Humanoid robots are starting to make a positive impact in various industries like logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and hospitality. However, their use is still somewhat limited, and creating these advanced robots is expensive.
Despite these challenges, the humanoid robot industry is expected to grow significantly. In 2023, the market is valued at $1.8 billion, and it’s predicted to grow to over $13 billion in the next five years. This growth will be driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, enabling humanoid robots to take on more tasks in fields like customer service, education, and healthcare.
Recent investments suggest that complex humanoid robots might become more common sooner than expected. For instance, AI robotics company Figure has teamed up with OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT, with support from investors like Jeff Bezos. OpenAI plans to adapt its language models to work with Figure’s robots. Additionally, Nvidia has announced Project GR00T, which aims to develop a general-purpose AI for humanoid robots. These developments follow Tesla’s introduction of the Optimus robot in 2022, which is still in the production phase.
How Are Humanoid Robots Being Used?
Hospitality: In Spain, robots like Kime are serving drinks and snacks at kiosks. Some robots are even working as hotel concierges and in other customer service roles.
Education: Robots like Nao and Pepper are helping students in schools by creating educational content and teaching programming.
Healthcare: Some robots are assisting in healthcare settings by communicating patient information and measuring vital signs.
Before companies can widely deploy humanoid robots, they need to run pilot programs to ensure these robots can safely and effectively work alongside humans in places like factories and warehouses.
There’s still some uncertainty about how well humanoid robots will fit into society and how people will react to them. Some may find them unsettling, see them as a potential danger, or worry about job competition. However, the potential benefits, such as increased efficiency and improved safety, could outweigh these concerns.
