Latest news with #humanoidRobot
CNN
2 days ago
- Business
- CNN
Will a dice-playing humanoid robot eventually make you tea and do your dishes?
AlphaBot 2 wants to beat humans at their own game. When the robot is asked if it wants to play dice, it can interpret the question and jump into action – pressing the button on an automatic dice roller, which spins a die. It can even react to its opponent's score with a thumbs up if they win. The humanoid, created by AI² Robotics, based in Shenzhen, China, displayed its skills at the recent Beyond Expo in the Chinese special administrative region of Macao, where it played the game with attendees of the tech conference, including CNN journalists. The robot's ability to understand instructions was made possible by embodied artificial intelligence (AI) – the integration of AI systems into physical entities – allowing it to interact with and learn from the world around it. 'In the last era of robots, people needed to program them to tell them what to do,' Yandong Guo, CEO of AI² Robotics, told CNN correspondent Kristie Lu Stout on the sidelines of the conference. 'Now you just tell them what to do, and the robot can understand the environment.' Guo adds that it took the robot just minutes to learn to play. 'We just show the robot what to do, maybe five to 10 samples, and the robot can learn.' While AI chatbots like ChatGPT have become familiar, many experts say that embodied AI is the next big thing in the field. Companies across the world are developing humanoid robots with AI, including Tesla and California-based Figure AI, whose investors include major tech companies like Microsoft and Nvidia. In China, embodied AI is receiving serious national support, including funding, innovation centers and even a robot school. Shenzhen alone is home to more than 200 companies focusing on the tech, according to local media. Officials see the technology as a potential driver of economic growth, and in recent years homegrown robots have gained attention for skills ranging from delivering roundhouse kicks to running a half-marathon (though not very quickly). Today, robots are already being used around the globe in industrial settings, like car manufacturing plants. Many robots are programmed to complete routine tasks, but things are shifting towards the use of embodied AI, says Harry Yang, an assistant professor at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. 'As tasks become more complex, you need robots to see and understand and act based on different situations,' he says. AlphaBot 2 – which comes equipped with AI² Robotics' self-developed embodied AI model – already has customers across industrial services, biotechnology, and public services, the company says. At a factory operated by carmaker Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Co. it loads and unloads materials, tows carts, and attaches labels to windshields. But Guo hopes that one day, it can step out of the factory and into the home. Today, most robots lack the technological prowess to be helpful in a household. Hong Kong-listed UBTech Robotics plans to unveil a $20,000 home companion robot this year, according to Bloomberg, but the company said the technology was years away from being able to help with household chores and to look after humans. That's because it's difficult to get enough training data to simulate the varying home environments people live in, experts say. But Morgan Stanley estimates that 80 million humanoids will be used in homes by 2050, as technology advances. Guo is already envisioning how his robots might be able to help consumers. 'If you want to drink some tea,' he says, 'the robot can know where to fetch the teabag can know where to get hot water, and how to pour the hot water into the cup and make tea for you.' That's not all. 'After we eat, I hope our robot can clean up all the dishes for us. We love to cook, but we don't like to clean things up.' The reality Guo imagines is still a way off. Prices will need to come down. AI² declined to share a price for its humanoids, saying its robots are tailored to customer requirements, so there's no fixed price. Humanoids produced by some other companies in China cost just shy of $15,000 and within five years, the price of an AI² humanoid could drop to the range of an entry-level car affordable to a middle-class family, says a spokesperson. 'The challenge here is that it's very expensive to make one,' says Yang. 'Maybe you'd rather hire someone (to work in your home), it's cheaper and easier.' Safety is another major concern; a robot tipping over onto a human could cause injury. Experts have also raised concerns about the privacy risks of a home robot collecting people's data through cameras and microphones. Guo says that Chinese consumers have some anxiety about putting humanoid robots to use, and the company takes safety and privacy into consideration when it develops its products, but he adds: 'You would be surprised to see there are so many customers in China willing to get robots.' Yang says that it will likely be about five to 10 years before humanoid robots can be truly useful in the home. AI² Robotics says in the third quarter of 2025 its robots will be launched at airports in major Chinese cities for tasks like organizing luggage carts for passengers. In three to five years, they might be ready for senior facilities, he says. The robots will be learning along the way. 'We need to get a lot of data for the robot to learn, to have this kind of common sense,' he says. That could help the company get closer to its goal. 'Our dream is to get one robot for every family,' he says.
Bloomberg
20-06-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
German Startup Neura Robotics Eyes Up to €1 Billion Fundraising
German startup Neura Robotics is targeting to raise as much as €1 billion ($1.2 billion) in new funding as the company prepares to debut a humanoid robot, according to people familiar with the matter. Neura Robotics has started approaching potential investors, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private.
Associated Press
19-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Embodied AI and Humanoid Robot Market Research 2024-2025: Product Technology Outlook and Supply Chain Analysis
DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 19, 2025-- The 'Embodied AI and Humanoid Robot Market Research 2024-2025: Product Technology Outlook and Supply Chain Analysis' has been added to offering. In 2025, the global humanoid robot industry is poised at a pivotal juncture-transitioning from technological validation to scenario-based immersion. The estimated market potential across various applications including industry, service, special, and family, is projected to exceed tens of trillions of yuan. Despite this high potential, the market confronts three significant bottlenecks: unresolved cost structures, generational intelligence gaps, and insufficient data supply. The sector's leading enterprises in China and the US are innovating technical pathways and product matrices to address these challenges. These leaders are moving towards next-generation cost-effective products and evolving their competitiveness in the market. Trend 1: Technological Iterations in the Humanoid Robot Market Humanoid robot development has progressed through three key phases: the initial exploration stage, the technology accumulation stage, and the current era of AI foundation model reconstruction. From early mechanical skeletons to advanced AI-driven decision-making, the industry has significantly bridged the gap between human and machine cognition. The initial exploration stage (late 1960s-1990s) laid the groundwork with dynamic walking theories. The technology accumulation stage (early 2000s-2022) integrated sensors and intelligent control, setting the stage for complex interactions with the physical world, as demonstrated by innovations like Boston Dynamics' Atlas. Since 2022, the industry has been revolutionized by AI foundation models such as OpenAI's GPT-4. Companies like Tesla are leveraging these advancements to enhance semantic understanding, task decomposition, and decision-making accuracy, significantly reducing reliance on manual programming. Trend 2: Diverse Players and Strategic Dynamics The industry comprises veteran robot companies, native robot firms, automotive OEMs, and startups, each tackling industrialization challenges. These entities are advancing through sports, scenarios, manufacturing, and AI integration. Together, they are navigating the '0-1" inflection point, aiming to unlock a trillion-yuan market opportunity. Trend 3: Leaders in Full Body Freedom ROBOTERA STAR1 and Xpeng Iron lead the field in flexibility and load capabilities. Notable players like Unitree Robotics and Yuanzheng display varied degrees of freedom and torque capabilities, catering to tasks of differing complexity and demand. Trend 4: Evolution of Battery Range Most humanoid robots currently operate for around two hours, a limitation linked to battery energy density. Innovations in structural design and battery technology have enabled some models to extend this range, paving the way for broader application scenarios. Long-term improvements in battery technology, such as solid-state batteries, are expected to bolster energy capacity, crucial for industrial settings demanding extended operational hours. Trend 5: AI Integration and Optimus Evolution Tesla Optimus exemplifies advancements in AI autonomy with features like lightweight design and multidimensional perception. Enhanced actuator configurations and motion algorithms enable Optimus to perform tasks mirroring human agility. Trend 6: Mass Production and Home Scenario Focus 2025 marks the onset of mass production focusing on industrial scenarios. Humanoid robots are poised to tackle unstructured environments, particularly in domestic settings, driven by a burgeoning demand for interactive home ecosystems. Despite the challenging requirements of these environments, significant technological advancements are anticipated in the coming decade. Overall, the humanoid robot industry is rapidly advancing toward more sophisticated, adaptable, and efficient systems capable of transforming various societal facets. Key Topics Covered: 1 Industry Overview: EAI Drives Humanoid Robot Industry Transformation National Humanoid Robot Policies/Plans (2021-2024) Overview of EAI and Humanoid Robot Market Introduction to EAI and Humanoid Robots Driving Forces for EAI and Humanoid Robots EAI and Humanoid Robot Industry Development Trends 2 Humanoid Robot Supply Chain Overview of EAI and Humanoid Robot Supply Chain Tesla Optimus as an EXAMPLE: COST BREAKDown of Core Humanoid Robot Components 3 Representative Humanoid Robot Companies Unitree Robotics UBTECH Leju Robotics Apptronik Agility Robotics Figure AI LimX Dynamics Galbot Beijing ROBOTERA 4 Strategic Layout, Products and Cost Structure of Humanoid Robot Companies Strategic Planning of Typical Humanoid Robot Companies Product Planning of Typical Humanoid Robot Companies 5 Challenges and Development Trends of Large-scale Application Scenarios Large-scale Technology Application, Cost and Market Challenges Humanoid Robot Development Trends Companies Featured Unitree Robotics UBTECH Leju Robotics Apptronik Agility Robotics AgiBot Figure AI LimX Dynamics Galbot Beijing ROBOTERA Tesla Optimus Xpeng IRON Xiaomi CyberOne GAC GoMate Chery Mornine Toyota Hyundai Boston Dynamics NVIDIA DeepMind Huawei For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. View source version on CONTACT: Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 KEYWORD: INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TECHNOLOGY ROBOTICS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SOURCE: Research and Markets Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 06/19/2025 08:13 AM/DISC: 06/19/2025 08:13 AM
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Embodied AI and Humanoid Robot Market Research 2024-2025: Diverse Players Catalyze Humanoid Robot Market Across Sports, Scenarios, Manufacturing and AI
In 2025, the humanoid robot industry faces a pivotal shift from tech verification to market penetration, unlocking a market exceeding trillions of yuan across various sectors. Major scale-up challenges include high costs, intelligence gaps, and data shortages. Industry analysis highlights key players' strategies and trends, including AI advances, industrial applications, and innovations in design and energy consumption. The focus shifts to structured scenarios like manufacturing, anticipating broader home applications driven by aging demographics and smart home integration, with mass production expected in 5-10 years. Key leaders include Tesla Optimus, ROBOTERA STAR1, and emerging startups. Dublin, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Embodied AI and Humanoid Robot Market Research 2024-2025: Product Technology Outlook and Supply Chain Analysis" has been added to offering. In 2025, the global humanoid robot industry is poised at a pivotal juncture-transitioning from technological validation to scenario-based immersion. The estimated market potential across various applications including industry, service, special, and family, is projected to exceed tens of trillions of yuan. Despite this high potential, the market confronts three significant bottlenecks: unresolved cost structures, generational intelligence gaps, and insufficient data supply. The sector's leading enterprises in China and the US are innovating technical pathways and product matrices to address these challenges. These leaders are moving towards next-generation cost-effective products and evolving their competitiveness in the market. Trend 1: Technological Iterations in the Humanoid Robot Market Humanoid robot development has progressed through three key phases: the initial exploration stage, the technology accumulation stage, and the current era of AI foundation model reconstruction. From early mechanical skeletons to advanced AI-driven decision-making, the industry has significantly bridged the gap between human and machine cognition. The initial exploration stage (late 1960s-1990s) laid the groundwork with dynamic walking theories. The technology accumulation stage (early 2000s-2022) integrated sensors and intelligent control, setting the stage for complex interactions with the physical world, as demonstrated by innovations like Boston Dynamics' Atlas. Since 2022, the industry has been revolutionized by AI foundation models such as OpenAI's GPT-4. Companies like Tesla are leveraging these advancements to enhance semantic understanding, task decomposition, and decision-making accuracy, significantly reducing reliance on manual programming. Trend 2: Diverse Players and Strategic Dynamics The industry comprises veteran robot companies, native robot firms, automotive OEMs, and startups, each tackling industrialization challenges. These entities are advancing through sports, scenarios, manufacturing, and AI integration. Together, they are navigating the "0-1" inflection point, aiming to unlock a trillion-yuan market opportunity. Trend 3: Leaders in Full Body Freedom ROBOTERA STAR1 and Xpeng Iron lead the field in flexibility and load capabilities. Notable players like Unitree Robotics and Yuanzheng display varied degrees of freedom and torque capabilities, catering to tasks of differing complexity and demand. Trend 4: Evolution of Battery Range Most humanoid robots currently operate for around two hours, a limitation linked to battery energy density. Innovations in structural design and battery technology have enabled some models to extend this range, paving the way for broader application scenarios. Long-term improvements in battery technology, such as solid-state batteries, are expected to bolster energy capacity, crucial for industrial settings demanding extended operational hours. Trend 5: AI Integration and Optimus Evolution Tesla Optimus exemplifies advancements in AI autonomy with features like lightweight design and multidimensional perception. Enhanced actuator configurations and motion algorithms enable Optimus to perform tasks mirroring human agility. Trend 6: Mass Production and Home Scenario Focus 2025 marks the onset of mass production focusing on industrial scenarios. Humanoid robots are poised to tackle unstructured environments, particularly in domestic settings, driven by a burgeoning demand for interactive home ecosystems. Despite the challenging requirements of these environments, significant technological advancements are anticipated in the coming decade. Overall, the humanoid robot industry is rapidly advancing toward more sophisticated, adaptable, and efficient systems capable of transforming various societal facets. Key Topics Covered: 1 Industry Overview: EAI Drives Humanoid Robot Industry Transformation National Humanoid Robot Policies/Plans (2021-2024) Overview of EAI and Humanoid Robot Market Introduction to EAI and Humanoid Robots Driving Forces for EAI and Humanoid Robots EAI and Humanoid Robot Industry Development Trends 2 Humanoid Robot Supply Chain Overview of EAI and Humanoid Robot Supply Chain Tesla Optimus as an EXAMPLE: COST BREAKDown of Core Humanoid Robot Components 3 Representative Humanoid Robot Companies Unitree Robotics UBTECH Leju Robotics Apptronik Agility Robotics Figure AI LimX Dynamics Galbot Beijing ROBOTERA 4 Strategic Layout, Products and Cost Structure of Humanoid Robot Companies Strategic Planning of Typical Humanoid Robot Companies Product Planning of Typical Humanoid Robot Companies 5 Challenges and Development Trends of Large-scale Application Scenarios Large-scale Technology Application, Cost and Market Challenges Humanoid Robot Development Trends Companies Featured Unitree Robotics UBTECH Leju Robotics Apptronik Agility Robotics AgiBot Figure AI LimX Dynamics Galbot Beijing ROBOTERA Tesla Optimus Xpeng IRON Xiaomi CyberOne GAC GoMate Chery Mornine Toyota Hyundai Boston Dynamics NVIDIA DeepMind Huawei For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
TechCrunch
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- TechCrunch
Tesla's Optimus robot VP is reportedly leaving the company
In Brief The head of Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot program, Milan Kovac, is leaving the company according to Bloomberg News. The departure comes as Tesla CEO Elon Musk has claimed the company will have 'thousands' of Optimus robots operating in its factories by the end of this year. 'And we expect to scale Optimus up faster than any product, I think, in history, to get to millions of units per year as soon as possible,' Musk said last month. Kovac has worked at Tesla for nearly 10 years, with much of that time coming as a top engineer on the Autopilot team. He was tapped to help lead development of Optimus in 2022 and became a vice president overseeing the program in late 2024. 'I'm driving the Optimus program (Tesla's humanoid robot) & all its engineering teams,' Kovac previously wrote on his LinkedIn profile. 'Separately, I'm also driving the engineering teams responsible for all the software foundations & infrastructure common between Optimus and Autopilot.' Ashok Elluswamy, the vice president of Tesla's AI software division, will take over the Optimus project according to Bloomberg.
