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November 29, 2024
Humanoid robots, machines modeled after humans, have always fascinated. Videos of robots dancing or doing somersaults flood the internet and suggest enormous technological progress. But how far has development actually come? Can humanoid robots already be used meaningfully or are they primarily PR stunts?
A visit to the "Humanoids 2024" trade fair in Nancy offered insights into the current state of the art. Besides impressive demonstrations, it also became apparent that many of the robots shown are not yet acting autonomously, but are operated by remote control. Nevertheless, a trend is emerging: humanoid robots are developing from expensive custom-made products to commercial products. For example, Unitree Robotics offers the G1 for a comparatively low price of 16,000 US dollars. However, without software – the control has to be implemented by the user.
Initial pilot projects in industry, such as at Amazon with the Digit from Agility Robotics or at BMW with the Figure 02 from Figure AI, demonstrate the growing interest in humanoid robots for practical applications. BMW tested Figure 02 at its Spartanburg, US plant for inserting sheet metal parts. The robot successfully mastered the task, which demands fine motor skills. The goal is to relieve employees of ergonomically unfavorable activities. The BMW Group is investigating together with Figure AI how humanoid robots can be safely integrated into production. This includes, among other things, communication between the robot and the production system.
Besides industrial robots, there are also models for other areas of application. Enchanted Tools is developing the Mirokaï robots, which roll on a ball and are designed for use in hospitals, retirement homes or in the service sector. Their human-like form is intended to simplify interaction. Their "intelligence" is based on GPT-4, the language model of ChatGPT. Facial expressions are projected onto the face shell by a projector, creating a friendly, comic-like impression.
Other manufacturers are also presenting promising models: Fourier Intelligence is developing the GR-1 for use in healthcare, Apptronik the Apollo for logistics tasks, and Sanctuary AI the Phoenix as a general-purpose robot. Tesla is working on the second generation of its Optimus robot, which features smoother movements and a higher walking speed.
Despite the progress, humanoid robots still face challenges. Autonomous navigation and interaction with complex environments require further developed AI systems. Cost is also a factor that still hinders widespread use.
In the long term, humanoid robots could revolutionize numerous areas. They could free people from dangerous, strenuous or monotonous work and alleviate the shortage of skilled workers in various industries. Whether the high expectations will be fulfilled will become apparent in the coming years.
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