Humanoid Robots in Action: Transforming Work, Life, and Industry

The integration of artificial intelligence has been a game-changer in the development of humanoid robots. These fascinating creations closely resemble human form and behavior and sit at the exciting crossroads of artificial intelligence, robotics, and human-like attributes.  Often outfitted with an array of cameras, sensors, and AI and machine learning technologies, these robots are engineered to imitate authentic human expressions, interactions, and movements.

Today, humanoid robots are widely used across many sectors, changing the way you work and live.  This article highlights the popular humanoid robots currently in use, showcasing their capabilities and applications. 

Sophia by Hanson Robotics

Sophia is a social humanoid robot developed by the Hong Kong-based company Hanson Robotics.

A unique combination of science, engineering, and artistry, Sophia is a human-crafted science fiction character who depicts where AI and robotics are heading.

According to founder David Hanson, Sophia can process visual, emotional, and conversational data to better interact with humans.  Hanson has said that it designed Sophia to be a suitable companion for the elderly at nursing homes, to help crowds at significant events or parks, or to serve in customer service and educational applications – and that he hopes that the robot can ultimately interact with other humans sufficiently to gain social skills. However, for now, Sophia is currently being used for cognitive research and other types of therapy, with astonishing results.

Sophia was activated on February 14, 2016, and made her first public appearance in mid-March 2016 at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, United States. Since its launch in 2016, Sophia has become a media darling, captivating audiences with her lifelike features and ability to hold conversations. A sought-after speaker, Sophia has addressed business leaders and participated in high-profile interviews around the world. Infact Sophia was granted citizenship by Saudi Arabia in 2017. However, this is a special case and the legal status of robots remains a complex issue.

PHOENIX: Sanctuary AI’s 

Phoenix is a general-purpose robot powered by Sanctuary AI’s pioneering AI control system: Carbon.

The robot has human-like intelligence and is capable of doing a wide range of activities to help address the labor challenges affecting many organizations today. Phoenix’s design is focused not only on task execution but also on working collaboratively with human colleagues. Its ability to learn from and adapt to human interactions is a key factor in its potential for widespread adoption in the workforce. This collaborative approach is particularly helpful in industries where teamwork and adaptability are crucial, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and customer service.

Pepper by SoftBank Robotics

The Pepper by SoftBank Robotics is a social humanoid robot designed to interact with humans. Pepper is intended to enhance people’s lives, facilitate relationships, have fun with people, and connect them with the outside world.

Pepper has been actively working in various fields, such as homes, shopping malls, schools, offices, senior residential homes, and so on! Its simplistic design and cute features ensure a secure and protected environment for user interactions. In fact, the robot creators hope that independent developers will create new content and uses for Pepper.

Apollo by Apptronik

Appollo, a humanoid robot is designed to support humans by undertaking hazardous or less desirable and laborious tasks.  The robot is equipped with state-of-the-art safety features such as obstacle detection, real-time monitoring, and emergency stop mechanisms. These features ensure that the robot operates safely in various environments, preventing accidents and ensuring reliable performance.

Today, a series of Apollo humanoid robots are set to be deployed in Mercedes-Benz’s production line, helping human workers deliver assembly kits and inspect the car brand’s vehicle components, to name a few.

BEOMNI by Beyond Imagination

BEOMNI is a fully functional general-purpose robotic system. It can operate in a limitless number of verticals, from medical and complex fine motor control manufacturing tasks to working in agriculture, logistics, and, eventually, space construction.  Capable of operating for hours on its rechargeable batteries, BEOMNI is highly mobile—it goes where you need it to go, even if that requires traveling down and over curbs, or through snow, sand, and mud.  For now, the creators are currently developing Beomni, with capabilities that can be remotely controlled by humans. 

Digit by Agility Robotics’

Digit is a human-centric, multi-purpose robot made for logistics work. It can execute various tasks and adapt to many different workflows. A fleet of Digits can switch between applications depending on current warehouse needs and seasonal shifts. The robot can be deployed into existing warehouse operations and as-built infrastructure without costly retrofitting. 

Digit incorporates decades of research, development, and scientific breakthroughs in dynamic mobility and manipulation from Agility’s team, allowing it to navigate obstacles with ease and walk on uneven surfaces in different human environments, all while handling and moving objects.

In all, Digit’s development represents an important step towards automating tasks in the logistics industry, potentially reducing labor costs and increasing efficiency in package sorting and handling.

Kimi by Macco Robotics

KIME is a humanoid robot developed by Macco Robotics in Seville, Spain. It is designed to work with the hospitality industry. According to its manufacturer, the 5G-enabled humanoid robot can work 24 hours a day.

KIME can perform the same functions as a bartender behind the bar, preparing and serving all kinds of drinks: cocktails, beers, and coffees. Its artificial intelligence system can accurately monitor the amount of liquid it is pouring. “It can prepare any type of drink or ice cream, even serve and dispense any packaged food,” explained the founder of Macco Robotics.

Kime can also be integrated into a kiosk, where it is fully automated without human intervention. In addition, the manufacturer claims they are in the process of teaching the robot to cook. 

According to Macco Robotics, Kime was born as a solution to the complicated search for qualified personnel to work in the restaurant sector. With its advanced technology and versatile capabilities, Kime not only offers an efficient alternative to human staff, but also elevates the user experience to new levels of excellence with cutting-edge technology to deliver a unique experience for both users and business owners.

The above list represents the transformative role of artificial intelligence in building humanoids with diverse capabilities and the potential to transform multiple industries.

Humanoid robot market size

Designed to resemble and mimic human actions and behaviors, humanoid robots are becoming increasingly prominent across various industries. Coherent Market Insights estimates that the humanoid robot market will reach $46.31 billion globally by 2031, growing at a 48.6 percent CAGR.  

Their growing adoption is driven by several key factors – including technological advancements, rising labor costs, and increasing demand for automation and efficiency. However, challenges such as high costs, complex maintenance, and societal skepticism about replacing human jobs with robots persist. 

But, for now, it’s unclear how well humanoid robots will integrate into society and how well humans will accept their help in the near future. While some people will see the proliferation of these robots as creepy, dangerous or as unneeded competition in the labor market, the potential benefits like increased efficiency and safety may outweigh many of the perceived consequences. Additionally, government initiatives and regulatory frameworks will further support their development and integration, ensuring their safe and ethical use.

Either way, humanoid robots are poised to have a tremendous impact, and there are already some among us that are already playing a crucial role in the business.

Keynotes for CTOs and other business leaders

Key considerations to note when it comes to working with humanoid robots. 

• Before tech and other business leaders can fully unleash the potential of humanoid robots, pilot programs testing their ability to safely work and collaborate alongside human counterparts on factory floors, warehouses, and elsewhere will have to be conducted.
• Human workers should receive comprehensive training and support when working with humanoid robots
• The robots themselves can be hacked and as a result, the security of human data and systems can also be at risk. Hence It is essential to implement and maintain effective security countermeasures in order to secure the robotics systems. The need for a strong multi-factor authentication process, along with the identification and verification processes (based on a strong access control policy and robot fingerprints measures), in addition to multi-factor confidentiality, are highly recommended.

In brief

Humanoid robots are rapidly advancing in applications in various fields. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more sophisticated and capable humanoid robots to emerge, further integrating into our daily lives and work environments.