Understanding the Humanoid Robot

Do you think that humanoid robots only belong in science fiction movies? Thank again. Not only do they belong on Earth, they’re already functioning across this planet. And the market for them is expanding by the day. What are humanoid robots? They are professional service machines. They specialize in replicating both human interaction and motion.

Humanoid robots get programmed to automate tasks. In fact, this is how they provide value to companies and organizations. That automation is the driving force behind huge cost-savings for businesses. Humanoid robots have not been around for long. But they are already getting plenty of notice. In fact, experts state humanoids will become one of the most in-demand service robots. You might need to go ahead and pinch yourself. Why? Because the days of dreaming about them are over. Humanoid robots are here to help us with tons of different applications.

The Upcoming Growth of Humanoid Robots

The market for humanoid robots is growing fast. Analysts expect significant growth in the next few years. In fact, the market number for these robots will be almost $4 billion dollars by 2023. This leads to a stunning 52.1% CAGR from 2017 to 2023. (CAGR stands for compound annual growth rate.)

What type of humanoid robot is going to be the most in-demand? Robotics experts predict that it will be the bipedal robot. These are robots that walk upright in a manner like humans. What is driving worldwide demand for the robots? It is their ability to conduct human-like tasks. And that ability is improving by the day. More and more diverse applications can now get taken care of thanks to humanoid robots.

What Are the Main Purposes of Humanoid Robots?

The list of what humanoid robots can do is getting longer and longer. Here are only some of the proven actions the robots have taken:

• -they can provide inspections for companies
• -they can do many maintenance tasks
• -they can provide disaster response at worksites such as power plants
• -they can relieve humans of many dangerous tasks
• -they can do “boring” tasks that humans do not want to do such as analyzing electronic files

In the coming years, look for humanoid robots to have even more responsibilities. Here are some of them:

• -traveling with astronauts into outer space to conduct routine tasks
• -providing comfort to the elderly and ill
• -serving as a guide to customers across many industries
• -functioning as a receptionist across many industries
• -serving as a host to grow human organs
• -taking part in dangerous rescue missions
• -offering care to those in need

As you can see, the sky is the limit when it comes to what humanoid robotics are capable of. As technology grows, so will the market for these fascinating machines.

The 7 Most Popular Types of Humanoid Robots

The thought of humanoid robots contributing to society should excite many people. You might even be imagining having your very own C-3PO as your roommate. But the technology isn’t quite there for that as of now. But it exists for the creation of other types of humanoid robots. Below are the most popular humanoid robots that exist in the modern world. As you’ll see, humanoid robots come in many shapes and sizes.

1) The Robotic Avatar Humanoid Robot

Toyota launched a humanoid robot in 2017. It is often referred to as the T-HR3. What makes this robot so special? It can imitate the movements of other people. In other words, it is an avatar come to life. This humanoid robot can walk in a manner like humans. And T-HR3 is not the only robotic avatar on the planet. More and more are getting created every year.

Experts envision robotic avatars functioning as a form of mobility services. The robots will someday have the capacity to perform surgeries on patients. Doctors will not even have to be present during the surgeries. Each doctor can control a robotic avatar from a remote location. Having a humanoid appearance is important for these robots. It allows them to hold their instruments like a human would.

2) The Robotic Ambassador Humanoid Robot

Robotic ambassadors are always powered by artificial intelligence. The AI is what turns each humanoid robot into that of an actual ambassador. What is the ambassador’s purpose? To advance the research process of robotics. But that’s not all. Researchers also use robotic ambassadors to boost robot-human interactions.

Who is the most famous robotic ambassador? Sophia. She is a social humanoid created by Hanson Robotics in Hong Kong. Sophia can walk, communicate, draw, and even sing songs.

3) The Delivery Humanoid Robot

The work of the humanoid robot developers at Agility Robotics paid off this year. How so? Ford acquired the rights to use their delivery robots in every Ford factory. This humanoid might lack a head. But it features strong limbs filled with advanced sensors. This delivery robot can climb stairs and get past obstacles.

No matter the terrain, this delivery robot has no trouble walking. In fact, the limbs are so powerful that it can maintain balance using one foot. It can also pick up 40 pound boxes with ease. When its mission is complete, the operator can fold the robot and store it.

Ford plans on this humanoid riding in driverless cars so it can drop off packages. This level of automation will be a game-changer for the delivery industry. Ford is still conducting tests to ensure this humanoid won’t encounter any setbacks.

4) The Research Humanoid Robot

This humanoid robot has been in development since 2010. Engineers at Iran’s University of Tehran have been preparing it for worldwide launch. Their most recent model’s known as Surena IV. Surena is the size of an adult human and has many advanced features:

• -face detection
• -object detection
• -speech recognition
• -speech generation
• -fast upright walking
• -hands that can grip all sorts of shapes

So, what is Surena researching? Artificial intelligence and bipedal locomotion.

5) The Digital Humanoid Robot

Not all humanoid robots are physical. Many people do not realize that virtual robots can still get considered as “humanoid.” Who are the highest profile digital humanoids? Neons. Neons are AI-infused robots created by Samsung researchers. Each Neon looks so much like a human that it’s almost scary. That’s because the Neons do not appear identical. Each one has its own personality and appearance.

But don’t assume that a Neon is going to be the next Siri or Alexa. As of now, they cannot answer most questions. But here’s what they can do:

• -convey a wide range of emotions
• -learn from their mistakes (and successes)
• -carry on conversations with humans
• -get customized to have a unique occupation (one is a yoga teacher and another is a medical doctor)

6) The Humanoid Robot That…Works as a Bartender!?!?

Yes, your eyes are not deceiving you. A humanoid robot that serves booze exists. Its creation occurred in Spain thanks to Macco Robotics. Besides serving drinks, it can also serve food. This robot looks very much like a human. How so? It has two arms, a torso, and a human-like head. This form of humanoid robot has several prototypes across Europe. In fact, you might run into one serving food and drinks at a gas station. (Yes, the robots are getting tested by working inside European gas stations.)

What’s best of all about this humanoid robotic bartender? You don’t need to tip! But here’s one more advantage. The robot is capable of serving 300 glasses of beer per hour. The AI inside of the robot allows it to learn and improve its abilities over time.

7) The Robotic Actor Humanoid Robot

Humanoid robots are even getting into acting. This form of robot came into fruition thanks to Engineered Arts in the UK. A lot of professionals have contributed to the function and design of these robots:

• -animators
• -artists
• -graphic designers
• -mechanics
• -computer engineers

Engineered Arts’ first humanoid actor’s known as RoboThespian. RoboThespian has gained a worldwide following due to its abilities. The robot can:

• -imitate people
• -do impressions
• -greet people
• -sing songs
• -make a wide variety of gestures

RoboThespian cannot walk on its own yet. But the company is investing into technology that will allow it to walk soon. But not walking isn’t stoping RoboThespian from acting. A team can use unseen dollies and tracks to assist RoboThespian. We wish this robot nothing but success in its entertainment career.

Conclusion: Humanoid Robots Are the Future

You might have once assumed humanoid robots belonged in sci-fi movies. But not anymore. You should now recognize that they belong on this earth. Sure, their capabilities are still limited. But humanoid robots will soon become more advanced than many people can imagine. Before long, your organization might benefit by using one of these amazing robots. Please be sure to check out more of our firm’s robot content. Our mission is to help our clients use robots to increase revenue and profits. No matter your industry, robots will help your company experience long-term success.