How 2024 reshaped the humanoid robotics landscape
Humanoid said its HMND 01 can assist with kitting, part handling, and machine feeding/offbearing in automotive, electronics, and other manufacturing facilities. | Source: Humanoid
The humanoid robot market experienced remarkable growth in 2024, with Goldman Sachs Research projecting that it will reach $38 billion by 2035, up more than sixfold from its previous estimate of $6 billion.
This explosive growth reflects the transformative potential of humanoid robots across industries.
This year, we’ve seen Europe emerge as a key player in humanoid robotics development, offering a unique blend of innovation and cultural diversity. The region’s languages and cultures encourage the development of robots capable of navigating complex social interactions. European startups like 1X in Norway and Swiss companies ANYbotics and Swiss-Mile are leading advances in humanoid and quadrupedal robots.
At Humanoid, our vision extends beyond mere robot construction to creating practical solutions for real-world challenges. The company‘s primary focus is on developing commercially viable and safe humanoid robots that can seamlessly integrate into everyday life.
Our approach emphasizes flexibility, adaptability, and highly efficient manipulation, enabling our robots to operate effectively in environments designed for humans. It’s this focus on versatility that will make them particularly well-suited for a wide range of applications across industries that are poised to become early adopters of humanoid technology.
AI integration accelerates development
Among the key trends this year, we’ve witnessed a merger of advanced AI with robotics – it has created an unprecedented “ChatGPT moment” for the industry.
I expect the significance of this breakthrough will continue to grow and demonstrate humanoid robots’ ability to adapt and refine their skills in real time, which will enhance their functionality in everyday tasks.
The pace of humanoid robotics development is rapidly accelerating, with major investors and corporate partners entering the field. For instance, Agility Robotics partnered with Manhattan Associates to integrate AI-powered robots into warehouses, while Boston Dynamics and the Toyota Research Institute (TRI) have joined forces to advance general-purpose robot development.
“Recent advances in AI and machine learning hold tremendous potential for advancing physical intelligence,” according to Gill Pratt, chief scientist for Toyota and CEO of TRI. I couldn’t agree more.
Real-world humanoid applications expand
Humanoid robots moved beyond labs into practical settings in 2024. BMW’s test of humanoid robots in production lines and Agility Robotics’ deployment in warehouses marked significant milestones. These applications demonstrate their viability in complex manufacturing and logistics environments.
Europe‘s robotics sector showed significant growth, with companies like 1X unveiling NEO Beta, a robot designed for home use. The continent’s focus on human-centered design and worker well-being in robotics development sets it apart from competitors in the U.S. and China.
At Humanoid, our strategic roadmap is ambitious and multifaceted. We are simultaneously developing our own alpha prototype, targeting both wheeled and bipedal platforms.
Our plans include initiating several pilot programs with leading target companies in the U.K., with the aim of establishing long-term strategic partnerships. This dual-platform approach, combined with real-world testing and collaboration, positions us to make significant strides in his technology and its practical applications.
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Humanoid predictions for 2025
As we look ahead to 2025, several key trends are poised to shape the future of humanoid robotics. We can expect the emergence of industry-specific systems tailored to meet the unique needs of various sectors, particularly in manufacturing, logistics, and retail.
Collaborations between AI firms and robotics startups will likely accelerate, fostering innovation and driving advancements in technology.
In addition, the trend towards more affordable humanoid robots will continue, as ongoing AI advancements help reduce costs and enhance capabilities. Europe is set to solidify its position as a leader in this field, leveraging its diverse talent pool and cutting-edge research facilities to push the boundaries of what humanoids can achieve.
Overall, 2025 promises to be a pivotal year for the humanoid robotics landscape, with transformative developments that will redefine human-robot interaction and reshape industries worldwide.
About the author
Artem Sokolov is a global investor, entrepreneur, and founder of London-based Humanoid. He successfully took over a family business and grew it to a $1 billion capitalization. Sokolov is also the founder and general partner of SKL.vc, a data-driven venture builder.
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