Sunny Side of Tech: Can Humanoid Robots and Spatial AI Transform Industrial Automation?

A Quick Intro

Welcome to my first article of "Sunny Side of Tech"! I’m not claiming to have all the answers here, but I want to share what’s exciting me in the world of tech. I hope we can dig into these trends together, learn, and have some fun while doing it.

Today, let’s talk about something that has been causing quite the buzz lately - humanoid robots and spatial AI. These aren't your typical factory bots. Instead, we're talking about adaptable, perceptive machines that can do so much more than move things from point A to B.

Humanoid Robots: Not Just Sci-Fi Anymore

You might be wondering, “Why make robots look like us?” Well, that’s a great question. Humanoid robots are designed to fit into human environments—places that are unpredictable and weren’t built for typical automation. Companies like TESLA , Figure ,and Agility Robotics are at the forefront of this movement, making robots that can do the tough, repetitive, and, frankly, boring tasks.

Figure AI recently showcased its second-generation humanoid, aptly named Figure 02. This isn’t just a prototype sitting in a lab. With $854 million in funding behind it, Figure AI is gearing up to mass-produce robots that can really add value in sectors like logistics and warehousing. Then there's Tesla’s Optimus, a bipedal robot designed to help with the tasks humans find repetitive or risky—think lifting heavy items all day long. Elon Musk has even suggested that thousands of these robots could be deployed within Tesla’s factories by 2025.

Video: Humanoid Figure 02 robots tested at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg

And let’s not forget Agility Robotics' Digit—this one has already gotten its feet (or should I say legs?) wet in real-world work at a GXO facility. Digit is built for mobility, with a focus on navigating human environments and handling awkwardly shaped goods. Backed by big names like Amazon, there’s serious potential for Digit to make waves in logistics.

Video: Digit's First Day of Work at GXO

China Stepping Up

Unitree Robotics is best known for its agile quadrupeds, but they're stepping into humanoid robotics too. Their focus? Creating humanoids that can handle tough industrial tasks with agility and precision. Unitree aims to bring their experience in dynamic robotics to environments where traditional robots fall short, making automation smarter and more adaptable.

The China International Industry Fair (CIIF) 2024 showed just how big the humanoid trend is getting. JAKA Robotics debuted its K-1 humanoid—at 1.8 meters tall, K-1 isn’t just for show; it’s built for complex tasks in logistics and manufacturing.

Another standout was SEER Robotics , showcasing their latest SRC-5000 controller, designed to support wheeled humanoid robots. Why wheels instead of legs, you ask? It’s all about practicality. Wheeled humanoids are more stable and cost-effective for many use cases. SEER's approach highlights that not every humanoid needs to walk like a human—sometimes rolling is just the smarter option.

Video: SEER-5000 controller backed wheeled humanoid robot at CIIF

Spatial AI: Giving Robots the Ability to See and Adapt

Humanoid robots are impressive, but without the ability to understand their environment, they’d just be a bunch of motors and sensors. That’s where spatial AI comes into play. It allows robots to build a 3D understanding of their surroundings—like mapping out the factory floor, recognizing obstacles, and navigating complex spaces. Imagine a robot that can figure out where things are and adjust its movements based on real-time feedback. That’s the power of spatial AI.

Video: Fei-Fei Li, TED talk - With Spatial Intelligence, AI Will Understand the Real World

Let’s throw in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Projects like UniversalAutomation.org primarily focuses on creating an open automation ecosystem that allows interoperability between automation software and hardware. we’re seeing a push towards a more open, collaborative ecosystem where machines from different manufacturers can talk to each other effortlessly.

This concept of collective intelligence—where all machines, robots, and systems share data in real-time—becomes crucial for achieving efficiency and reliability in industrial environments. Imagine a humanoid robot powered by spatial AI, but also drawing insights from the collective intelligence of every connected machine in the factory. If the entire production line can communicate, the robot’s decision-making capabilities improve drastically—it becomes not just an individual unit reacting to its surroundings but a part of a highly intelligent network that understands the entire workflow.

Ensuring this level of collaboration happens securely is a major focus, and it’s something universal automation is paving the way for. When collective intelligence is coupled with spatial AI, humanoid robots become exponentially more powerful, allowing them to not only complete tasks but also optimize how they fit into the broader production process.

Legs or Wheels? Let’s Talk About It

Should robots roll or walk? Legged robots like Digit shine in environments with obstacles—stairs, uneven surfaces, or old buildings. They’re flexible and built to adapt. Wheeled robots, however, are more energy-efficient and perfect for structured spaces like warehouses, where stability and speed matter. Choosing depends on your workspace—wheels for smooth, predictable areas, legs for versatility.

The Path Ahead

Deploying humanoid robots isn't cheap, but costs are dropping. The benefits? Fewer injuries, less human risk, and boosted efficiency. With China pushing for mass production by 2025, we’re on the edge of a transformation.

Wrapping It Up

Humanoid robots with spatial AI aren’t just an upgrade—they’re revolutionary. The combination of humanoid design, spatial AI, and IIoT makes human-robot collaboration a reality. What do you think? Should robots roll or walk into the future? Let me know your thoughts! Until next time, stay curious and keep looking at the sunny side of tech!