Although the number of humanoid robots entering the market is increasing and they are having a favorable effect on sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and hospitality, their application is still restricted due to high development costs.
Nevertheless, growth in the area is anticipated. According to research firm MarketsandMarkets, the market for humanoid robots was estimated to be worth $1.8 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to over $13 billion by 2028. Modern humanoid robots with enhanced AI capabilities and human-like traits that can perform a wider range of tasks in the healthcare, education, and service sectors will drive this rise and demand.
Ameca – Made By Engineered Arts
Ameca, the newest and most sophisticated humanoid robot from Engineered Arts, is marketed as a development platform for testing AI and machine learning systems. With its ability to recognize faces and voices, monitor movement throughout a space, and sense age and emotions, Ameca is able to engage with people in a natural way. Ameca can convey basic facial expressions like surprise and shock as well as body language like yawning and shrugging.
Alter 3 – Made By Osaka University and MIXI
The newest humanoid robot from Osaka University and MIXI, called Alter 3, has an ear for music and is driven by an artificial neural network. Alter sang in an opera in previous incarnations. In 2020, Alter 3, equipped with upgraded sensors, a better expressive capability, and a vocalization system for singing, went one step further and led an orchestra at Tokyo’s New National Theater in addition to participating in other live events.
ARMAR-6 – Made By Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
German researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology created the humanoid robot ARMAR-6 to operate in industrial environments. In addition to having the ability to use tools like hammers and drills, ARMAR-6 has artificial intelligence (AI) technology that enables it to pick up objects and pass them to human coworkers. In addition, it can perform maintenance tasks like cleaning surfaces and can even call for assistance when necessary.
Apollo – Made By Apptronik
The Apollo cans from Apptronik can support up to 55 pounds and are intended for use in warehouses and plants. They may also find their way into the retail and construction sectors. When Apollo detects a moving object nearby, an impact zone enables the robot to halt moving, and interchangeable four-hour batteries power the device during its operation. Apptronik and Mercedes-Benz have teamed up as part of a pilot effort to investigate how Apollo can automate several manual processes.
Atlas – Made By Boston Dynamics
Boston Dynamics created Atlas, a jumping, backflipping humanoid robot that enhances motion with model-predictive control technology and real-time perception provided by depth sensors. Roboticists at the firm employ Atlas, which was constructed with 3D-printed parts, as a research and design tool to improve its agility and coordination to that of a human. The brand-new electric Atlas model from the company has demonstrated great promise by performing push-ups to demonstrate its strength.
Beomni – Made By Beyond Imagination
Beomni is operated remotely by “human pilots” who wear gloves and other wearable tech, as well as virtual reality headsets. AI is used to teach Beomni new duties so that it will eventually be able to operate on its own. Harry Kloor, the co-founder and CEO of Beyond Imagination, expressed optimism to Built In in 2022 that Beomni will revolutionize the care provided to senior citizens while assuming increasingly labor-intensive and hazardous tasks in other sectors of the economy. The company’s relationships with Dreamtech and Cobotic Surgical, Inc. have helped it gain additional traction.
Digit – Made By Agility Robotics
With the ability to unload trailers and move items under his belt, Agility Robotics’ humanoid robot Digit is ready to tackle even more laborious duties. Digit can bend and stoop to pick up objects thanks to its fully functional limbs. It can also change its center of gravity based on the size and weight of the object. Surface plane-reading sensors enable Digit to discover the best path and avoid obstacles. In collaboration with GXO Logistics Inc., Agility Robotics has set up a small fleet of Digit robots at a GXO Connecticut plant.
Jiajia – Made By University of Science and Technology of China
Jiajia is the first humanoid robot to be developed in China, created by scientists at the University of Science and Technology of China. Jiajia was developed over three years by researchers. At Jiajia’s 2016 introduction, Chen Xiaoping, the head of the team that created the humanoid robot, informed reporters that he and his colleagues would soon be working on giving Jiajia the ability to laugh and cry, according to the Independent. Its human-like appearance was reportedly modeled after five USTC students, according to Mashable.
Nadine – Made By Nanyang Technological University
Nadine is a humanoid social robot created by researchers at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. It can function in a range of environments and has realistic-looking skin, hair, facial emotions, and upper body movements. Researchers claim that Nadine is able to identify objects, words, gestures, and faces. It even has an emotive system that simulates the mood, feelings, and personality of Nadine. Nadine has managed a bingo game, worked in customer service, and may eventually assume a more significant position as a companion robot in assisted living facilities.
OceanOne – Made By Stanford Robotics Lab
The Stanford Robotics Lab’s OceanOne, a diving humanoid robot, is investigating shipwrecks. In order to investigate the ruins of La Lune, a ship owned by King Louis XIV that sank in 1664, OceanOne set out on its inaugural expedition to the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of France in 2016. The robot’s most recent version, OceanOneK, allows it to dive 1,000 meters below the surface. With haptic feedback and artificial intelligence, OceanOneK can operate various tools and equipment. It has also investigated underwater wrecks of ships and airplanes.
Humanoid robotics’ robot batteries of the future will focus on innovation. Solid-state batteries, an emerging technology, offer faster charging periods and higher energy densities, which could enable humanoid robots to do new feats.