Humanoid Robotics
General-purpose robots are becoming reality. Trained in simulation, deployed in the real world. The missing piece: an app store for physical skills.
Why Humanoids, Why Now?
Our world is designed for human bodies - stairs, doors, tools, vehicles. A humanoid robot can work in any human environment without modification.
Foundation models can now understand natural language commands and translate them to physical actions. The "brain" problem is being solved.
Training in simulation then transferring to reality finally works reliably. Robots can learn in millions of parallel simulations overnight.
Motors, sensors, and batteries from EVs and drones are making humanoid hardware affordable. Target prices under $20,000.
Key Players
Designed for manufacturing tasks. Leverages Tesla's AI and battery expertise. Target: $20,000 price point.
Learn MoreCommercial humanoid for logistics and manufacturing. Raised $675M from Bezos, Microsoft, NVIDIA, OpenAI.
Learn MoreMost advanced humanoid mobility. Backflips, parkour, dancing. Now electric (previously hydraulic).
Learn MoreWarehouse logistics focus. Already deployed in Amazon facilities for testing.
Learn MoreNorwegian company, backed by OpenAI. Focus on home and workplace assistance.
Learn MoreChinese robotics company. Affordable humanoid (G1 at $16,000) and quadrupeds.
Learn MoreKey Concepts
Training robots in physics simulation (millions of parallel worlds), then transferring learned behaviors to physical robots. Solves the data problem - real-world robot training is slow and dangerous.
Robot learns by trial and error, receiving rewards for successful actions. In simulation, can attempt billions of trials to master a skill.
Large language models adapted to understand physical tasks. RT-2, PaLM-E, and others can translate natural language commands into robot actions.
AI that has a physical body and learns through interaction with the real world. The hypothesis: true intelligence requires embodiment.
The Robot Skill Store
Robots are the new smartphones - standardized hardware that runs downloadable software. The opportunity: an app store for physical skills.
| Skill | Description | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Pick and Place | Identify objects, grasp them, move to target location | Basic |
| Assembly | Join parts together following instructions | Intermediate |
| Tool Use | Operate hand tools, power tools, specialized equipment | Advanced |
| Navigation | Move through dynamic environments avoiding obstacles | Basic |
| Human Collaboration | Work alongside humans safely, respond to gestures | Advanced |
| Dexterous Manipulation | Fine motor control - threading needles, handling fragile objects | Expert |
Timeline
Boston Dynamics Atlas unveiled (DARPA funded)
OpenAI demonstrates Rubik's cube solving with robot hand (sim-to-real)
Tesla reveals Optimus prototype at AI Day
Figure raises $70M, begins humanoid development
Figure 01 demonstrates autonomous warehouse work; raises $675M
Boston Dynamics reveals all-electric Atlas; retires hydraulic version
Physical AI
The next decade will see humanoid robots move from labs to homes. We're tracking every breakthrough.