In recent years, progress in the field of humanoid robots has made great strides. If sci-fi-style robots once seemed like a distant dream, today they are an increasingly concrete reality, thanks to the evolution of artificial intelligence, mechatronics and computational capacity. But where are we really at? When will we be able to see humanoid robots in our daily lives?
What are Humanoid Robots?
Humanoid robots are advanced machines designed to replicate human features and movements, equipped with mobile limbs, prehensile hands, sensors and artificial intelligence. Thanks to these features, they can interact with the environment and people in an increasingly fluid and natural way. Their versatility opens up a wide range of applications, from industrial production to healthcare, from home care to entertainment, revolutionising the way we work and live every day.
Leading Companies in the Development of Humanoid Robots
Several technology giants are investing heavily in this sector. Among the best known names are:
- Tesla with Optimus, a robot designed to perform repetitive tasks in factories and, in the future, also in homes.
- Boston Dynamics with Atlas, famous for its agility and acrobatic evolutions.
- Agility Robotics with Digit, designed for logistics and parcel handling.
- Xiaomi with CyberOne, a robot capable of recognising emotions and interacting with humans.
- Figure AI with Figure 01, which aims to create a humanoid assistant for everyday life.
- Hanson Robotics with Sophia, known for its social interaction and facial recognition capabilities.
- Ubtech Robotics with Walker S1, a robot designed to assist in industrial and domestic operations.
Also among the most innovative robots is Ai-Da, the first humanoid robot artist capable of painting and creating works of art using artificial intelligence.
Where are we today?
Today, humanoid robots are still very expensive, with prices ranging from $10,000 to $150,000, and maintenance costs make them unaffordable for home use.
Despite advances in locomotion, manipulation and language understanding, there are still challenges to overcome:
- Energy autonomy: batteries limit uptime.
- High cost: production remains expensive.
- Cognitive capabilities: despite improvements in AI, robots’ understanding of the world is still inferior to that of humans.
When Will They Be in Common Use?
Experts predict that humanoid robots will start to spread across several sectors within the next five to ten years.
Initially, they will be used in logistics (e.g. legal advice), factories and caring for older adults. Within 10-20 years, they could become an integral part of domestic life, performing tasks such as cleaning, cooking or supporting people with disabilities.
Conclusion: Are we really ready for the future with humanoid robots?
Humanoid robots are no longer just a futuristic vision, but a reality that is already transforming industries, warehouses and, soon, even our homes.
The future is here, and progress accelerates every day. The question is: when and how will these mechanical assistants become an indispensable part of our daily lives, improving work and interactions? The journey towards total integration has begun, and the next few years may take us into a world that still seems distant today.
