In 2024, we will have multiple rapidly advancing humanoid robots to watch. Manufacturing robots are in most factories globally and rapidly increasing. The most automated auto factory in the world is the Tesla Gigafactory in China, which claims automation of 95% of manufacturing. 2024 will see humanoid robots leverage AI using end-to-end neural nets. Many commentators say humanoid robots will be deployed into factories in the thousands or tens of thousands.
Humanoid robots are not new Wikipedia . What is new is what AI surge in 2022 has enabled robots to learn to do new tasks.
The advances in robotics and AI are breathtaking. The demonstration by Aloha would have been impossible or Science Fiction. Now, even (smart, focused) startups can do it.
Robotics with AI are hot investment topics so there will be multiple knockoff startup companies vying for attention and funding. It’s a gold rush.
Leading Humanoid Robots to Watch
Cern Basher lists his watch list on Feb 16, 2024
| Robot Name | Company | Company Website | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | Sanctuary AI | https://sanctuary.ai/ | First general-purpose humanoid robot. Carbon AI control system mimics human brain subsystems. Manipulates objects with hands. LiDAR and camera sensors for environment perception |
| Atlas | Boston Dynamics | https://bostondynamics.com/ | Athletic and agile, performing parkour and backflips. Advanced balance and navigation capabilities. Search and rescue and disaster response. |
| Sophia | Hanson Robotics | https://www.hansonrobotics.com/ | Human-like facial expressions and conversational abilities. Recognizes emotions and adapts responses accordingly. Tool for research in AI and human-robot interaction. |
| Ameca | Engineered Arts | https://www.engineeredarts.co.uk/ | Expressive face with lifelike skin and eyes. Articulate hands for fine motor tasks. Learn and adapt to new situations. |
| Walker X | UBTech Robotics | https://ubtecheducation.com/ | Highly mobile and adaptable to rough terrain. Responds to human emotions and expressions. Customer service, education, and entertainment. |
| Tesla Optimus | Tesla | https://www.tesla.com/ | Adult size and weight. General-purpose tasks, including carrying objects. Designed for manufacturing in volumn Actuators designed in-house Autopilot technology for navigation and obstacle avoidance. |
| Aloha | SoftBank Robotics | https://www.softbankrobotics.com/ | Lightweight for home use. Taught daily tasks like cleaning and fetching objects. Pepper robot’s AI platform for communication and interaction. |
| T-HR3 | Toyota | https://global.toyota/en/ | Iconic bipedal robot with impressive running and dancing skills. Good obstacle avoidance and object recognition. Paved the way for future humanoid robot development. |
| Robonaut 2 | NASA and GM | https://www.nasa.gov/robonaut2/ | Used on the International Space Station for years. Hands and advanced tools for manipulating objects. Operates in hazardous environments. |
| Unknown | Various Chinese | China targets ‘future industries’ in 2024, humanoid robots and biomedicines to drive high-quality economic growth | |
| CL-1 | LimX Dynamics | https://www.limxdynamics.com/en | The wheeled robot is at https://youtu.be/tEYLccxFuns Now have walking robot climbing stairs. https://youtu.be/sihIDeJ4Hmk Article at New Atlas |
| Keplar | Keplar Robotics | https://gotokepler.com/ | The robot is at https://youtu.be/A5vshTgDbKE Article at New Atlas Introduced at CES 2024. Many features appear similar to other robots. Production late 2024 |
| Magic Lab | MagicLab | No website | Demonstrated backward somersaults https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTPmiDrHv4E |
| Figure AI | Figure | https://www.figure.ai/ | Announced developement with BMW. See various videos |
There will be copycat products that look like real products but be smoke and mirrors and copies. Be warned.
China Focus
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, along with 17 other agencies, has created a new action plan called the “Robot + Application Action Plan.” This plan lays out 10 industries the country wants to focus on developing robotic systems for and overarching goals for the country’s robotics industry to hit by 2025 https://www.therobotreport.com/china-plans-to-put-more-robots-into-these-10-industries/
Copycat Models
With robotics and AI hot investments topics, there will be multiple knockoff startup companies vying for attention and funding. It’s a gold rush.
Silicon Valley Robotics
Andra Keay is Managing Director and Founder of Silicon Valley Robotics, the leading non-profit robotics cluster, with more than 600 robotics startups and 50% of the global robotics investment activity. No doubt many of these startups are using end to end neural nets and robotics.
Videos of Various Robots
Telsa Optimus – latest Gen 2 https://youtu.be/cpraXaw7dyc
Aloha https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaaZ8ss-HP4
Ameca https://youtu.be/XJkGB0jNz80
CL-1 https://youtu.be/sihIDeJ4Hmk
Keplar Robot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5vshTgDbKE
Magic Labs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTPmiDrHv4E
Figure AI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5MKo7Idsok
Why Are We Surprised with AI?
The rise in AI intelligence surprised all. Even the experts. Rapid development in 2024 by all makers.
