Tag: humanoid robots

The AI Revolution in the Automotive Sales Industry

The artificial intelligence (AI) revolution initially began with autonomous driving technology in automobiles. Long before ChatGPT became a household name, major tech giants started integrating AI to replace human drivers and automate various driving tasks. This shift marked the beginning of a transformative era where machines increasingly perform roles traditionally held by humans.

Simultaneously, the development of humanoid robots equipped with advanced AI capabilities has brought us closer to a future where robots can operate seamlessly within our daily lives. Once these robots become widespread, it is anticipated that many jobs across various sectors will be displaced, leading to significant societal changes. Governments worldwide are aware of these possibilities and are proactively working to regulate this rapid technological advancement. They plan to implement laws and restrictions on robot deployment to prevent mass unemployment and social instability, aiming for a gradual integration rather than an abrupt upheaval.

However, in the long run, the number of sectors where humans are indispensable will diminish substantially. Many routine and complex tasks will increasingly be performed by robots. One such area that could be profoundly affected is automobile sales. Recognizing this potential, a Chinese automaker, Chery, has begun deploying AI-powered humanoid robots in their showrooms to assist with car sales and customer interactions.

In 2024, Chery established a dedicated robotics division and introduced a humanoid robot named AIMOGA. The name stands for “Artificial Intelligence with Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithms”. AIMOGA is capable of walking, understanding human speech, and responding in up to ten languages. According to Chery, this robot is equipped with a “human-like movement library that enhances interaction, providing a more natural and engaging experience for users.” Despite these impressive capabilities, AIMOGA still resembles a promotional tool rather than a fully autonomous, human-like robot capable of natural emotional responses or agile movements.

Nevertheless, it is undeniable that tech companies are relentlessly working to merge AI with humanoid robotics. In the near future, we can expect to encounter robots that are increasingly indistinguishable from humans, performing tasks and engaging with us in ways that blur the line between machine and person. This ongoing evolution promises to reshape many industries, including automotive sales, and redefine our understanding of human-robot interaction.

May 6, 2025
China Hosts the World’s First Half Marathon for Humanoid Robots

Innovative Robot Race Breaks New Ground in Human-Robot Collaboration

China recently organized a groundbreaking event, heralded as the world’s first half marathon designed specifically for humanoid robots. This unique race allowed two-legged robots to compete alongside human runners, marking a significant milestone in robotics and AI integration. Throughout the race, robots operated with human operators, working together to complete a challenging 20-kilometer course.

The competition was intense and filled with unforeseen challenges. Many robots encountered technical difficulties: one fell right at the start line, another’s head dropped off and rolled away, while others collapsed or shattered during the race. Despite these setbacks, the event showcased the impressive capabilities and resilience of modern humanoid robots. The videos capturing these moments have captivated viewers worldwide, highlighting both the progress and the hurdles in robotics development.

The Race Details and Robot Performances

A total of 21 robots participated, with the leading contender being Tiangong Ultra, a humanoid robot standing approximately five feet ten inches tall. Remarkably, it was one of only four robots to reach the finish line within the allotted time. The organizers permitted team members to change robot batteries during the race, and some robots underwent multiple battery swaps—up to three times—demonstrating the logistical complexity involved.

Moreover, the race rules allowed for the replacement of malfunctioning robots with backup units mid-race. Despite these efforts, the robots finished the course at a surprisingly slow pace. The fastest robot completed the 20 km distance in approximately two hours and forty minutes, which is more than twice the time it takes an average human marathon runner. This underscores that, although humanoid robots are making strides, they are still far from matching human speed and agility.

Current Limitations and Future Prospects

It’s evident that, without direct human intervention—such as an operator standing nearby to assist or control—the robots would struggle to complete the course on their own. However, experts agree that, with ongoing advancements, humanoid robots are expected to become significantly faster and more autonomous in the near future. This event not only highlights the current state of robotics technology but also paves the way for future innovations that could see robots running alongside humans in marathons and other endurance events.

May 6, 2025
The Rise of Humanoid Robots in Everyday Life

Exploring the Future of Humanoid Robots in Our Homes

On a recent sunny morning, I found myself standing at the front door of a striking two-story residence in Redwood City, California. Almost instantly, the door swung open to reveal a faceless robot clad in a sleek beige bodysuit that hugged its slender frame, accentuating its long limbs. This elegant humanoid greeted me with what I perceived to be a Scandinavian accent, prompting me to extend my hand for a shake. As our palms connected, it confidently remarked, “I have a firm grip.”

As I stepped inside, the home’s owner, a Norwegian engineer named Bernt Børnich, requested a bottle of water. In response, the robot smoothly turned away, navigated to the kitchen, and opened the refrigerator with a single, fluid motion of its hand.

Artificial intelligence is already transforming our lives by driving cars, composing essays, and even writing complex computer code. Now, humanoid robots—machines designed to emulate human appearance and powered by advanced A.I.—are on the brink of becoming integral parts of our households, assisting with everyday tasks. Mr. Børnich is the visionary founder and chief executive of a start-up called 1X. By the end of this year, his ambitious company aims to introduce his humanoid, known as Neo, into over 100 homes across Silicon Valley and beyond.

The founder and chief executive of 1X, Bernt Børnich, alongside Neo, the company’s latest humanoid model, represents a new wave of innovation in robotics.

Credit: David B. Torch for The New York Times

1X is just one of the many companies venturing into the realm of humanoid robotics, with plans to market these robots for both residential and commercial use. Since 2015, investors have poured an impressive $7.2 billion into over 50 start-ups dedicated to this field, as reported by PitchBook, a firm that specializes in tech industry research. The enthusiasm surrounding humanoid robots peaked last year, with investments soaring to a remarkable $1.6 billion. This figure does not even account for the substantial financial resources that Elon Musk and Tesla, his electric vehicle company, are funneling into their humanoid project, Optimus, which commenced development in 2021.

April 5, 2025
The Rise of Humanoid Robots in Everyday Life

Humanoid Robots Making Their Way into Homes

On a bright morning, I approached the front door of an elegant two-story residence nestled in Redwood City, California. Almost instantly, the door swung open to reveal a remarkably lifelike robot, draped in a snug beige bodysuit that accentuated its slender figure. This humanoid greeted me with a voice that carried a hint of a Scandinavian accent. Eager to connect, I extended my hand for a shake, and the robot responded with a firm grip, stating, “I have a firm grip.”

As the homeowner, a Norwegian engineer named Bernt Børnich, requested a bottle of water, the robot smoothly pivoted, made its way to the kitchen, and effortlessly opened the refrigerator door with one hand.

Artificial intelligence is already revolutionizing various fields by driving vehicles, composing essays, and even generating computer code. Now, humanoid robots—machines designed to mimic human likeness and powered by advanced A.I.—are on the brink of integrating into our daily lives, ready to assist with household chores. Mr. Børnich is the visionary founder and chief executive of a start-up called 1X. By the end of this year, his company aims to deploy its innovative robot, Neo, into over 100 homes throughout Silicon Valley and beyond.

The founder and chief executive of 1X, Bernt Børnich, alongside Neo, the company’s latest humanoid model. Credit: David B. Torch for The New York Times

1X is just one among many start-ups racing to introduce humanoid robots to both residential and commercial settings. Since 2015, investors have injected a staggering $7.2 billion into more than 50 start-ups focused on humanoid technology, according to PitchBook, a prominent research firm that monitors the tech industry. The excitement surrounding humanoids reached a new high last year, with investments soaring past $1.6 billion. This figure does not even include the substantial financial resources that Elon Musk and his company, Tesla, are channeling into developing Optimus, a humanoid robot project that began in 2021.

April 4, 2025