What Can Humanoid Robots Do?

Source: Sarah Edwards for ThomasNet

For years, humanoid robots were the stuff of science fiction. Today, they’re not only a scientific fact but are rapidly becoming commercially available.

Here’s everything you need to know about these unique machines, including what they’re used for and their benefits and drawbacks.

What Is a Humanoid Robot?

Humanoid robots are exactly what they sound like: human in form but powered by a complex array of high-end machinery, including sensors, motors, batteries, and a protective shell to contain all the moving parts. Picture a robotic version of yourself, your best friend, or your next-door neighbor.

These technological marvels come with distinctly human features, including a head, a torso, and arms and legs to manipulate objects and move from place to place. Most walk upright, just like people, but some are stationary. Others rely on wheels or tracks to get around.

What Can Humanoid Robots Do??

The applications of these unique creations are diverse and ever-expanding.?Kepler?debuted a new machine at CES 2024, showcasing the potential for these creations in various settings. Here are a few specific applications:

• Industrial:?Bots like?Boston Dynamics’ Atlas?can perform hazardous tasks like handling heavy machines or working in unsafe conditions
• Healthcare:?Developed by SoftBank Robotics,?Pepper?can assist patients and engage in social interactions
• Consumer Settings:?ASIMO, Honda’s iconic bot, can greet customers and provide information about showroom vehicles

These are just a few of the exciting use cases for these two-legged machines. Once developers can get them to learn and move like people, they can train them to perform virtually any task humans can do. That said, using robots for dynamic, non-linear tasks is still in the theoretical phase of development.?

Pros of Humanoid Robots

Everyone is excited about human-like machines, and for good reason. If deployed at scale, these human-like bots can provide benefits such as:

• Safety:?Bots can perform dangerous tasks, reducing workplace accidents?
• Productivity:?Mobile machines can carry out redundant tasks with greater efficiency and precision
• Consistency:?Robots don’t get tired or bored, ensuring consistent quality in the tasks they perform
• Social Interactions:?Advanced models can interact with humans, making them useful in customer service and educational roles

As new use cases emerge, even more benefits will follow. However, there are undoubtedly some challenges associated with the adoption of these creations.?

Cons of Humanoid Robots

The main drawbacks of humanoid robots include:

• Cost:?Robots are expensive to develop, produce, and maintain?
• Complexity:?Bots are also complex and have distinct technological limitations?
• Ethical Concerns:?Human-like machines could lead to job displacement in certain sectors

Additionally, many are concerned about the ethics surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomy. Questions about whether robots possess true consciousness or rights may need to be answered in the near future.

Top Humanoid Robot Manufacturers?

Several companies are leading the way in humanoid robot technology:

• Boston Dynamics:?Boston Dynamics develops advanced bots for industrial applications?
• SoftBank Robotics:?This company focuses on bots capable of interacting and communicating with people
• Honda:?Their ASIMO robot, known for its mobility and human-like appearance, has been a pioneer in the field
• UBTECH Robotics:?UBTECH offers a range of bots designed for consumer and commercial applications
• Hanson Robotics:?Famous for their bot Sophia, Hanson Robotics prioritizes advanced social interaction capabilities

Kepler is another major player in the robotics race. They made a big splash at CES 2024, demonstrating that their technology is a force to be reckoned with.?

Humanoid Robots: The Familiar Face of Future Technology

Imagine a world where robots not only work alongside us but also resemble us in form, function, and even personality. Such a situation is no longer the stuff of fantasy — it’s quickly becoming our reality. Humanoid robots have captured our interest and imagination more than any other form of technology.

Moving forward, the focus on these marvels will only intensify. Innovators like?Boston Dynamics?are leading the charge and will undoubtedly shape the future of humanoid robotics. The versatility and the familiarity these machines offer are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of their potential, which remains to be realized.