Robotics & Automation News

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Humanoids

Humans race against humanoid robots in bizarre half-marathon

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In a groundbreaking fusion of technology and athletics, 21 humanoid robots participated alongside thousands of human runners in the Yizhuang Half-Marathon in Beijing. (See video below.)

This event marked the first time humanoid robots have competed in a 21-kilometer race with humans, highlighting China’s ambitions in artificial intelligence and robotics.​

The standout performer among the robots was Tiangong Ultra, developed by the Beijing Innovation Center of Human Robotics. Tiangong Ultra completed the race in 2 hours and 40 minutes, significantly behind the men’s human winner, who finished in 1 hour and 2 minutes. [Read more…] about Humans race against humanoid robots in bizarre half-marathon

The coming price war in humanoid robotics: From industrial workers to household helpers. How much for each?

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As the race to commercialize humanoid robots intensifies, companies across the globe are staking their claim in a market that spans industrial powerhouses to everyday household helpers.

Once confined to research labs and sci-fi films, humanoid robots are now inching closer to mainstream reality – and price is emerging as one of the key battlegrounds.

A new generation of robots is being launched at dramatically different price points, reflecting divergent visions for how these machines will integrate into workspaces, homes, and public environments. [Read more…] about The coming price war in humanoid robotics: From industrial workers to household helpers. How much for each?

XPeng to mass produce its humanoid robot next year

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XPeng, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is set to begin mass production of its humanoid robot, Iron, in 2026, marking a significant expansion into robotics.

Iron, unveiled at XPeng’s AI Day in November 2024, is designed for tasks in manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. Standing at 1.73 meters and weighing 70 kilograms, Iron features 60 articulating joints and 200 degrees of freedom, enabling fluid, human-like movements.

It is powered by XPeng’s proprietary Turing AI chip, a 40-core processor capable of handling 30 billion AI parameters, allowing it to perform complex tasks such as assembling EV components and navigating factory floors. ​ [Read more…] about XPeng to mass produce its humanoid robot next year

Humanoid robot executes groundbreaking side flip in stunning video

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Unitree Robotics has released footage of what appears to be the first-ever standing side flip performed by a humanoid robot – a significant leap in dynamic motion and balance control that may have implications for real-world deployments. (See video below.)

The robot, called G1, executes the move without ramps, tethers, or support systems – launching from a standing position and completing a full lateral flip before landing cleanly on two feet. The motion is fast, fluid, and surprisingly natural.

The move sets a new benchmark in robotic agility. Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot has previously performed impressive backflips and parkour sequences, but no other humanoid is known to have pulled off a side flip – a motion that requires complex mid-air torque control and lateral body awareness. [Read more…] about Humanoid robot executes groundbreaking side flip in stunning video

Automaker BYD to sell ‘general-purpose’ humanoid robots for $10,000 each

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BYD, the Chinese electric vehicle and battery manufacturer, has launched a new solar-powered humanoid robot, named “BoYoboD”.

This “general-purpose” robot is designed to assist with various household chores, including laundry, folding clothes, vacuuming, raking leaves, and cleaning bathrooms. Priced at approximately $10,000 (73,000 yuan), BYD plans to begin deliveries in China by December 2025.

BoYoboD is equipped with advanced artificial intelligence and features a solar power charging kit. Users can place the accompanying solar panel system outdoors, allowing the robot to autonomously recharge when its battery falls below a user-defined threshold. [Read more…] about Automaker BYD to sell ‘general-purpose’ humanoid robots for $10,000 each

Humanoid robot market to grow to $110 billion in next eight years

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The global humanoid robot market reached a value of nearly $2.37 billion in 2023, having grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 40.69 percent since 2018.

The market is expected to grow from $2.37 billion in 2023 to $19.85 billion in 2028 at a rate of 52.91 percent. The market is then expected to grow at a CAGR of 41.81 percent from 2028 and reach $113.89 billion in 2033.

Growth in the historic period resulted from the increased demand for robots in the defense and security sector, rising labor costs or labor shortages, rising adoption of automated material handling in the retail sector. [Read more…] about Humanoid robot market to grow to $110 billion in next eight years

Agility Robotics adds new capabilities to its humanoid robot

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Agility Robotics, creator of the humanoid robot Digit, has unveiled new capabilities and advancements that expand the work Digit is able to perform for Agility’s growing customer base.

These innovations were unveiled recently at the manufacturing and supply chain industry’s premier global event, ProMat. [Read more…] about Agility Robotics adds new capabilities to its humanoid robot

Apptronik and Jabil partner to scale production of humanoid robots for manufacturing

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Apptronik, the AI-powered humanoid robotics company, and Jabil, an engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain solutions company, have agreed a strategic collaboration to build Apollo humanoid robots and integrate them into specific Jabil manufacturing operations.

This includes the production lines that will build Apollo humanoid robots, paving the way for Apollo to build Apollo.

As part of the pilot program, newly manufactured Apollo units will leverage Jabil’s factory environment for real-world validation testing. [Read more…] about Apptronik and Jabil partner to scale production of humanoid robots for manufacturing

Humanoid robot maker Apptronik raises staggering $350 million from investors including Google

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Humanoid robot maker Apptronik has successfully closed a whopping $350 million Series A funding round co-led by B Capital and Capital Factory, with participation from Google.

The new funding marks a pivotal moment for Apptronik, fueling the deployment of Apollo – its groundbreaking humanoid robot – while enabling the company to scale operations, accelerate innovation, and grow its world-class team to meet the surging demand for next-generation, AI-powered humanoid robots.

Jeff Cardenas, CEO and co-founder of Apptronik, says: “We’re creating the world’s most advanced and capable humanoid robots, designed to work alongside humans in meaningful and transformative ways. [Read more…] about Humanoid robot maker Apptronik raises staggering $350 million from investors including Google

Startup offering pre-orders of Eliza humanoid robot for $420,000 minimum

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Eliza Wakes Up, the project bringing advanced artificial intelligence (AI) agents to life, has opened pre-orders for “Eliza” (main picture), which the company or group describes as “the next-generation personal robot set to redefine the capabilities of robotics and intelligent machines”.

Powered by Eliza Wakes Up, ElizaOS, and incubated by Ryze Labs, this state-of-the-art personal companion seamlessly integrates AI, blockchain technology, and advanced robotics into a cutting-edge, fully customized humanoid robot.

Ava, head of projects, Eliza Wakes Up, says: “We’re bringing AI to life in a way that has never been done before. Eliza is designed as a real girl with emotional intelligence, offering human-like companionship. [Read more…] about Startup offering pre-orders of Eliza humanoid robot for $420,000 minimum