Tag: Humanoid Robots

  • Figure AI’s Humanoid Robot Delivers to First Customer

    Figure AI’s Humanoid Robot Delivers to First Customer

    Figure 02 is the newer model of Figure 01, which was launched in October 2023, and it was first shown to the public in August 2024. This humanoid robot, developed by the Californian start-up Figure AI, is outfitted with six RGB cameras, depth cameras, and infrared sensors, providing it with an impressive full 360-degree view of its surroundings. Its hands have 16 degrees of freedom, allowing it to replicate human-like precision and strength, making it ideal for detailed tasks that require both hands.

    Advanced Features

    Thanks to a partnership with OpenAI, the minds behind ChatGPT, Figure 02 can comprehend voice commands and make its own choices, enabling it to work as a “thinking” companion. During a trial at the BMW factory in Spartanburg, USA, the robot showed off its practical abilities. The accompanying video gives a sneak peek into how well it performed during these tests.

    Exciting Developments

    Brett Adcock, the founder and CEO of Figure AI, announced on LinkedIn that Figure 02 is already “hard at work”, hinting at its initial delivery to a customer. However, specifics about where it will be deployed and its price haven’t been shared yet. This achievement marks a key moment in the journey toward making humanoid robots more commercially available.

    Strong Backing

    Figure AI is supported by major investors such as Microsoft, OpenAI, Nvidia, and Jeff Bezos, which has led to a valuation of $2.6 billion, placing it among the best-funded startups in the industry. The first delivery is likely to bring the company nearer to Tesla, whose Optimus robot is still limited to usage within its factories. Notably, Figure AI has transitioned from its establishment in January 2022 to monetizing its product in only 31 months.

    Source: Link

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  • Nio Testing HarmonyOS Humanoid Robots: Report

    Nio Testing HarmonyOS Humanoid Robots: Report

    Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Nio is reportedly exploring the potential of humanoid robots in its production lines. A recent report by China Star Market revealed that Nio is testing the Kuavo robot, developed by Leju Robotics, at its factories.

    Notably, Kuavo is the first HarmonyOS-powered robot unveiled by Huawei at the HDC 2024 developer conference in June.

    Nio is not the only car manufacturer exploring the use of humanoid robots in assembly lines. However, it appears to be leading this development.

    Previous Initiatives

    Prior to testing Kuavo, another humanoid robot, the Walker S from UBTech Robotics, underwent training at a Nio factory in February 2024. This marked the first instance of real-world training for the Walker S robot within a new energy vehicle (NEV) factory setting.

    During the training, the Walker S utilized its image capture and transmission capabilities for quality control tasks like inspecting door locks, seat belts, and headlight covers. Additionally, the robot was able to affix vehicle logos, as shown in a video shared by UBTech Robotics.

    Focus on Humanoid Robotics

    Nio’s interest in humanoid robotics extends beyond individual robots. In April 2024, Yi Peng, Nio’s head of humanoid robots for intellectual engineering, revealed the formation of a “squad” of humanoid robots at the China Humanoid Robot Ecology Conference. Yi also outlined two key areas of focus for Nio’s humanoid robotics endeavors:

    1. Fixing humanoid robotic arms in tight spaces and multitasking with 5G and vision algorithms.
    2. Using humanoid robots in some quality control processes.

    While the extent of Nio’s collaboration with Huawei and Leju Robotics remains unclear, the testing of the HarmonyOS-powered Kuavo robot is a significant step in the company’s efforts to incorporate humanoid robots into its manufacturing processes.

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  • NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang Foresees Popular Adoption of Humanoid Robots

    NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang Foresees Popular Adoption of Humanoid Robots

    In a recent conversation, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang discussed his forward-looking perspective on the future, foreseeing a scenario where humanoid robots will soon become ubiquitous across different sectors, bringing about a significant transformation.

    Vision for Mainstream Humanoid Robots

    Huang highlighted that the production costs associated with humanoid robots are poised to be remarkably affordable, comparable to the pricing brackets of budget-friendly automobiles. He suggested a price span of $10,000 to $20,000 for these robots, aiming to make them widely accessible to a diverse consumer base.

    Potential Impact on Industries

    Drawing an analogy to the automotive realm, Huang underscored the adaptability and versatility that robots could offer within specific human-created environments. These robots are envisioned to tackle hazardous, repetitive, or monotonous tasks, ultimately boosting efficiency and safety within workplaces.

    Supporting Huang's perspective, Tesla CEO Elon Musk also mentioned that the manufacturing outlay for the humanoid robot, Optimus, is merely half of what is needed for Tesla electric vehicles. Musk envisioned an initial pricing strategy for Optimus ranging from $25,000 to $30,000, with anticipated price reductions over time.

    Technological Advancements by NVIDIA

    In line with their futuristic outlook, NVIDIA introduced Project GR00T, a foundational model tailored for humanoid robots, and launched Jetson Thor, a robust computing system specially crafted for these robots. Leveraging NVIDIA's Thor system-on-a-chip (SoC), Jetson Thor offers cutting-edge performance, energy efficiency, and a compact form factor, propelling the evolution of humanoid robotics.

    Moreover, NVIDIA's collaborations with prominent humanoid robot firms like 1X Technologies, Agility Robotics, and Boston Dynamics signify a concerted endeavor to build comprehensive AI frameworks for robotics.

    Empowering Developers and Robotics Advancements

    NVIDIA's enhancements to the Isaac platform empower developers to design and deploy sophisticated robots across various settings. Tools such as Isaac Lab for reinforcement learning and OSMO for compute orchestration facilitate the rapid enhancement of robotic capabilities. Furthermore, offerings like Isaac Manipulator and Isaac Perceptor provide pre-trained models and advanced features for robotic arms and self-governing mobile robots.

    Huang's visionary outlook, combined with NVIDIA's technological progress, paints a picture of a future where humanoid robots seamlessly integrate into our daily routines, reshaping industries and augmenting human capabilities.

    (source: NVIDIA)

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