a model launched in July and described as the world’s first humanoid robot capable of autonomously replacing its own battery. The initiative marks one of China’s largest real-world rollouts of humanoid systems in government operations. The details were first reported by the South China Morning Post (SCMP). Simultaneously, the company issued a brief public announcement on social media alongside news of its inclusion in the MSCI China Index. The pilot programme will deploy Walker S2 robots at border checkpoints to guide travellers, manage personnel flow, assist with patrol duties, handle logistics tasks, and support commercial services, the SCMP report said. In addition to immigration-related operations, the robots will also be used at manufacturing sites for steel, copper, and aluminium to conduct inspections. The deal reflects an acceleration in China’s broader effort to commercialise embodied AI. The robotics sector has received strong policy backing, and agencies across multiple provinces have begun incorporating robots into routine work. Similar deployments have also appeared in airports, government offices, and at major events. A China Central Television segment referenced by the SCMP reported that a related robot had been deployed at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport to answer passenger questions. During this year’s Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin, immigration authorities used a multilingual robot developed by Beijing-based iBen Intelligence. Police patrol robots have also been seen in cities such as Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Chengdu. While the deployment itself targets border and industrial applications, the Walker S2’s design is rooted in smart manufacturing and logistics. UBTech describes the robot as an industrial-grade humanoid built for high uptime and complex manipulation tasks. Standing at around 1.76 metres tall, the Walker S2 features a highly articulated body with 52 degrees of freedom, including fourth-generation dexterous hands with 11 degrees of freedom each. These enable sub-millimetre precision for tasks such as assembly and grasping. The robot can handle loads of up to 15 kilograms (33 pounds) per arm across a workspace stretching from ground level to 1.8 metres. High-torque joints in the waist enable deep squatting and stooping, supporting operations that require strength and flexibility. One of the robot’s most notable features is its autonomous hot-swappable dual-battery system. UBTech says the Walker S2 can replace its own depleted battery with a fully charged one in about three minutes, allowing nearly continuous 24-hour operation without manual intervention. For perception and decision-making, the system integrates UBTech’s BrainNet 2.0 and Co-Agent AI frameworks, which combine multimodal reasoning, task planning, and autonomous exception handling. The robot uses a pure RGB binocular stereo vision system that provides human-like depth perception, enabling it to adapt to dense and dynamic factory environments. Advanced dynamic balancing algorithms help maintain stability during bipedal movement, even when the robot carries heavy loads or moves at speeds of up to 7.2 km/h (2 m/s). UBTech said that cumulative orders for the Walker series have reached 1.1 billion yuan (US $115 million) since shipments began this month. The company aims to deliver 500 industrial humanoids by the end of the year and increase output tenfold next year, with a long-term target of producing 10,000 units annually by 2027. Chief branding officer Michael Tam said the company also intends to reduce manufacturing costs as production scales. The SCMP reported that China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has recently formalised its national humanoid robotics committee, an indication of the sector’s rapid development. UBTech’s technology chief, Xiong Youjun, Unitree founder, Wang Xingxing, AgiBot co-founder, Peng Zhihui, and Jiang Lei of Shanghai’s Humanoid Robotics Innovation Centre were appointed as vice-directors. In China, robotics is also gaining ground in areas such as healthcare and elderly care, urban cleaning, traffic management, public safety patrols, and automated delivery through metro systems and drones. New sectors, such as border control, are also increasingly shaped by China’s push toward embodied AI. Kaif Shaikh is a journalist and writer passionate about turning complex information into clear, impactful stories. His writing covers technology, sustainability, geopolitics, and occasionally fiction. A graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication, his work has appeared in the Times of India and beyond. After a near-fatal experience, Kaif began seeing both stories and silences differently. Outside work, he juggles far too many projects and passions, but always makes time to read, reflect, and hold onto the thread of wonder. Premium Follow

August 29, 2022 09:51 ET | Source: SkyQuest Technology Consulting Pvt. Ltd. SkyQuest Technology Consulting Pvt. Ltd. Westford, USA, Aug. 29, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robots are already in use in manufacturing, aerospace industries and other technological fields, but their use is set to increase in the next few years as developers in the global humanoid robot market such as Honda, Tesla, Xiaomi, and Engineered Art, among others strive to create more sophisticated models that can interact with humans. Researchers at the University of Tokyo have created a humanoid robot that can walk and climb using its hands and feet, which is an important advance on current models. The robots are also becoming more lifelike, with facial expressions and realistic skin textures that help them to communicate with humans. The demand for humanoid robot market continues to increase, as people become more interested in having robotic assistants around. There are a number of reasons for this, but one major factor is the aging population. Humanoid robots are able to help with tasks that would typically be considered too difficult or dangerous for elderly people, such as cleaning heavy objects. Current nursing home residents are often elderly and frail, making them more susceptible to accidents and infections. By investing in humanoid robots, nursing homes can reduce the need for human workers and thus reduce health care costs. Get sample copy of this report: https://skyquestt.com/sample-request/humanoid-robot-market Japan is Holding 54% of Asia Pacific Humanoid Robot Market China's humanoid robot market is projected to worth more than $2.5 billion by 2030, while Japan's humanoid robot industry is expected to generate revenue of more than $1.6 billion by 2030 according to a report by SkyQuest. The report says that Japan has been leading the humanoid robot market for a long time and dominates the Asia Pacific market. But China's rapidly growing humanoid robot industry is catching up with Japan and other countries in the region. In August 2022, Xiaomi, a Chinese company, unveiled its humanoid robot named CyberOne. The robot can detect emotion and it was able to capture immense popularity across the globe. The company has enabled the robot with advanced vision capability that use 3D mapping for navigating. As per our study, Japan produced more than 89,800 units in 2021. The went significantly up from in 2015 as Japan produced over 36,000 humanoid robots, while China produced over 14,000. Currently, Japan is holding around 54% of the Asia Pacific humanoid robot market, which is followed by China. ASIMO, a Honda product, is the most popular robot ever produced by Japan. Apart from this, T-HR3 by Toyota is second most popular humanoid robot in Japan, which can imitate real time action of person wearing control suit. China, on the other hand, has not traditionally been a center of robotic innovation and is only now starting to build up its own robotics industry. This difference has led to different approaches to humanoid robot development, with Japan emphasizing engineering creativity and China focusing on manufacturing strength. Integration of AI in Humanoid Robots is in Early Stage but Holds Promising Future As per SkyQuest analysis, the process of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into humanoid robot market is still in its early stages, but it is already yielding promising results. In particular, AI has been shown to enhance the robotic capabilities of these machines, making them more capable and versatile overall. Browse summary of the report and Complete Table of Contents (ToC): https://skyquestt.com/report/humanoid-robot-market One such example is Softbank’s humanoid robot, Pepper. Originally designed as a teaching tool, Pepper was quickly adapted for military and commercial use in the humanoid robot market. Its artificial intelligence software allowed it to carry out complex tasks and respond autonomously to various stimuli. Since then, other companies have followed suit and developed their own humanoid robots with AI capabilities. Honda’s ASIMO robot is currently the world’s most advanced humanoid robot, boasting a number of impressive abilities, such as walking on two legs and holding a conversation. Robotics research is becoming more focused on AI across the global humanoid robot market. In the past, research into humanoid robots was mainly geared towards creating automated machines that looked and behaved like humans. However, over the past few years, more researchers are beginning to focus on incorporating AI into these robots in order to improve their performance and make them more autonomous. This shift is particularly evident in Fully Automated Living Systems (FALLS), which are robot systems that can independently operate and learn without any human input or supervision. So far, FALLS have been successful in tasks such as navigation and handling objects—but there's still a lot of room for improvement. SkyQuest has tracked all the on-going development in the global humanoid robot market and prepared a report. This would provide a detailed analysis about what is happening in the global market, how other players are performing, what are they working on, and efforts they are taking to make the humanoid robot more sophisticated. Apart from this, the report would help you in understanding how the market is performing with respect to new product launch and development of technology, among others. Key Developments in Global Humanoid Robots Market Speak to Analyst for your custom requirements: https://skyquestt.com/speak-with-analyst/humanoid-robot-market Major Players in Global Humanoid Robot Market Related Reports in SkyQuest’s Library: Global Smart Parcel Locker Market Global 3D Camera Market Global Image Sensor Market Global Vacuum Cleaner Market Global LED Lighting Market About Us: SkyQuest Technology is leading growth consulting firm providing market intelligence, commercialization and technology services. It has 450+ happy clients globally. Address: 1 Apache Way, Westford, Massachusetts 01886 Phone: USA (+1) 617-230-0741 Email: sales@skyquestt.com LinkedIn Facebook Twitter

ByJohn Koetsier, Senior Contributor. The CEO of one of the leading manufacturers of humanoid robots says it has signed a second commercial customer that is “one of the biggest U.S. companies.” Figure CEO Brett Adcock also said that he sees the potential to ship 100,000 humanoid robots over the next four years, and said that Figure is focused on two markets: commercial and home. “Our newest customer is one of the biggest U.S. companies,” Adcock says in an update on LinkedIn. “It gives us potential to ship at high volumes which will drive cost reduction and AI data collection. Between both customers, we believe there is a path to 100,000 robots over the next four years.” It’s not immediately clear if Adcock means both this new customer and the one he announced in December, or if he’s referring to the two markets that he said Figure will focus on. (I have asked Figure for clarification.) Figure was recently rated as one of the top two contenders out of 16 leading companies to crack usable, effective, and affordable humanoid robots by futurist and engineer Peter Diamandis. (Diamandis did disclose to me that his venture fund is an investor in Figure.) Figure stands out for shipping its first robot, Figure 01, just 31 months after incorporating. While Figure 02 is the currently shipping model, Diamandis says that Figure 03 is up and running in the lab, and it’s even more impressive. Adcock says AI is a key driver in Figure teaching itself how to work. “Last week, we successfully began running an end-to-end neural network on the new client’s use case,” he says. “Learning the use case with AI is the only path here as heuristics would be impossible to write. And every time I see these policies running, it feels like pure magic!” A key focus right now, he says, is completing work at “high speeds and high performance.” In January 2024, Figure 01 was tethered and moved at just 17% the speed of a human: hardly impressive. But technology advances quickly, and Figure 02 is seven times faster, the company says. While the company hasn’t released information about Figure 03 publicly yet, it’s likely that the third iteration will be even quicker and more capable. It will need to be. Figure 02 moves at 1.2 meters per second, Figure says, which translates into just 2.68 miles per hour, about half a mile per hour slower than average human walking speed. Given the company’s pace of development, however, that seems possible, if not even likely. “These humanoid robots are iterating very rapidly,” Diamandis told me in a recent TechFirst podcast, speaking about the industry in general. “I think we’ll see versions available in the house by the end of 2026.” Adcock is not looking to grow the customer base massively right at the moment. His focus is rather to go deep with specific large customers. “On the commercial side, our strategy is to stay focused on a small number of clients,” he stated on LinkedIn. “Early on, it’s more efficient for us to grow vertically within a few clients than to spread out across many.” While Adcock did not say the name of Figure’s second customer, the first is BMW. He did say the second is “one of the biggest U.S. companies.” That could mean it’s one of Walmart or Amazon, the two largest U.S. companies by 2024 revenue, and both companies with massive and growing labor needs in logistics and transportation. It could also be Apple, the third largest, and one that desperately needs to on-shore production of iPhones and Macs to avoid potential tariffs under the new U.S. administration. Other large U.S. companies include healthcare companies like UnitedHealth Group and CVS Health. The health care industry is one that will benefit massively from good and inexpensive humanoid robots, as they can be used as care aids and nurses in helping move patients as well as more prosaic tasks such as cleaning. Getting humanoid robots out of labs and into the real world is critical for companies and robot manufacturers alike to test their capabilities and limits, and prioritize development for improvements. As Adcock mentions, real-world deployments also builds the pool of data for AI development and improvement. Other leaders in the humanoid robot space include Agility Robotics, whose Digit was the first to get a paying job, but also many others, including Telsa with Optimus, Unitree, Apptronik, Sanctuary AI, and Agibot. Only six of the top 16 are in the U.S., while eight are in China.

Personalise the news and stay in the know Emergency Backstory Newsletters 中文新闻 BERITA BAHASA INDONESIA TOK PISIN Find any issues using dark mode? Please let us know Topic:Robotics Two humanoid robots face off in a ring in the world's first humanoid robot kick-boxing competition. The high-tech robots from a Chinese robotics firm jab and kick each other, and spring back onto their feet after being knocked down. While not exactly on par with professional human kickboxers, it's an impressive display of agility and balance. A video of the humanoid robots fighting in the China Media Group World Robot Competition in May. (Reuters: CCTV) The show in May came after yet another "world first", as Chinese state media called it, when humanoid robots jogged alongside thousands of half-marathon runners in Beijing in April. A humanoid robot runs in the half marathon in Beijing in April. (Supplied: AP) Then there was the humanoid robot display during a Spring Festival Gala event, when a group of bots dressed in red and white costume vests performed a routine alongside dancers on stage. Humanoid robots dance on stage at a Spring Festival Gala event in China in 2025. (Supplied: CCTV) State-run media and robotics companies in China have been celebrating advances in the capabilities of humanoid robots — robots that look human with arms and legs — as companies from China compete with robot developers from the United States. Humanoid robots were seen to have so much potential in part because they could adapt to the world as it was, said Alan Burden, a PhD in design robotics. "There's also a cultural element which is very evident in a lot of science fiction — humanoids are compelling because they remind us of ourselves, which makes them easier to imagine in daily life, even if the technical reality is still catching up," said Dr Burden. Jeff Cardenas, chief executive of US robotics company Apptronik, called it "the space race of our time". Employees work on the humanoid robot assembly line at the AgiBot factory in Shanghai. (Reuters: Florence Lo) While it's a race the US has been leading, China has been catching up. Beijing unveiled a national plan in 2023 to build a world-class humanoid robotics industry by 2027, part of President Xi Jinping's tech-led vision for the economy that includes electric vehicles, renewable energy and artificial intelligence. In March, the Chinese government announced it would set up a one trillion yuan ($214 billion) fund to support startups in areas such as AI and robotics. A humanoid robot, called Tiangong made by Beijing's Innovation Centre of Humanoid Robotics, shows how it can move an orange. (Reuters: Tingshu Wang) Experts say advances in artificial intelligence (AI) technology are helping take the technology to the next level. Chinese humanoid robot startup MagicLab chief executive Wu Changzheng told Reuters it was using new home-grown AI models like DeepSeek, Qwen and ByteDance's Doubao. "DeepSeek has been helpful in task reasoning and comprehension, contributing to the development of our robots' 'brains,'" Mr Wu told Reuters. DeepSeek is being used in humanoid robots in China. (Reuters: Illustration by Dado Ruvic) This is despite the US attempting to restrict China's access to the best computer chips essential to training AI models. Claude Sammut, a computer science and engineering professor from the University of New South Wales, said China's clearest advantage was its domination of the manufacturing supply chain that makes the hardware. "You can find everything you need in certain industrial hubs, so that's why they've been able to drive the cost down," said Professor Sammut. In 2024, 31 Chinese companies unveiled 36 new humanoid models, versus only eight released by US companies that same year, according to a Morgan Stanley report published this year. "Our research suggests China continues to show the most impressive progress in humanoid robotics where startups are benefiting from established supply chains, local adoption opportunities, and strong degrees of national government support," said the report. Humanoid robot Abi works in aged care facilities. (Supplied: Andromeda) The potential of humanoid robots to transform economies and societies is expected to be huge. Beijing is aiming for a new industrial revolution where many factory tasks would be performed by humanoid robots. Despite concerns about the impact on jobs, Beijing sees the technology as key to plugging labour shortages in other areas as well. They include elderly care where demand is increasing as China's 1.4 billion population ages. Abi introduces herself. (ABC News: Kai Feng) In Australia, robotics company Andromeda Robotics has created a humanoid robot called Abi to work in aged care facilities. Andromeda co-founder mechatronics engineer Grace Brown started Abi during the pandemic, when she found herself isolated and lonely during lockdowns in Melbourne and watching lots of Disney and Pixar movies. "At the time I wanted to build something that was very much like a Pixar character, one that's warm and friendly and approachable. "That was the inception for Abi." Abi (left) with her creator, Grace Brown, head of Australian humanoid robotics company Andromeda. (ABC News: Iris Zhao) Ms Brown believes humanoid robots, companion robots like Abi, will redefine relationships in future. "The vision that we've always believed that was inevitable is that in the future, every single person, in every single continent, is going to have access to their own personal, home companion robot." And it's not long until humanoid robots have a breakthrough moment. "That's going to be like the iPhone or a ChatGPT moment for humanoid robots. "And it's very near." Professor Claude Sammut led UNSW teams who took part in a robot soccer league, called RoboCup. (Supplied: UNSW/Anna Kucera) Despite the predictions, some believe humanoid robots still have a long way to go before they become part of everyday life. While robots have demonstrated multiple skills such as sorting objects, cleaning, lifting, and recent advances in artificial intelligence have improved the degree of autonomy in humanoid robots, there is a lot robots still can't do. Even basic physical tasks have yet to be mastered by some of the most advanced humanoids, like Tesla's Optimus. "For example, it takes Optimus almost 10 seconds to put an egg into an egg cooker," explained a US government report from October 2024. A man walks past Tesla's humanoid robot Optimus, on display at the World Robot Conference in Beijing in 2024. (Reuters: Florence Lo) Professor Sammut said the robot demonstrations in China had mostly been "flashy demos to show off the hardware". He said the biggest recent improvements in humanoid robots had been in "reinforcement learning". In the past it had been difficult to hand program robots to do "fancy" things like boxing, but now robots could be taught, he explained. This would make humanoid robots useful in the home because robots could learn by themselves. A person takes a selfie with humanoid robot Tiangong Ultra, after it won the humanoid half marathon in Beijing in April. (Reuters: Tingshu Wang) US tech billionaire Brett Adcock has said the aim for humanoid robot developers is for people to be able to talk to robots who can then implement requested tasks. "The end-state for this is you really want the default UI [user interface] to be speech," said Mr Adcock, founder of robotics company Figure AI, which is building a general-purpose humanoid robot. Developers were also using generative AI to enable humanoid robots to better understand requests, then create plans to complete tasks, explained Professor Sammut. "There's still a fair bit of work to do on that because the generative models can produce stuff that isn't necessarily true," he added. Professor Sammut said economics and cost was another major barrier. "Right now, I don't see robots coming down to, like, the price of a phone," he said. "So it's more like buying a car than buying a phone." Despite investments from China, Robert Potter, a visiting fellow with Australian National University and a cyber security expert, said there were good reasons the democratic world "has the edge" in the humanoid robot race. Mr Potter, co-founder of an advisory firm which worked with the United States Defense Department, said China mostly copied innovations. "Areas where they have done well such as camera-based AI and surveillance are areas where the state is a larger market in China than in the democratic world," he added. A screenshot of the video of the humanoid robots boxing each other in China in May. (Supplied: CCTV) Professor Sammut questioned whether humanoid robots more broadly would ever fulfil their promise. "Really the big question is, how useful are they going to be?" he asked. The robots came in all different shapes and sizes. One looked almost human, with feminine features and the ability to wink and smile. "It's really not quite clear what the end goal is, because [industry] is producing this great looking technology but exactly how they can be deployed, people are still working it out." Dr Burden said humanoid robots were probably at the peak of inflated expectations in the "hype cycle". "The next few years will show whether that hype turns into usefulness or evolves into another type of emerging technology," he said. ABC/Reuters Topic:Government and Politics Topic:World Politics Topic:World Politics Topic:Federal Government Topic:Interest Rates Topic:Science and Technology Analysis by Alan Kohler Topic:AI AI China Robotics Technology United States World Politics Topic:Government and Politics Topic:World Politics Topic:World Politics Topic:Federal Government Topic:Interest Rates Topic:World Politics Topic:World Politics Topic:Fires Topic:Courts Your home of Australian stories, conversations and events that shape our nation. This service may include material from Agence France-Presse (AFP), APTN, Reuters, AAP, CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work. 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China launched a three-day event last week that looked like a cross between the Olympics and a science fair, except the athletes are robots. The World Humanoid Robot Games was held in Beijing, drawing 280 teams from 16 countries eager to showcase the latest in artificial intelligence and robotics. The competition featured robots tackling both traditional sports, such as track and field and table tennis, and tasks more closely tied to real-world applications, from sorting medicines and handling materials to cleaning services. Teams came from the United States, Germany, Brazil and China, with 192 groups representing universities and 88 from private companies, including Chinese robotics firms Unitree and Fourier Intelligence. Many teams competed with machines built by local manufacturer Booster Robotics. Spectators saw plenty of thrills, and spills. In football matches, robots repeatedly clashed, often toppling over in heaps. One match saw four robots collide and collapse together. Races were equally chaotic. During the 1500-metre sprint, a robot suddenly collapsed at full speed, drawing both gasps and cheers from the crowd. Tickets for the event ranged from 128 to 580 yuan ($17.83–$80.77). The stumbles and crashes didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of audiences, who often applauded when robots managed to right themselves without human help. For participants, the games were as much about research as competition. “We come here to play and to win. But we are also interested in research,” said Max Polter, a member of HTWK Robots football team from Germany’s Leipzig University of Applied Sciences. He explained that the event allows teams to try out new ideas in a practical setting. “If we try something and it doesn’t work, we lose the game. That’s sad but it is better than investing a lot of money into a product which failed.”Organisers said the chaotic football matches serve a purpose beyond entertainment. By forcing robots to coordinate, they provide valuable data that could be applied to real-world scenarios, such as factory assembly lines where multiple units need to work in sync. The event also helps developers refine robots’ balance, agility and recovery when facing unexpected challenges.China is putting billions of dollars into humanoid robotics as it seeks both to address an ageing population and to stay competitive in the global race for advanced technologies. In recent months, Beijing has hosted a string of high-profile events, from what it called the world’s first humanoid robot marathon to dedicated retail stores for humanoid machines. Organisers said the chaotic football matches serve a purpose beyond entertainment. By forcing robots to coordinate, they provide valuable data that could be applied to real-world scenarios, such as factory assembly lines where multiple units need to work in sync. The event also helps developers refine robots’ balance, agility and recovery when facing unexpected challenges. China is putting billions of dollars into humanoid robotics as it seeks both to address an ageing population and to stay competitive in the global race for advanced technologies. In recent months, Beijing has hosted a string of high-profile events, from what it called the world’s first humanoid robot marathon to dedicated retail stores for humanoid machines. Analysts say the growing public enthusiasm reflects a cultural shift. A recent report by Morgan Stanley noted that attendance at a recent robotics conference had surged compared with previous years. The analysts said this showed “how China, not just top government officials, has embraced the concept of embodied intelligence.” As robots crashed, stumbled and even attempted backflips at the Beijing games, one thing became clear: while they may not yet be Olympic champions, humanoids are becoming a serious part of China’s technological future.- EndsPublished By: Nandini YadavPublished On: Aug 19, 2025Must Watch

Figure, maker of the humanoid robot Figure 02, unveiled its new Helix AI in a video showing two robots working together to put away groceries. Robot-maker Figure just unveiled new videos of its Figure 02 humanoid robots working together to put away groceries and sort packages on an assembly line. The two videos showcase skills made possible thanks to the company's new Helix AI. Figure first unveiled its Helix AI, a vision-language-action model, with a video demo showing two of its robots in Figure's Home Lab, being told verbally to put away groceries that a human placed on the counter. The speaker points out these are objects the robots have never seen before, and asks them to put the items away where they belong. The robo-buddies are shown working together to ensure the cheese reaches the fridge, the cookies get to the cupboard, and the apple ends up in the fruit bowl. From the video, it appears as though the robots are initiating their collaborative movements at the same time. One robot moves to grab the bowl at the same time the other moves to grab the apple. Figure says both robots are running on a single set of neural network weights at the same time and for all behaviors. Weights are one of the settings neural network developers can change to affect the resulting output. Having consistent weights across robots and behaviors makes multirobot collaboration and task-switching easier. The company also shared a video of a group of Figure 02 robots sorting packages on an assembly line. Figure highlighted in a statement that its robots now have "a rich 3D understanding" thanks to data from two cameras built into its head. Unlike human eyes, which are side by side, Figure 02's stereovision comes from one camera on top of the other. Similar to previous demos we've seen from Figure, the robots are shown sorting unfamiliar objects, orienting them in a particular way, and correcting their own mistakes. Lab demos like these are fascinating to watch, but they don't provide much information about the robot's limitations. In the home lab demo, the groceries are neatly laid out before the robots on the counter with good lighting, rather than stuffed into a dark grocery bag as they would likely be in real life. The true test of any of these humanoid robots will be how reliably and safely they can perform in an uncontrolled environment like the home, workplace or out in the world. Viewed together, these demos give us a sense of the Figure 02's capabilities in two out of the three settings Figure is aiming at: the labor force, the home and someday in space. Figure has a lot of competition in those categories. Companies including Agility Robotics, Boston Dynamics and Tesla have shown their robots performing packaging and sorting tasks autonomously, and 1X has shown a group of its robots performing autonomous tasks like cleaning up. To see these robots in action, check out the video at the top of this article.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2025 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. CyberGuy explains a new factory in Oregon that can produce 10,000 robots a year. Imagine a factory that can make humanoid robots that can walk, run, and work like us. Sounds like a sci-fi movie, right? Well, it’s not. It’s RoboFab, and it’s opening soon here in the U.S. CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS, AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER RoboFab is opening the world's first factory that can produce 10,000 robots a year. (CyberGuy.com) ARE YOU PROTECTED FROM THREATS? SEE THE BEST ANTIVIRUS PROTECTION REVIEWED HERE RoboFab is a manufacturing facility in Salem, Oregon, that is set to open later this year. It is the brainchild of Agility Robotics, a company that specializes in creating biped robots that can navigate complex environments. THE WORLD’S FIRST CERTIFIED PASSENGER-CARRYING AIR TAXI TAKES FLIGHT The RoboFab factory is located in Salem, Oregon. (Agility Robotics) MORE: HOW CLOSELY DID THE FILMS OF YESTERYEAR PREDICT OUR TECH OF TODAY? RoboFab will be the world’s first factory for humanoid robots, capable of churning out 10,000 robots a year. The factory will use advanced automation and assembly techniques to produce Digit, the flagship product of Agility Robotics. IS YOUR BOSS SPYING ON YOU? Digit is a humanoid robot designed to carry out tasks. (Agility Robotics) Digit is a humanoid robot that can perform various tasks, such as carrying boxes, opening doors, and climbing stairs. Digit is not just a machine but, as the company claims, a robotic co-worker that can collaborate with humans and adapt to different situations. HOW TO USE IPHONE'S 'STANDBY,' THE NEW FULL-SCREEN FEATURE IN IOS 17 Digit is described as a "robotic co-worker." (Agility Robotics) MORE: MEET THE WORLD'S FIRST AI MASAGE ROBOT According to the CEO of Agility Robotics, Digit will solve difficult problems in today’s workforce, such as injuries, burnout, high turnover, and unfillable labor gaps. Digit will also have applications in various industries, such as logistics, construction, entertainment, and healthcare. If you are interested in getting your own Digit robot, you will have to wait until 2025. That’s when Agility Robotics plans to launch Digit to the general public. However, if you are part of the Agility Partner Program, you can expect your Digit robot in 2024. The Agility Partner Program is a select group of customers that will receive early access to Digit and provide feedback to the company. OVERWORKED BY AMAZON? GROSS DOCUMENTARY PRANK EXPOSES SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS ABOUT TECH GIANT’S CORPORATE CULTURE Humanoid robots like Digit will be ready to roll out in 2025. (Agility Robotics) MORE: HOW THIS ROBOT JANITOR IS CLEANING TOILETS AND DOING THE DIRTY WORK Concerns over humanoid robots Some people are really nervous about these humanoid robots, and for good reason. There is a lot to take into account, including ethical issues and potential safety risks. Many individuals may feel uncomfortable or deceived by humanoid robots that mimic human emotions and intelligence. Others might be worried about them taking their jobs. Consequently, we should approach the use of humanoid robots with caution, acknowledging their capacities while being aware of their limitations. Humanoid robots are not just a fantasy anymore. They are becoming a reality, thanks to RoboFab and Agility Robotics. Digit is one of the most advanced and versatile humanoid robots ever created, and it could change the way we work and live. However, before we welcome Digit into our homes and workplaces, we should also be aware of the challenges and risks that come with humanoid robots. They are not human, after all, and they may not always behave as we expect or want them to. Therefore, we should be careful and responsible when using them, and make sure they serve our best interests and values. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP How do you feel about RoboFab and its robots? Do you think it is a good idea or a bad idea to mass-produce humanoid robots? Let us know by writing us here. For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions: Copyright 2023 CyberGuy.com. 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An employee of JAKA Robotics Co Ltd monitors production at a facility in Shanghai. (CHINA DAILY) These days, robots can help you make a latte sporting a perfect creamy tulip pattern. With six-dimensional force control and high-precision algorithms, they now boast increasingly impressive self-learning and decision-making capabilities. Chang Li, vice-president of JAKA Robotics Co Ltd, said that the company has developed collaborative robots possessing stronger self-learning abilities, self-decision-making capabilities and human-machine interactions. "These intrinsic technological advances allow robot control through drag-and-drop and point teaching in practical scenarios, lowering the usage threshold and truly freeing frontline workers' hands to engage in more valuable and creative work," said Chang. JAKA Robotics, which specializes in the new generation of collaborative robots and smart factories, has expanded its business into multiple industrial and service scenarios. Founded in 2014, JAKA Robotics transforms robots from specialized equipment into easy-to-use tools, emphasizing flexibility and intelligent collaboration. The company has pioneered innovations in various applications, including drive control integration, integral joints, free-drive programming and wireless connectivity. JAKA Robotics offers a modular, self-developed platform, achieving rapid product iteration through hardware and software technology research and development for perception and decision-making with its body algorithms, application algorithms and Over-The-Air (OTA) cloud system. JAKA's production base is located in Changzhou, Jiangsu province, thus leveraging the industry cluster advantages of the Yangtze River Delta region. The company has achieved self-research and production of the core parts of the robot, ensuring stringent quality control and testing from parts production to whole-machine testing. "This approach realizes 'robots making robots', empowering factories across various industries to upgrade intelligently. Innovation is the genome and foundation of JAKA Robotics," Chang added. Currently, the company has developed a core technology system encompassing intelligent modular joints, high-quality motion control, new teaching, rapid deployment, human-machine intelligent integration, safety collaboration, intelligent production lines and integration. From everyday thermos cups and the first national AI cafeteria to auto parts manufacturing and the cleaning of the "Sky Eye" radio telescope, JAKA Robotics has driven innovation over the past decade, converting technological achievements into market applications. Press-fit technology is widely applied in multiple automotive applications. For example, automotive pin processing, which traditionally relied on manual labor, had faced issues such as low production efficiency, inconsistent processing levels and long on-site modifications. JAKA's fully automated pin processing workstation integrates components like motors, drives, controls, reducers and dual encoders into the robot body, achieving miniaturization and enabling installation in small spaces. The company has worked with Toyota Group, deploying hundreds of JAKA collaborative robots on multiple production lines in Toyota's auto parts manufacturing plants. These robots perform tasks such as three-pin grinding, inner star wheel grinding, small part processing, loading and unloading, screw locking, inspections and assembly. Additionally, they have launched an automatic charging application for new energy vehicles, helping global brand Lotus achieve intelligent charging. JAKA Robotics has invested in the business to serve industrial applications in automotive, electronics, semiconductors and new energy sectors, as well as engaging in direct consumer service work in various new commercial consumer fields. The company is also looking to expand business overseas in Japan, Southeast Asia and Europe. To enhance innovation, JAKA Robotics promotes integration of production, education and research. The company has formed cooperative relationships with many universities, including Shanghai Jiao Tong University, focusing on both hardware and software research in robotics. Moreover, the company founded JAKA Academy, creating a dual-teacher classroom that connects enterprises and schools. This initiative provides innovative practice platforms for enterprises and higher education institutions. Currently, R&D personnel account for over 25 percent of JAKA Robotics' employees. Liang Rui, president of Shanghai Step Robotics Co Ltd, said with the quality and quantity of all the suppliers from the Yangtze River Delta region, the localization process is accelerating and China's industrial robot market is entering a golden era. "This Yangtze River Delta region is the most concentrated area for the industrial robot industry in China, with a progressively complete industry chain," Liang said. He added that last year, the overall market growth for industrial robots in China was flat, but domestically produced robots have seen an average growth of around 25 percent over the past two years. "The gap between medium and small-sized robotics with international peers is shrinking. In the next three to five years, large-sized robotics will be the key field to grow for domestic players," said Liang. Both JAKA and Step are vivid examples of the emerging power in the field of the humanoid robot sector, incubated in Shanghai. The city is actively developing relevant policies to support breakthroughs in key technologies such as humanoid robot bodies, embodied intelligence models and more dexterous hands. The goal is to deepen the application of humanoid robots in industrial manufacturing and service sectors, striving to achieve a scaled application demonstration of 1,000 units within three years, said the Shanghai Economic and Informatization Commission. Additionally, Shanghai is accelerating the drive to realize the deployment of 10,000 intelligent robots in smart factories. By 2025, the target is for the density of robots in key industries to reach 500 units per 10,000 people. Tech giants embracing humanoid robots

Geeky Gadgets The Latest Technology News 12:43 pm December 5, 2025 By Julian Horsey Imagine a robot that doesn’t just walk but glides across a room with the grace of a dancer. Picture a machine that can not only pick up a fragile glass without shattering it but also assemble intricate components with the precision of a skilled craftsman. This isn’t a scene from the latest sci-fi blockbuster, it’s happening right now. Humanoid robots are moving in ways that were once thought impossible, breaking free from the stiff, mechanical motions of the past. Thanks to innovative advancements in robotics, these machines are achieving a level of realism that’s both awe-inspiring and unsettling, challenging our understanding of what technology can truly accomplish. What does it mean when robots move like us, think like us, and perhaps one day, work alongside us? Below the AI Grid team explores the new innovations that are propelling humanoid robots into uncharted territory. From dynamic stabilization systems that allow them to balance mid-air to machine learning algorithms that refine their movements with every step, these robots are no longer just tools, they’re becoming lifelike collaborators. You’ll discover how companies like Tesla and Xpeng Robotics are redefining the boundaries of robotics, and why their creations are sparking both fascination and skepticism. But as these machines inch closer to human-like behavior, they also raise profound questions about the future of work, ethics, and our relationship with technology. Are we ready for a world where robots don’t just serve us but move and interact as if they were one of us? Humanoid Robots Advancing Rapidly TL;DR Key Takeaways : Humanoid robots are achieving lifelike movements, such as jogging, jumping, and balancing, thanks to advanced stabilization systems and real-time motion planning. Technological breakthroughs in reinforcement learning, enhanced software algorithms, and humanlike hardware are driving the realism and functionality of these robots. Key industry players like Tesla, Engine AI, and Xpeng Robotics are leading the development of humanoid robots, showcasing impressive capabilities and transparency through live demonstrations. Humanoid robots are expected to play diverse roles in the future, including household assistance, caregiving, and performing hazardous industrial tasks, transforming daily life and work environments. Despite their advancements, humanoid robots face challenges in navigating unpredictable environments and interpreting complex social cues, highlighting the need for further research and development. How Robots Are Moving Like Humans Modern humanoid robots have achieved a level of movement that is remarkably lifelike. They can jog, jump, balance mid-air, and navigate uneven terrain with exceptional precision. For example, Tesla’s Optimus 3 robot has demonstrated smooth and coordinated dexterity, performing tasks such as picking up objects, assembling components, and adapting to complex environments. These movements are no longer rigid or mechanical; instead, they are fluid and natural, thanks to advanced balancing systems and optimized physical designs. This progress is made possible by integrating innovative technologies such as dynamic stabilization and real-time motion planning. These systems allow robots to respond to external forces and maintain balance, even in unpredictable conditions. By mimicking the biomechanics of human movement, humanoid robots are steadily closing the gap between machine functionality and human-like behavior, paving the way for broader applications in both personal and professional settings. The Technology Behind the Realism The realism of humanoid robots is the result of new advancements in both hardware and software. Several key technological drivers are responsible for this progress: Reinforcement Learning: This advanced machine learning technique enables robots to refine their movements through trial and error, improving their efficiency and adaptability over time. Enhanced Software Algorithms: Sophisticated decision-making systems allow robots to analyze their surroundings and execute tasks with greater precision and autonomy. Humanlike Hardware: Innovations in joints, actuators, and sensors replicate the flexibility, strength, and range of motion found in the human body, allowing robots to perform intricate physical feats. These components work in harmony to create robots capable of executing tasks that were once deemed impossible for machines. For instance, robots equipped with advanced sensors can detect subtle changes in their environment, while actuators designed to mimic human muscles provide the strength and agility needed for complex movements. Together, these technologies are transforming humanoid robots into highly capable and versatile tools. Humanoid Robots Are Moving in Ways We’ve Never Seen Before Watch this video on YouTube. Expand your understanding of humanoid robots with additional resources from our extensive library of articles. Humanoid Robots a $24 Trillion market potential 10 AI Humanoid Robots Set to Change Our Lives Mercedes-Benz AI and Humanoid Robots Transform Berlin China’s AI Humanoid Robots: The Future of Work and Home Life Humanoid robots tested at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg Combining robotics and AI to create humanoid robots Neo Humanoid Robot: Overhyped AI or Fantastic option? OpenAI’s Strategic Investments in Humanoid Robotics Explained $1,000 Kscale Labs Humanoid Robot : The Future of Affordable 10 Amazing Humanoid Robots in 2024 Key Players and Industry Milestones The development of humanoid robots has attracted significant attention from leading technology companies, each contributing to the rapid advancements in this field. Some of the most notable players include: Tesla: The company’s Optimus robot has showcased impressive dexterity and adaptability, setting a new standard for humanoid robotics. Engine AI: A leader in developing robots capable of intricate and precise physical movements, pushing the boundaries of what machines can achieve. Xpeng Robotics: Known for creating robots that blur the line between machine and human, demonstrating lifelike behaviors and interactions. To address skepticism about the authenticity of their robots’ capabilities, some companies have taken extraordinary measures, such as conducting live demonstrations where robots are disassembled to prove they are not CGI or humans in costumes. These efforts highlight the remarkable progress being made and underscore the industry’s commitment to transparency and innovation. What the Future Holds for Humanoid Robots The rapid pace of development in humanoid robotics suggests a future where these machines play an increasingly prominent role in society. As technology continues to advance, humanoid robots are expected to take on more complex and diverse roles, including: Assisting with household chores, such as cleaning, cooking, and organizing. Providing caregiving services for the elderly or individuals with disabilities, offering companionship and support. Performing repetitive or hazardous tasks in industrial and manufacturing settings, improving efficiency and safety. These robots could eventually become seamlessly integrated into human environments, transforming how we live and work. By combining humanlike movement with advanced decision-making capabilities, humanoid robots have the potential to enhance productivity, improve quality of life, and address labor shortages in various industries. Challenges and Current Limitations Despite their impressive capabilities, humanoid robots still face several challenges that limit their widespread adoption. While they excel in controlled environments and specific tasks, they often struggle in dynamic and unpredictable real-world scenarios. Key limitations include: Difficulty navigating crowded or chaotic spaces, where split-second decision-making is required. Limited ability to interpret and respond to complex social cues or nuanced human behaviors. However, in certain specialized tasks, such as precise object manipulation or endurance-based activities, some robots already outperform humans. These achievements highlight the immense potential of humanoid robotics while also emphasizing the need for continued research and development to overcome existing barriers. Public Perception: Awe and Skepticism The growing realism of humanoid robots has sparked a mix of fascination and skepticism among the public. Many observers are astonished by the lifelike appearance and movements of these machines, often mistaking them for CGI or humans in disguise. This reaction underscores the significant progress made in the field and reflects the increasing public interest in robotics. At the same time, the skepticism surrounding humanoid robots highlights broader societal questions about the role of machines in human life. As these robots become more advanced, they challenge traditional perceptions of what technology can achieve, prompting discussions about ethics, trust, and the potential impact on employment and social dynamics. These debates are likely to intensify as humanoid robots continue to evolve and integrate into everyday life. A New Era for Robotics The evolution of humanoid robots represents a pivotal moment in technological history. With advancements in movement, dexterity, and realism, these machines are poised to reshape how humans interact with technology. While challenges remain, the progress achieved thus far suggests a future where humanoid robots become an integral part of daily life, bridging the gap between imagination and reality. As this fantastic journey unfolds, it promises to redefine the role of robotics in society, opening new possibilities for innovation and collaboration. Media Credit: TheAIGRID Share Tweet Pin Email Imagine a robot that doesn’t just walk but glides across a room with the grace of a dancer. Picture a machine that can not only pick up a fragile glass without shattering it but also assemble intricate components with the precision of a skilled craftsman. This isn’t a scene from the latest sci-fi blockbuster, it’s happening right now. Humanoid robots are moving in ways that were once thought impossible, breaking free from the stiff, mechanical motions of the past. Thanks to innovative advancements in robotics, these machines are achieving a level of realism that’s both awe-inspiring and unsettling, challenging our understanding of what technology can truly accomplish. What does it mean when robots move like us, think like us, and perhaps one day, work alongside us? Below the AI Grid team explores the new innovations that are propelling humanoid robots into uncharted territory. From dynamic stabilization systems that allow them to balance mid-air to machine learning algorithms that refine their movements with every step, these robots are no longer just tools, they’re becoming lifelike collaborators. You’ll discover how companies like Tesla and Xpeng Robotics are redefining the boundaries of robotics, and why their creations are sparking both fascination and skepticism. But as these machines inch closer to human-like behavior, they also raise profound questions about the future of work, ethics, and our relationship with technology. Are we ready for a world where robots don’t just serve us but move and interact as if they were one of us? TL;DR Key Takeaways : Modern humanoid robots have achieved a level of movement that is remarkably lifelike. They can jog, jump, balance mid-air, and navigate uneven terrain with exceptional precision. For example, Tesla’s Optimus 3 robot has demonstrated smooth and coordinated dexterity, performing tasks such as picking up objects, assembling components, and adapting to complex environments. These movements are no longer rigid or mechanical; instead, they are fluid and natural, thanks to advanced balancing systems and optimized physical designs. This progress is made possible by integrating innovative technologies such as dynamic stabilization and real-time motion planning. These systems allow robots to respond to external forces and maintain balance, even in unpredictable conditions. By mimicking the biomechanics of human movement, humanoid robots are steadily closing the gap between machine functionality and human-like behavior, paving the way for broader applications in both personal and professional settings. The realism of humanoid robots is the result of new advancements in both hardware and software. Several key technological drivers are responsible for this progress: These components work in harmony to create robots capable of executing tasks that were once deemed impossible for machines. For instance, robots equipped with advanced sensors can detect subtle changes in their environment, while actuators designed to mimic human muscles provide the strength and agility needed for complex movements. Together, these technologies are transforming humanoid robots into highly capable and versatile tools. Expand your understanding of humanoid robots with additional resources from our extensive library of articles. The development of humanoid robots has attracted significant attention from leading technology companies, each contributing to the rapid advancements in this field. Some of the most notable players include: To address skepticism about the authenticity of their robots’ capabilities, some companies have taken extraordinary measures, such as conducting live demonstrations where robots are disassembled to prove they are not CGI or humans in costumes. These efforts highlight the remarkable progress being made and underscore the industry’s commitment to transparency and innovation. The rapid pace of development in humanoid robotics suggests a future where these machines play an increasingly prominent role in society. As technology continues to advance, humanoid robots are expected to take on more complex and diverse roles, including: These robots could eventually become seamlessly integrated into human environments, transforming how we live and work. By combining humanlike movement with advanced decision-making capabilities, humanoid robots have the potential to enhance productivity, improve quality of life, and address labor shortages in various industries. Despite their impressive capabilities, humanoid robots still face several challenges that limit their widespread adoption. While they excel in controlled environments and specific tasks, they often struggle in dynamic and unpredictable real-world scenarios. Key limitations include: However, in certain specialized tasks, such as precise object manipulation or endurance-based activities, some robots already outperform humans. These achievements highlight the immense potential of humanoid robotics while also emphasizing the need for continued research and development to overcome existing barriers. The growing realism of humanoid robots has sparked a mix of fascination and skepticism among the public. Many observers are astonished by the lifelike appearance and movements of these machines, often mistaking them for CGI or humans in disguise. This reaction underscores the significant progress made in the field and reflects the increasing public interest in robotics. At the same time, the skepticism surrounding humanoid robots highlights broader societal questions about the role of machines in human life. As these robots become more advanced, they challenge traditional perceptions of what technology can achieve, prompting discussions about ethics, trust, and the potential impact on employment and social dynamics. These debates are likely to intensify as humanoid robots continue to evolve and integrate into everyday life. The evolution of humanoid robots represents a pivotal moment in technological history. With advancements in movement, dexterity, and realism, these machines are poised to reshape how humans interact with technology. While challenges remain, the progress achieved thus far suggests a future where humanoid robots become an integral part of daily life, bridging the gap between imagination and reality. As this fantastic journey unfolds, it promises to redefine the role of robotics in society, opening new possibilities for innovation and collaboration. Media Credit: TheAIGRID Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.

Oops, something went wrong The online world is buzzing about the use of artificial intelligence. ChatGPT has turned the marketing industry upside down. But the fun is only just beginning. General purpose humanoid robots are no longer reserved for science fiction movies. Several artificial intelligence (AI) robotics companies are making this vision a reality. And it’s happening faster than most expect. AI robotics startup Figure is developing the world’s first commercially viable autonomous humanoid robot, known as Figure 01. If recently released images are any indication, the final product will be a robot in its truest form. It’s exactly what you expect a robot to look like. It has hands for opening doors and using tools. It has arms and legs for lifting and climbing stairs. It’s designed to effectively manage many of the same tasks that are currently completed by humans. Here’s how Figure describes Figure 01 on its website: Figure 01 brings together the dexterity of the human form and cutting-edge AI to go beyond single-function robots and lend support across manufacturing, logistics, warehousing and retail. If the company stays the course, it’s expected to pilot the first batch of Figure 01 humanoid robots in 2024. See Next: Thanks to changes in federal law, anyone can invest in top AI startups. Founded by Archer Aviation Co-Founder Brett Adcock, Figure is going all in on its dream of building and employing general-purpose bipedal humanoid robots in various industries. In addition to Adcock, Figure employs a staff of roughly 40 people with backgrounds at companies such as Apple Inc., Tesla Inc. and Boston Dynamics. It’s clear that the company made it a priority to hire the best talent in AI, integration and software. For Figure, the path ahead can be broken down into three steps: perfect the design and build process of a feature-complete electromechanical humanoid, teach it to perform human-specific tasks and integrate the robots into the labor force. To stay updated with top startup investments, sign up for Benzinga’s Startup Investing & Equity Crowdfunding Newsletter While Figure is one of the leaders in developing the world’s first commercially viable autonomous humanoid robot, other companies are hot on its heels. Tesla's Optimus robot is a prime example. Tesla CEO Elon Musk believes his company is ahead of the pack at this point. At Tesla 2023 Investor Day, he shared his thoughts. “The thing that Tesla brings to the table that others don’t have, we’re the most advanced in real-world AI. So the same AI that drives the car. You can think of the car as a robot on wheels, and this is a robot on legs. I don’t think there’s anyone even close to Tesla on solving real-world AI.” Musk believes that Optimus can have a bigger impact on the world than Tesla’s vehicle business. And that’s saying a lot. With each passing day, the world inches closer to coexisting with autonomous humanoid robots. Tesla, Figure and several other startups are moving the needle at a fast pace. Don’t Miss: Want to invest in AI startups like Figure and others alongside top venture capitalists? RAD AI has already raised over $3 million from everyday investors and millions more from top venture capitalists for its AI marketing platform. Read More in Startup News & Investing Opportunities: This Startup Built the World's First AI Marketing Platform That Can Understand Emotion and Some of the Biggest Companies on the Planet Are Already Using It Collaborative Robots Startup Using Teams Of AI-Powered Drones To Make Flying Safer The World's First Floating Lifestyle Club is Set To Launch This Year Don't miss real-time alerts on your stocks - join Benzinga Pro for free! Try the tool that will help you invest smarter, faster, and better. This article Humanoid Robots Cleaning Your House, Serving Your Food and Running Factories – A Look at Startups Leading the Charge originally appeared on Benzinga.com . © 2023 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Sign in to access your portfolio

By Evan Garcia HOUSTON/AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) – Standing at 6 feet 2 inches (188 centimeters) tall and weighing 300 pounds (136 kilograms), NASA’s humanoid robot Valkyrie is an imposing figure. Valkyrie, named after a female figure in Norse mythology and being tested at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, is designed to operate in “degraded or damaged human-engineered environments,” like areas hit by natural disasters, according to NASA. Show Full Article By Evan Garcia HOUSTON/AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) – Standing at 6 feet 2 inches (188 centimeters) tall and weighing 300 pounds (136 kilograms), NASA’s humanoid robot Valkyrie is an imposing figure. Valkyrie, named after a female figure in Norse mythology and being tested at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, is designed to operate in “degraded or damaged human-engineered environments,” like areas hit by natural disasters, according to NASA. Show Full Article HOUSTON/AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) – Standing at 6 feet 2 inches (188 centimeters) tall and weighing 300 pounds (136 kilograms), NASA’s humanoid robot Valkyrie is an imposing figure. Valkyrie, named after a female figure in Norse mythology and being tested at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, is designed to operate in “degraded or damaged human-engineered environments,” like areas hit by natural disasters, according to NASA. Show Full Article Valkyrie, named after a female figure in Norse mythology and being tested at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, is designed to operate in “degraded or damaged human-engineered environments,” like areas hit by natural disasters, according to NASA. But robots like her could also one day operate in space. A humanoid robot resembles a person, typically with a torso, head, two arms and two legs. Engineers believe with the right software, humanoid robots will eventually be able to function similarly to humans and use the same tools and equipment. NASA Dexterous Robotics Team Leader Shaun Azimi said humanoid robots in space could potentially handle risky tasks like cleaning solar panels or inspecting malfunctioning equipment outside the spacecraft so astronauts can prioritize exploration and discovery. “We’re not trying to replace human crews, we’re really just trying to take the dull, dirty and dangerous work off their plates to allow them to focus on those higher-level activities,” Azimi said. NASA is partnering with robotics companies like Austin, Texas-based Apptronik to learn how humanoid robots developed for terrestrial purposes could benefit future humanoid robots destined for space. Apptronik is developing Apollo, a humanoid robot whose earthly tasks will include working in warehouses and manufacturing plants by moving packages, stacking pallets and other supply chain-oriented tasks. The company plans to start providing the humanoid robots to companies in early 2025. Apptronik Chief Technology Officer Nick Paine said Apollo possesses clear advantages over its human counterparts, particularly endurance. “We’re targeting having this system online 22 hours a day,” Paine said. “This does have a swappable battery, so you can work for four hours, swap the battery and then keep going in a very quick duration.” Apptronik CEO Jeff Cardenas said the sky’s the limit as new software and development improve Apollo’s abilities. “The approach is we’re starting in the warehouse and on the manufacturing floor, but then it can move into retail… to delivery and out more into what we call unstructured spaces,” Cardenas said. In years to come, those “unstructured spaces” could include space, according to Azimi. “Robots like Apollo are designed with modularity in mind to be able to adapt to many applications,” Azimi said. “And that’s where NASA’s really trying to get that insight – to see what are the key gaps, where we would need to invest in the future to bring a terrestrial system into the space environment and certified for operating in space.” (Reporting by Evan Garcia, Editing by Rosalba O’Brien) Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibilty for its content. But robots like her could also one day operate in space. A humanoid robot resembles a person, typically with a torso, head, two arms and two legs. Engineers believe with the right software, humanoid robots will eventually be able to function similarly to humans and use the same tools and equipment. NASA Dexterous Robotics Team Leader Shaun Azimi said humanoid robots in space could potentially handle risky tasks like cleaning solar panels or inspecting malfunctioning equipment outside the spacecraft so astronauts can prioritize exploration and discovery. “We’re not trying to replace human crews, we’re really just trying to take the dull, dirty and dangerous work off their plates to allow them to focus on those higher-level activities,” Azimi said. NASA is partnering with robotics companies like Austin, Texas-based Apptronik to learn how humanoid robots developed for terrestrial purposes could benefit future humanoid robots destined for space. Apptronik is developing Apollo, a humanoid robot whose earthly tasks will include working in warehouses and manufacturing plants by moving packages, stacking pallets and other supply chain-oriented tasks. The company plans to start providing the humanoid robots to companies in early 2025. Apptronik Chief Technology Officer Nick Paine said Apollo possesses clear advantages over its human counterparts, particularly endurance. “We’re targeting having this system online 22 hours a day,” Paine said. “This does have a swappable battery, so you can work for four hours, swap the battery and then keep going in a very quick duration.” Apptronik CEO Jeff Cardenas said the sky’s the limit as new software and development improve Apollo’s abilities. “The approach is we’re starting in the warehouse and on the manufacturing floor, but then it can move into retail… to delivery and out more into what we call unstructured spaces,” Cardenas said. In years to come, those “unstructured spaces” could include space, according to Azimi. “Robots like Apollo are designed with modularity in mind to be able to adapt to many applications,” Azimi said. “And that’s where NASA’s really trying to get that insight – to see what are the key gaps, where we would need to invest in the future to bring a terrestrial system into the space environment and certified for operating in space.” (Reporting by Evan Garcia, Editing by Rosalba O’Brien) Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibilty for its content. A humanoid robot resembles a person, typically with a torso, head, two arms and two legs. Engineers believe with the right software, humanoid robots will eventually be able to function similarly to humans and use the same tools and equipment. NASA Dexterous Robotics Team Leader Shaun Azimi said humanoid robots in space could potentially handle risky tasks like cleaning solar panels or inspecting malfunctioning equipment outside the spacecraft so astronauts can prioritize exploration and discovery. “We’re not trying to replace human crews, we’re really just trying to take the dull, dirty and dangerous work off their plates to allow them to focus on those higher-level activities,” Azimi said. NASA is partnering with robotics companies like Austin, Texas-based Apptronik to learn how humanoid robots developed for terrestrial purposes could benefit future humanoid robots destined for space. Apptronik is developing Apollo, a humanoid robot whose earthly tasks will include working in warehouses and manufacturing plants by moving packages, stacking pallets and other supply chain-oriented tasks. The company plans to start providing the humanoid robots to companies in early 2025. Apptronik Chief Technology Officer Nick Paine said Apollo possesses clear advantages over its human counterparts, particularly endurance. “We’re targeting having this system online 22 hours a day,” Paine said. “This does have a swappable battery, so you can work for four hours, swap the battery and then keep going in a very quick duration.” Apptronik CEO Jeff Cardenas said the sky’s the limit as new software and development improve Apollo’s abilities. “The approach is we’re starting in the warehouse and on the manufacturing floor, but then it can move into retail… to delivery and out more into what we call unstructured spaces,” Cardenas said. In years to come, those “unstructured spaces” could include space, according to Azimi. “Robots like Apollo are designed with modularity in mind to be able to adapt to many applications,” Azimi said. “And that’s where NASA’s really trying to get that insight – to see what are the key gaps, where we would need to invest in the future to bring a terrestrial system into the space environment and certified for operating in space.” (Reporting by Evan Garcia, Editing by Rosalba O’Brien) Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibilty for its content. NASA Dexterous Robotics Team Leader Shaun Azimi said humanoid robots in space could potentially handle risky tasks like cleaning solar panels or inspecting malfunctioning equipment outside the spacecraft so astronauts can prioritize exploration and discovery. “We’re not trying to replace human crews, we’re really just trying to take the dull, dirty and dangerous work off their plates to allow them to focus on those higher-level activities,” Azimi said. NASA is partnering with robotics companies like Austin, Texas-based Apptronik to learn how humanoid robots developed for terrestrial purposes could benefit future humanoid robots destined for space. Apptronik is developing Apollo, a humanoid robot whose earthly tasks will include working in warehouses and manufacturing plants by moving packages, stacking pallets and other supply chain-oriented tasks. The company plans to start providing the humanoid robots to companies in early 2025. Apptronik Chief Technology Officer Nick Paine said Apollo possesses clear advantages over its human counterparts, particularly endurance. “We’re targeting having this system online 22 hours a day,” Paine said. “This does have a swappable battery, so you can work for four hours, swap the battery and then keep going in a very quick duration.” Apptronik CEO Jeff Cardenas said the sky’s the limit as new software and development improve Apollo’s abilities. “The approach is we’re starting in the warehouse and on the manufacturing floor, but then it can move into retail… to delivery and out more into what we call unstructured spaces,” Cardenas said. In years to come, those “unstructured spaces” could include space, according to Azimi. “Robots like Apollo are designed with modularity in mind to be able to adapt to many applications,” Azimi said. “And that’s where NASA’s really trying to get that insight – to see what are the key gaps, where we would need to invest in the future to bring a terrestrial system into the space environment and certified for operating in space.” (Reporting by Evan Garcia, Editing by Rosalba O’Brien) Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibilty for its content. “We’re not trying to replace human crews, we’re really just trying to take the dull, dirty and dangerous work off their plates to allow them to focus on those higher-level activities,” Azimi said. NASA is partnering with robotics companies like Austin, Texas-based Apptronik to learn how humanoid robots developed for terrestrial purposes could benefit future humanoid robots destined for space. Apptronik is developing Apollo, a humanoid robot whose earthly tasks will include working in warehouses and manufacturing plants by moving packages, stacking pallets and other supply chain-oriented tasks. The company plans to start providing the humanoid robots to companies in early 2025. Apptronik Chief Technology Officer Nick Paine said Apollo possesses clear advantages over its human counterparts, particularly endurance. “We’re targeting having this system online 22 hours a day,” Paine said. “This does have a swappable battery, so you can work for four hours, swap the battery and then keep going in a very quick duration.” Apptronik CEO Jeff Cardenas said the sky’s the limit as new software and development improve Apollo’s abilities. “The approach is we’re starting in the warehouse and on the manufacturing floor, but then it can move into retail… to delivery and out more into what we call unstructured spaces,” Cardenas said. In years to come, those “unstructured spaces” could include space, according to Azimi. “Robots like Apollo are designed with modularity in mind to be able to adapt to many applications,” Azimi said. “And that’s where NASA’s really trying to get that insight – to see what are the key gaps, where we would need to invest in the future to bring a terrestrial system into the space environment and certified for operating in space.” (Reporting by Evan Garcia, Editing by Rosalba O’Brien) Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibilty for its content. NASA is partnering with robotics companies like Austin, Texas-based Apptronik to learn how humanoid robots developed for terrestrial purposes could benefit future humanoid robots destined for space. Apptronik is developing Apollo, a humanoid robot whose earthly tasks will include working in warehouses and manufacturing plants by moving packages, stacking pallets and other supply chain-oriented tasks. The company plans to start providing the humanoid robots to companies in early 2025. Apptronik Chief Technology Officer Nick Paine said Apollo possesses clear advantages over its human counterparts, particularly endurance. “We’re targeting having this system online 22 hours a day,” Paine said. “This does have a swappable battery, so you can work for four hours, swap the battery and then keep going in a very quick duration.” Apptronik CEO Jeff Cardenas said the sky’s the limit as new software and development improve Apollo’s abilities. “The approach is we’re starting in the warehouse and on the manufacturing floor, but then it can move into retail… to delivery and out more into what we call unstructured spaces,” Cardenas said. In years to come, those “unstructured spaces” could include space, according to Azimi. “Robots like Apollo are designed with modularity in mind to be able to adapt to many applications,” Azimi said. “And that’s where NASA’s really trying to get that insight – to see what are the key gaps, where we would need to invest in the future to bring a terrestrial system into the space environment and certified for operating in space.” (Reporting by Evan Garcia, Editing by Rosalba O’Brien) Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibilty for its content. Apptronik is developing Apollo, a humanoid robot whose earthly tasks will include working in warehouses and manufacturing plants by moving packages, stacking pallets and other supply chain-oriented tasks. The company plans to start providing the humanoid robots to companies in early 2025. Apptronik Chief Technology Officer Nick Paine said Apollo possesses clear advantages over its human counterparts, particularly endurance. “We’re targeting having this system online 22 hours a day,” Paine said. “This does have a swappable battery, so you can work for four hours, swap the battery and then keep going in a very quick duration.” Apptronik CEO Jeff Cardenas said the sky’s the limit as new software and development improve Apollo’s abilities. “The approach is we’re starting in the warehouse and on the manufacturing floor, but then it can move into retail… to delivery and out more into what we call unstructured spaces,” Cardenas said. In years to come, those “unstructured spaces” could include space, according to Azimi. “Robots like Apollo are designed with modularity in mind to be able to adapt to many applications,” Azimi said. “And that’s where NASA’s really trying to get that insight – to see what are the key gaps, where we would need to invest in the future to bring a terrestrial system into the space environment and certified for operating in space.” (Reporting by Evan Garcia, Editing by Rosalba O’Brien) Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibilty for its content. Apptronik Chief Technology Officer Nick Paine said Apollo possesses clear advantages over its human counterparts, particularly endurance. “We’re targeting having this system online 22 hours a day,” Paine said. “This does have a swappable battery, so you can work for four hours, swap the battery and then keep going in a very quick duration.” Apptronik CEO Jeff Cardenas said the sky’s the limit as new software and development improve Apollo’s abilities. “The approach is we’re starting in the warehouse and on the manufacturing floor, but then it can move into retail… to delivery and out more into what we call unstructured spaces,” Cardenas said. In years to come, those “unstructured spaces” could include space, according to Azimi. “Robots like Apollo are designed with modularity in mind to be able to adapt to many applications,” Azimi said. “And that’s where NASA’s really trying to get that insight – to see what are the key gaps, where we would need to invest in the future to bring a terrestrial system into the space environment and certified for operating in space.” (Reporting by Evan Garcia, Editing by Rosalba O’Brien) Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibilty for its content. “We’re targeting having this system online 22 hours a day,” Paine said. “This does have a swappable battery, so you can work for four hours, swap the battery and then keep going in a very quick duration.” Apptronik CEO Jeff Cardenas said the sky’s the limit as new software and development improve Apollo’s abilities. “The approach is we’re starting in the warehouse and on the manufacturing floor, but then it can move into retail… to delivery and out more into what we call unstructured spaces,” Cardenas said. In years to come, those “unstructured spaces” could include space, according to Azimi. “Robots like Apollo are designed with modularity in mind to be able to adapt to many applications,” Azimi said. “And that’s where NASA’s really trying to get that insight – to see what are the key gaps, where we would need to invest in the future to bring a terrestrial system into the space environment and certified for operating in space.” (Reporting by Evan Garcia, Editing by Rosalba O’Brien) Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibilty for its content. Apptronik CEO Jeff Cardenas said the sky’s the limit as new software and development improve Apollo’s abilities. “The approach is we’re starting in the warehouse and on the manufacturing floor, but then it can move into retail… to delivery and out more into what we call unstructured spaces,” Cardenas said. In years to come, those “unstructured spaces” could include space, according to Azimi. “Robots like Apollo are designed with modularity in mind to be able to adapt to many applications,” Azimi said. “And that’s where NASA’s really trying to get that insight – to see what are the key gaps, where we would need to invest in the future to bring a terrestrial system into the space environment and certified for operating in space.” (Reporting by Evan Garcia, Editing by Rosalba O’Brien) Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibilty for its content. “The approach is we’re starting in the warehouse and on the manufacturing floor, but then it can move into retail… to delivery and out more into what we call unstructured spaces,” Cardenas said. In years to come, those “unstructured spaces” could include space, according to Azimi. “Robots like Apollo are designed with modularity in mind to be able to adapt to many applications,” Azimi said. “And that’s where NASA’s really trying to get that insight – to see what are the key gaps, where we would need to invest in the future to bring a terrestrial system into the space environment and certified for operating in space.” (Reporting by Evan Garcia, Editing by Rosalba O’Brien) Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibilty for its content. In years to come, those “unstructured spaces” could include space, according to Azimi. “Robots like Apollo are designed with modularity in mind to be able to adapt to many applications,” Azimi said. “And that’s where NASA’s really trying to get that insight – to see what are the key gaps, where we would need to invest in the future to bring a terrestrial system into the space environment and certified for operating in space.” (Reporting by Evan Garcia, Editing by Rosalba O’Brien) Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibilty for its content. “Robots like Apollo are designed with modularity in mind to be able to adapt to many applications,” Azimi said. “And that’s where NASA’s really trying to get that insight – to see what are the key gaps, where we would need to invest in the future to bring a terrestrial system into the space environment and certified for operating in space.” (Reporting by Evan Garcia, Editing by Rosalba O’Brien) Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibilty for its content. (Reporting by Evan Garcia, Editing by Rosalba O’Brien) Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibilty for its content. Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibilty for its content. 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