Top 15 Humanoid Robots To Look For in 2024

The rapid technological development has brought a new era of innovation in the robotics field. Humanoid robots have captured the imagination of the scientific community and the general public. These robots resemble and mimic the appearance, behavior and functionality of human beings. As we move into 2024, the global humanoid robot market size reached USD 681.01 million in 2021-2022 and is anticipated to rise at a CAGR of 35.39% by 2030, with new humanoid robots to assist in healthcare, entertainment, customer service and education sector.

In this article, we will explore What is humanoid robot and the top 10 humanoid robots to look at, their unique features and the potential impact of a humanoid robot in India on various sectors in 2024.

Top 10 Humanoid Robots

1. Nadine

Nadine is a highly advanced humanoid robot developed by Kokoro in 2013. With human-like features such as skin, hair, and hands, Nadine can perform simulating emotions, interacting with arm movements, answering questions in multiple languages, and recognizing individual functions.

Key features and benefits:

• 3D depth cameras, a microphone, and a webcam enable Nadine to gather visual and audio inputs, allowing for accurate recognition of different faces, gestures, emotions, and behaviors.
• Nadine’s inbuilt chatbot allows her to handle a variety of queries and remember past interactions with users.
• The ability to converse in six languages (English, German, French, Chinese, Hindi, and Japanese) ensures Nadine can communicate with diverse users.
• Nadine’s empathetic nature is ideal for customer service roles or as a companion for the elderly.
• The realistic appearance and behavior of Nadine can enhance user experience and improve engagement in various settings.

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2. Erica

Erica is a Japanese humanoid robot created by Hiroshi Ishiguro, the director of the Intelligent Robotics Laboratory. Designed to be the most intelligent humanoid in Japan, Erica’s primary focus is her speech capabilities. Erica can easily interact with humans and change her facial expressions as per the conversation. 

Key features and benefits:

• 15 inbuilt infrared sensors in her eyes allow Erica to track movements and engage in natural, human-like interactions.
• Speech-generation algorithms and facial recognition technology enable Erica to hold conversations with humans and recognize different faces in a room.
• Erica’s forty-four degrees of freedom allow her to exhibit various facial expressions and body movements, enhancing the realism of her interactions.
• Despite her inability to move her arms, Erica’s impressive speech capabilities make her an ideal candidate for roles such as news anchor or customer service representative.
• Erica’s advanced technology and human-like appearance can revolutionize the way humans and robots interact in various professional settings.

3. Sophia

Developed by Hong Kong-based company Hanson Robotics, Sophia is a humanoid robot, the first humanoid robot ever to be granted citizenship of any country, becoming an official citizen of Saudi Arabia. Sophia’s realistic appearance, inspired by Hollywood actress Audrey Hepburn and advanced capabilities has made her a popular figure in the media.

Key features and benefits:

• Neural networks, expert robotic systems, natural language processing, machine perception, and motor control all contribute to Sophia’s ability to recognize human faces, understand emotional expressions, and interact with people.
• Path planning algorithms control Sophia’s hands, eyes, and legs, allowing her to engage in natural, human-like movement.
• Sophia’s natural language processing enables her to engage in interviews and respond appropriately to various questions and prompts.
• Sophia’s interactions are stored on a cloud network for easy analysis and improvement of her conversational abilities.
• Sophia’s versatility is ideal in healthcare, customer service, and education roles.

4. RP VITA

RP VITA Remote Presence Virtual Independent Telemedicine Assistant is a humanoid robot designed by iRobot and InTouch Health. The first humanoid robot specifically for the healthcare industry for doctors to interact with patients remotely through a telepresence system.

Key features and benefits:

• High-definition video and audio capabilities enable doctors to communicate with patients effectively.
• RP VITA’s autonomous navigation system allows the robot to move throughout a medical facility without the need for human guidance.
• The robot’s touchscreen interface is user-friendly, quick and easily accessible for patient information and control of the robot’s movements.
• RP VITA can integrate with various medical devices and systems, ensuring doctors have access to the necessary tools and information during remote consultations.
• RP VITA in healthcare settings can improve patient outcomes, increase efficiency, and reduce healthcare costs. 

5. UR 10

Universal Robots’ UR 10 is a collaborative industrial robot to work alongside humans in various industries, including automotive, electronics, and healthcare. With a focus on safety, flexibility, and ease of use, the UR 10 provides a range of benefits for businesses that require a versatile and reliable robotic solution. 

Key features and benefits:

• A payload capacity of 10 kg and a reach of 1300 mm allow UR 10 to handle a wide range of tasks, from assembly to painting and packaging.
• The UR 10’s intuitive programming interface makes it easy for workers with no prior robotics experience to set up and operate the robot.
• Built-in safety features, including force and position limits, ensure that the UR 10 can work safely alongside human colleagues without the need for additional safety measures.
• The robot’s compact design and lightweight construction give easy integration into existing workflows and reconfigure as needed.
• By automating repetitive tasks, the UR 10 increases productivity, reduces workplace injuries and improves overall efficiency.

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6. Junko Chihira

Junko Chihira is a humanoid robot developed by Toshiba, designed to work in customer service and tourism settings. Utilizing technology created by Hiroshi Ishiguro, Junko Chihira boasts impressive interaction skills and a wide range of facial expressions.

Key features and benefits:

• Speech synthesis technology and natural language processing enable Junko Chihira to understand and answer questions from tourists and customers effectively.
• The ability to communicate in Japanese, English, and Chinese, as well as sign language, ensures that Junko Chihira can assist a diverse range of users.
• Advanced facial recognition technology and smooth movements contribute to Junko Chihira’s realistic and engaging interactions with users.
• An upgraded version of Junko Chihira, Kanae Chihira, offers even greater language capabilities and smoother movements, making it ideal for the tourism and travel industry.
• The use of Junko Chihira in customer service and tourism settings enhances user experience, streamlines operations, and improves overall customer satisfaction.

7. Jia Jia

Jia Jia, known as the Robot Goddess of China, is an andro humanoid robot developed by the University of Science and Technology of China team. With a remarkably human-like appearance and the ability to converse with people, Jia Jia has gained significant engagement for her realistic interactions.

Key features and benefits:

• Special emphasis on Jia Jia’s “eyes” allows her to recognize and respond to different gestures, emotions, and behavior.
• Speech-generation algorithms and facial recognition technology enable Jia Jia to hold conversations with humans and recognize different faces.
• Jia Jia’s realistic facial expressions and speech-lip synchronization contribute to her engaging and human-like interactions.
• Jia Jia’s advanced technology and realistic appearance hold great potential for customer service, healthcare, and education applications.

8. Gita Bot

The Gita Bot, developed by Piaggio Fast Forward, is a unique Andro humanoid robot designed to assist humans by carrying their belongings. Although Gita does not have a human-like appearance, its innovative design and functionality are the best addition to the list of top humanoid robots.

Key features and benefits:

• A payload capacity of up to 40 lbs allows Gita to carry a variety of items, from groceries to personal belongings.
• Gita’s autonomous navigation system enables it to follow its user at speeds of up to 6 mph while avoiding obstacles and maintaining a safe distance.
• The robot’s user-friendly interface gives manageable control and customization of its settings.
• Gita’s compact design and durable construction are suitable for indoor and outdoor environments.
• By providing a convenient and efficient means of transporting commodities, Gita Bot can enhance user experience and improve the quality of life.

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9. Ocean One

Ocean One, developed by Stanford University, is a humanoid robotic diver designed to perform underwater dangerous tasks or difficult for human divers. Equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and robotic arms, Ocean One can navigate complex underwater environments and manipulate objects with precision. 

Key features and benefits:

• Advanced robotic arms with force sensors enable Ocean One to perform delicate tasks, such as handling fragile artifacts or interacting with marine life.
• High-definition cameras and sonar technology allow Ocean One to navigate underwater environments and provide real-time feedback to its operators.
• Ocean One’s human-like design and advanced control system perform challenging or impossible tasks for traditional remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).
• The use of Ocean One in underwater exploration, research, and maintenance tasks can greatly enhance efficiency, reduce risks to human divers, and open up new possibilities for scientific discovery.
• Ocean One’s groundbreaking technology can revitalize underwater operations across archaeology, marine biology and oil and gas exploration industries.

10. Atlas

Atlas, developed by Boston Dynamics, is a highly dynamic humanoid robot designed for search and rescue missions in dangerous environments. Standing at 6 feet tall and capable of impressive jumps and backflips, Atlas is a remarkable example of the potential future of humanoid robotics.

Key features and benefits:

• Advanced control systems and hydraulic actuators enable Atlas to perform agile movements and maintain balance in challenging conditions.
• High-resolution stereo cameras and LIDAR technology allow Atlas to perceive and navigate its environment effectively.
• Atlas’ modular design and rugged construction make it suitable for use in various applications, including disaster response, industrial inspection, and military operations.
• Atlas is used to search and rescue missions to improve response times, reduce the risk to human responders and ultimately save lives.
• Atlas’ impressive capabilities and potential for future development serve as an inspiring example of the potential of humanoid robotics in various industries and applications.

Conclusion

The top 10 humanoid robots represent cutting-edge robotics technology, showcasing the incredible advancements made in recent years. From healthcare to customer service, these humanoid robots are improving the way we live and work, enhancing efficiency and safety, and providing new opportunities for scientific discovery. As technology advances, we can envision even greater humanoid robot in India, obscuring the line between humans and machines and modernizing the way we interact with the world around us.

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