Tesla Optimus isn’t the only humanoid robot in development: 7 more

Until recently, the idea of ​​humanoid robots that we could talk and interact with in a natural and fluid way seemed like a distant dream.

Musk’s promise that Tesla Optimus robots would work in factories and help our homes is bold. However, the project faced delays, like many other Musk-led efforts. Other labs are also developing robots in similar facilities, but only recently, with advances like Nvidia’s Jetson Thor supercomputer, has the sci-fi-like technology seemed to take big steps forward.

Several companies are working to overcome the obstacles and challenges inherent in building useful humanoid robots. Here are some of the field’s most notable pioneers and how their research is progressing.

Boston Dynamics—Atlas

Atlas is a humanoid robot developed by Boston Dynamics. Originally ordered by DARPA as a search and rescue robot, the project has evolved since 2013 and the new all-electric version of Atlas can fulfill a variety of practical roles.

• Country: WE
• Key Specs/Features: Bipedal mobility, ability to use tools, walk and even drive
• Target market: Primarily designed for search and rescue missions, although its versatility allows for wider practical use
• Status: The latest model is commercially available
• Distinctive advantage: Fully electric design improves efficiency, agility and durability over previous hydraulic models

Agility Robotics — Figure

Digit claims to be the world’s first commercially deployed humanoid robot. It is designed to perform repetitive tasks, such as loading and unloading, palletizing products and recycling bins.

• Country: WE
• Key Specs/Features: Advanced AI systems to help the robot learn new skills
• Target market: Warehouses and logistics companies seeking efficiency in repetitive tasks
• Status: Commercially available and already adopted in logistics operations
• Distinctive advantage: Easy to instruct and integrate into existing workflows via a cloud-based automation platform

Apptronik — Apollon

Apollo is a versatile humanoid robot with a friendly appearance. Apptronik tested the use of Google’s DeepMind technology to power Apollo, allowing it to meet a variety of use cases.

• Country: WE
• Key Specs/Features: Weighs 160 pounds and can handle payloads up to 55 pounds
• Target market: General commercial uses, ranging from construction to elderly care
• Status: Commercially available
• Distinctive advantage: A more human-like appearance than many other robots, making it more accessible than many industrial-oriented humanoids

Sanctuary AI — Phoenix

Phoenix is ​​a multipurpose robot developed by Sanctuary AI. The company is one of several focused on using AI to help robots perform more human-like tasks.

• Country: Canada
• Key Specs/Features: Haptic and optical feedback for skill acquisition
• Target market: Industrial and scientific environments
• Status: Commercially available
• Distinctive advantage: Flexible hands and wrists allow the robot to use a variety of tools

Engineering Arts — Ameca

Ameca is a humanoid robot developed in the UK, designed not for heavy industrial use but for human interaction. Unlike traditional humanoid robots designed to perform manufacturing tasks, Ameca’s goal is to mimic human expressions and engage in conversation in real time.

• Country: United Kingdom
• Key Specs/Features: Modular hardware and cloud-based controls for flexible upgrades and functionality
• Target market: Customer-facing environments
• Status: Commercially available
• Distinctive advantage: Human-like face and natural movement, making interactions more accessible and authentic compared to other robots

UBTech — Walker S2

Walker S2 is an industrial robot produced by UBTech. It features advanced bipedal locomotion, allowing it to adapt to changing terrain without stumbling or falling. It can also find its charging station and replace its own batteries, allowing continuous operation.

• Country: China
• Key Specs/Features: Humanoid gait and ability to adapt to terrain
• Target market: Warehouses and industrial applications
• Status: Commercially available
• Distinctive advantage: Able to change own batteries

1X Technologies — Neo Gamma

Neo Gamma is a humanoid robot aimed at home users. It features a soft fabric body and quiet servos and actuators, making it ideal for small home use environments. The product is currently in development at 1X Technologies and is a further development of previous industrial models such as Eve and Neo Beta, which are already commercially available.