Humanoid Robots: Where Are They Now?

Robots that resemble people and behave like them are called humanoid robots. Such kinds of robots possess a wide range of cameras, detectors, and, more importantly, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The primary purpose behind creating these robots is to perform movements, interactions, and expressions like humans. The outer appearance of the body or skin of these robots is designed to mimic actual human beings. These humanoid robots, which possess eyes and skin but no flesh or bones, are also employed for inspection and maintenance. The most recent versions can communicate with various emotions and even move and talk like people.

Humanoid Robots of This Era

Even though several humanoid robots are currently in the experimental or other early phases of development, others have passed the research and development in recent years and are now employed as waitresses, deep-sea divers, nurses, and older adults’ companions. Some people support those in logistics and production by working in warehouses and factories. Others lead orchestras and welcome conference attendees, providing more novelty and amazement than anything else.

Although few humanoid robots are in use today and their development is expensive, the market is predicted to expand. According to recent research, the entire spectrum of business for humanoid robots was projected to be worth $1.5 billion in 2022 and is likely to go beyond $17 billion in the upcoming five years. Modern humanoid robots with enhanced AI technologies and human-like qualities that can do more tasks in the service sector, education, and healthcare will fuel that development and demand.

Humanoid robots are grouped into three primary types: Research, Industrial, and Consumer. 

• Research Humanoid Robots: Specially made for use in the academic study are research humanoid robots; these robots cost more and have more sophisticated functions than industrial humanoid robots. They may be unable to work for as many hours and are not as strong.
• Industrial Humanoid Robots: Industrial humanoid robots are designed for production and other industrial operations. They often cost more and are less functional than other humanoid robots. They can work longer without becoming tired since they are more resilient.
• Consumer Humanoid Robots: These robots are intended for home use. They often cost less and have fewer capabilities than other varieties of humanoid robots. They can be employed for various functions, such as conversation or assistance with home duties, but they are far more consumer friendly.

What Do Humanoid Robots Offer?

Improved Productivity in Commercial Production and Other Industrial Jobs 

Humanoid robots are becoming more prevalent in workplaces and some other industrial environments. These devices are made to be more effective than their human companions, able to operate for a more extended period without growing weary, and capable of doing activities that are far too risky or complex for people.

Although some regard the development of humanoid robots with skepticism, these creatures have the power to alter the manner we operate and reside entirely. Humanoid robots will increase in society more often in the upcoming years, bringing about a brand-new era of production and effectiveness.

More Agility and Precision Than Typical Robots

Humanoid robots are being deployed in a range of scenarios more often. As a result, they can handle a more extensive range of jobs and engage with their surroundings more purely. Humanoid robots, for instance, can be used in manufacturing environments to run machinery or in hospital settings to help with patient care.

Humanoid robots are also designed for rescue and search operations since they can traverse challenging terrain and fit into tight areas. Humanoid robots are expected to become increasingly prevalent in our regular lifestyle as they develop.

Greater Capacity for Human-Like Engagement

They may interact with their surroundings in a manner that is more akin to human behavior since they are furnished with cameras and sensors. This is primarily due to their capacity for human-like gait and speed.

Due to this, they can not only fit in with society more efficiently but also execute duties that would typically be handled by people more effectively. Humanoid robots will undoubtedly be a frequent sight in our society as their capabilities continue advancing.

Provide Company to Those Who Are Alone or Lonely

Humanoid robots are rapidly being created to offer emotional help and company to lonely or solitary people. These robots can provide companionship on par with human levels and assist with onerous human duties like caring for old or disabled people.

Humanoid Robots can learn and comprehend human feelings, and they may utilize this understanding to help and soothe individuals in need. Humanoid robots can also be designed to do specific duties, such as reminding users of appointments or assisting with everyday chores.

Famous Humanoid Robots of This Era

Over time, these robots are being upgraded and are becoming popular in every dimension of life. Listed below are the famous humanoid robots of this era:

Ocean One

Ocean One is an underwater robot designed to examine and explore coral reefs. It is a bimanual humanoid robot. Ocean One can go places that most people cannot. Haptic feedback technologies, artificial intelligence, and robotics work in perfect harmony here.

Ocean One’s electronics are immersed in oil instead of the standard practice of water-proofing electrical parts to prevent air leakage due to underwater pressure. This aids in reducing the tremendous pressure that is placed on it at deep undersea depths. The anthropomorphic appearance of this “Robo Mermaid,” which is comparable to that of a genuine human diver, sets it apart from other larger and heavier remote-controlled vehicles and considerably enhances its mobility and navigational skills.

In 2016, Ocean One submerged 100 meters into the Mediterranean Sea to examine the La Lune shipwreck, King Louis XIV of France’s flagship that drowned in 1664 off the country’s southern coast.

ATLAS

ATLAS, which debuted in 2013, was dubbed “the world’s most active humanoid” by its designers. It is a product of Boston Dynamics. However, US DARPA has collaborated for it related to finance at large. With the help of its range detection, stereo scanning, and other detectors, it can do its duty in the most comprehensive manners and the most effective ways.

ATLAS Unplugged, an improved version, was introduced in 2015 and featured enhancements and features that, according to the makers, made it roughly 75% dissimilar from the initial ATLAS. A more sophisticated variant of the robot executing backflips and platform leaps, uploaded in November 2017, demonstrates its agility and maneuverability. Its design is substantially more compact than its predecessors, standing only 5 feet tall and weighing roughly 74 kilograms.

Nao

As part of Robocup, Nao, the 23-inch robot, is the focus of a competition called the RoboCup Standard Platform League.

The commercial version of this robot was introduced in 2008. Aldebaran Robotics, a French robotics firm, had initially designed it. It made its RoboCup debut in 2008. Its popularity was speedy, as it had outplayed all its competitors within a few years. NAO consists of detectors, motors, and software driven by the specialized operating system NAOqi. With the help of the Choregraphe program, customization is possible.

Humanoid robots that can be configured for various tasks are abundant. Nao is a prominent robot for this use because of its widespread acceptance in over 70 countries, particularly for research and academic reasons. Nao has observed that teaching children with autism is one of its most unique uses. 

Nao was created by Aldebaran Robotics, which SoftBank Robotics purchased in 2015 and is currently the company that makes the robot.

Petman

Another design by Boston Dynamics is the Protective Ensemble Test Mannequin, or “Petman” for short. The primary purpose behind its creation was to test and examine chemical as well as biological suits for the US Army.

This bipedal humanoid robot, whose artificial skeleton is concealed by a hazmat suit (hazardous materials suit), has a startlingly human-like demeanor. It is 80 kg in weight and around 6 feet tall. Even among humanoid robots, the similarity of their gait to a human’s is unusual. Petman is the quickest bipedal robot, with a peak speed of roughly 7.08 kilometers per hour.

The primary purpose of this robot is to be like a crash sample or dummy for examining and testing how biological and chemical substances affect protective suits to upgrade these for the next era. The robot’s surface is covered in sensors that could identify a hole in the garment and induce artificial sweating inside it.

Robear

For fans of the charming robot nurse Baymax from the blockbuster film Big Hero 6, there is a real-life counterpart in the form of Robear. Robear embodies the phrase “machine with a light touch” well. This experimental robot, created by researchers at RIKEN and Sumitomo Riko Company Limited, was envisioned as a potential remedy for Japan’s projected lack of carers throughout this era.

Robear was anticipated to save the day because of the nation’s increasingly aging population and strict immigration laws. It incorporates different sensors, including capacitance-type torque detectors and Smart Rubber tactile sensors constructed entirely of rubber.

This enables delicate motions that ensure the robot can do power-dependent activities like lifting or transporting people without inflicting pain. Robear is lighter than its predecessors, RIBA II and RIBA, which were introduced in 2011 and 2009, weighing just 146 kilograms.

Pepper

A robot that can recognize human emotions like anger, joy, or sorrow and “behave” accordingly could be the coolest thing ever. Pepper performs superior to any robot. It was created by SoftBank Robotics to be a companion humanoid that can converse straightforwardly and naturally.

Pepper can recognize non-verbal cues like tone of voice, facial gestures, and others and respond appropriately. With many sensors and three multidirectional wheels, Pepper can quickly jump into action to amiably connect with and get to know the people it encounters. Because of this unique talent, Pepper has found employment in various fields that depend on customer interaction, including banks, supermarkets, and eBank shops.

In addition to aural responses, Pepper utilizes a tablet on its chest and the color-changing LEDs in its eyes. When it next interacts with a consumer, it may decide or order by recalling their preferences and faces.

Sophia

David Hanson, a roboticist, and his business Hanson Robotics created Sophia, rumored to have been modeled after Audrey Hepburn, a legendary actress. This humanoid robot was activated in April 2015, and in October 2017, after receiving Saudi Arabian citizenship, she gained notoriety globally. Sophia’s programming, which replies to inquiries with pre-written answers, is conceptually like ELIZA’s.

With this, a semblance of discussion is produced. Sophia, immobile before, allegedly obtained “legs” in 2018 and can now move.

Sophia made her public debut in 2016 and became a media favorite. 

Sophia garnered considerable notoriety before becoming famous for acquiring special citizenship for purportedly stating that she would eliminate humanity due to an alleged technological malfunction.

Remarks!

Several firms are developing humanoid robots built to imitate the body and help various individuals and enterprises.

Humanoid robots can be employed for various tasks, including examination, repair, and teaching. They are frequently designed to be management consulting robots for contact with human instruments and customer care. Service robots designed to resemble human movement and communication are known as humanoids. Like other service robots, they embellish everything through automation of work in such a way that increases productivity and efficiency while, on the other hand, reducing the cost mechanisms. These robots have been long-awaited but are now gaining immense popularity in every domain of applications. At power plants, robots relieve workers of hazardous jobs for monitoring, repair, and emergency response. Similarly, they’re ready to do the astronauts’ usual duties while they’re in space. Additional uses include:

• Socializing with sick and older people.
• Becoming a guide.
• Communicating with clients as a receptionist.

Any humanoid robot has the potential to handle a wide range of work, from doing a job in a hazardous environment to performing a duty of extreme care. To sum up, humanoid robots have transformed our age and will do so much more in the years to come for future generations.

This entry was posted on May 8th, 2023 and is filed under Uncategorized. Both comments and pings are currently closed.