
This List Is For Anyone Who 1.) Has Big Boobs And 2.) Wants A Comfortable Bra
Whether your size leans more Ambrosia or Watermelon, you deserve something cute *and* comfortable to hold those melons up. 🍈 🍉
Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's.
1. A Goddess Keira underwire bra that offers supportive full-coverage cups accented with a sheer panel that's cute enough to show off underneath your favorite plunging V-neck!
Amazon
Promising reviews: " This is one of the most comfortable bras I have ever owned. I have always had trouble finding one with the right band and cup size and this bra is right on at a 34I. [My boobs] are finally where they should be!" — Kathy V
"This has been the ONLY bra I've ever owned that actually fits me. Puts the [tatas] where they are supposed to be and the shoulder straps fit perfect. It may not work for some depending on your build. (I've had two kids; age and gravity have taken over if you know what I mean! Lol!!!) Not all bras are made the same, nor are all [breasts], and this bra has been the ONLY bra that has helped raise my confidence. No uni-boob, doesn't spread them out to your armpits, and puts them RIGHT up and to where they feel comfortable ALL DAY!!!" — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $40.40+ (available in band sizes 34–46, cup sizes DD–O and 17 colors).
2. A ribbed bralette to keep "the yiddies" high with the help of lightly padded cups for shape and support. Now, you can lounge or WFH (off-camera, of course) in comfort without having to get fully dressed to do so.
Torrid
I own two of these bralettes and they are one of my favorite pieces to lounge in *or* throw on in the morning under a hoodie to go walk my dog. As a 46 DDD/F, I was pretty sure I'd never find a bralette that fit well without any spillage or simply just letting my boobs hang on the inside, and THIS IS IT. There's support on the inside with a little padding and it's comfortable! My back doesn't hurt after wearing it for awhile, and sometimes I have to readjust, but that's par for the course with a bralette that doesn't have distinguished cups. Definitely recommend! I ordered a size 3!
Promising review: "I don't normally write reviews but when it's something so incredibly comfortable I bought six more of… you can bet I'm writing a review. Long hours on my feet and I hate wearing wire bras to work. I saw this bra on my email and figured I'd try it. I t's comfortable and supportive! The lining has cups sewn in so I don't look flat chested like I do with other bralettes I've tried. I ordered a size 2 since I'm a 40DDD and I could've done a 1 but like I said I want to be comfortable at work. I swear you won't regret getting this super comfortable bralette" — ShiraB32
Get it from Torrid for $16.49+ (originally $39.90; available in sizes 00–6X and 13 colors).
3. A high-impact, no-bounce sports bra that's designed with full-coverage, no-stretch cups to keep your ~breast-ies~ LOCKED IN during your next HIIT workout and a camisole style for extra containment. That's right, no more bouncing boobs on our watch!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I've been on a sports bra search for years and years, and I've finally found one I'm happy with. I usually wear a 42–44DDD bra, and I ordered the 42F, which fits perfectly. I could literally do jumping jacks. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I'VE EVER ONLY HAD TO WEAR ONE BRA! YOU KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT! I even did a 10K in this thing with no problem." — RW
Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in band sizes 34–50, cup sizes C–J, and 10 colors)
4. The Comfort Bliss balconette underwire bra by Lane Bryant features a flexible underbust band with a mesh panel for airflow, lightweight molded cups, and thick adjustable straps for support you can actually depend upon!
Lane Bryant
Promising reviews: "Never had a more comfortable bra. Refuse to wear any other. You will not regret this bra purchase." — Nscarroll2
"This bra give wonderful support! As someone who is a 36J finding a bra that doesn't cause pain in some fashion has been a struggle. This is one of the first bras that I can wear all day and not feel like I immediately need to take it off when I get home." — Tiffany B.
Get it from Lane Bryant for $48.95+ (available in band sizes 34–54, cup sizes B–K, and eight colors).
5. A sheer demi underwire bra designed with breathable mesh cups that allow for a supportive, natural-looking lift. Just because you have big boobs doesn't mean you can't have cute bras!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "This instantly became my favorite bra, which is a shock. I am very large-chested and usually need something with a lot of holding power. This was purchased since it was cute, but it's also really functional! My boobs don't feel heavy in it. The straps are comfy and everything stays in place. Great purchase!!" — Mandie
"I love this bra! I am 136 pounds and wear a 34F/34DDD and this bra is so supportive. And it makes [my boobs] look good too which is a plus because some bras make your boobs look weird lol. This bra is so comfortable and it has three hooks instead of two, which is a big deal for me. I'll definitely buy more." — Chelsea Belcher
Get it from Amazon for $14+ (available in band sizes 32–42 and cup sizes B–DDD; and 19 colors).
6. A lacy underwire bra that's giving expensive lingerie vibes without the price tag, not to mention full-coverage cups to help prevent spillage and adjustable straps for you to get the perfect fit.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review:" You have no idea how hard it is for me to find a decently priced bra that FITS! This is so perfect! I'm 36G and the middle actually touches me. It's so comfy! I'm ordering one in every color! I'm very happy with this!" — Aurora
Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (available in band sizes 34–48, cup sizes B–K, and in 21 colors)
7. A Natori T-shirt bra perfect for everyday wear because of its contoured cups, comfortable stretch fabric, and line-free silhouette that basically disappears underneath your favorite tops and dresses.
Natori
Promising reviews: " This is my absolute favorite bra. I've owned five of them. Supportive AND easy on the shoulders!" — Dani
"Very comfortable and doesn't dig into torso or shoulders the way other bras in the 34G–36I range do." — Deborah T.
Get it from Natori (available in band sizes 32–38, cup sizes B–G, and seven colors) or Amazon for $74 (available in band sizes 30–38, cup sizes B–G, and 23 colors).
8. A vintage-inspired balconette bra so you can stay stylish even underneath your outfit with dependable support from foam-lined padded cups and underwire boning.
Amazon
Promising reviews: "I love it so much, I've bought two more! As a natural 34E and 57 y/o, I needed lift and support. This Charlotte Parfait bra totally delivered! It's lightweight, non-binding, nothing pokes... and it pushes my [boobs] together beautifully. I realize bras are subjective, so give this one a whirl and see if it works out the same for you. I want one in every single color because it just WORKS and it's so dang cute, at the same time. 💕" — CyndyLu
"This bra lifts a large/heavy bust for more youthful look. I wear a 34F, and it is the best, most comfortable bra I own. I've gotten several colors and am so happy I found this style. Excellent workmanship." — OriginalCyn
Get it from Amazon for $39+ (available in band sizes 28–44, cup sizes C–K and 11 colors).
9. An under-$20 unlined lace bra that's sexy *and* smart thanks to its full coverage and supportive underwire design. And considering how expensive bra shopping can be, you might as well grab several of the 10+ color options at once at that price.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I am in love with these bras and will definitely buy them again. They are soft and gorgeous. I cannot believe the price and quality. I am a 34DDD, and these bras fit PERFECTLY and comfortably. In addition to these bras, I purchased two very expensive Wacoal bras. I like these so much more." — T. Morrisroe
Get it from Amazon for $13.30+ (available in band sizes 32–46, cup sizes C–DDD, 12 colors and two-packs).
10. A flutter-strap T-shirt bra featuring lightly lined spacer cups and a classic demi-cut neckline, so you could wear it any- and everywhere if you wanted. The delicate ruffle details along the adjustable straps paired with Parade's uniquely sustainable Silky Mesh material make this a sexy addition to your top-drawer collection.
Promising reviews: "My bra just arrived and ugh…. IM IN LOVE!! I was very scared about this because I have like extra large boobs (I wear a 40//42G). And I have been burned by other bras/bralettes that were supposed to fit my size being way too small. This is not the case with this Parade bra. It fits perfectly, is very supportive and is oh so cute! If you're a G cup give this bra a chance! Make sure you check the size chart!!" — macabrebratzdoll101
"I am living my gothic coquette dreams in this set! The top is incredibly comfortable... The mesh is just right — soft and ruffled and actually gives your nips coverage so you can wear it around the house all day.! I got a 3X (42DDD) and it fit perfectly." — Doombuggybabe
Get it from Parade for $24 (available in sizes XS–2XL+ and six colors).
11. A classic underwire sports bra created with mesh panels for ventilation and wide cushioned straps, so you can have all the support you need during your next boxing class or hiking trip. It'll even help keep you cool as you work out, PLUS there's a hook on the strap if you want to wear it racerback style!
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "T his is the absolute best sport bra I have ever worn. I'm a 30G/GG and wear a 30G in this bra, and there is absolutely no bounce when I wear it. It's like magic, my poor boobs have never been so stationary. It's a very comfortable bra — the wires and straps are all padded and the straps never slide around. I often choose to wear it as my regular bra because it's just so comfortable (and its nice to be able to jog across the street without [my boobs] bouncing about). This is my second Panache sport bra, I bought my first one about a year ago and after wearing it quite often it's still in very good shape — the band is still tight and its not fraying or anything. I just needed a second one since I wear it so much, lol..." — Kiro
Get it from Amazon for $38.47+ (available in band sizes 28-40, cup sizes C-H, and seven styles).
12. A Gossard sheer bra because having large tatas should not mean sacrificing style or comfort. Embrace a sexier side of the bra world with this lightweight, seamless, convertible bra that'll feel like you're wearing nothing at all (except, your boobs won't be dangling down to your knees)!
Amazon
Promising reviews:"Love the fit of glossies. They are the only bras that give me above-grade support and complete full coverage. Its hard to find 34DDD size bras that are comfortable and available in other colors besides black and tan without the padding." — Vonne
"Perfect. Supports my 34G breasts with center gore that lays flat against my chest AND it is NOT matronly! Woo hoooooo!! I've found my unicorn! I have four, will be ordering more, and getting rid of a literal drawerful of ill-fitting, uncomfortable, unsupportive, and/or ugly bras that I have amassed looking for THIS!" — triscuit130
Get it from Amazon for $24.35+ (available in UK band sizes 28–38, UK cup sizes A–G, and 13 colors).
13. A Calvin Klein triangle bralette with breezy, lightweight cotton, meaning you could lounge around the house or even sleep in comfort without underwire or straps digging into your skin!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "Nice, comfortable bra. I'm 34DD and hard to find a bra without underwires, which I hate. This bra fits me and the removable pads are not to thick like other are. You can wear this with a t-shirt and nothing shows." — DeniseMel
"Honestly, at first, I was scared to order it because the sizing. But after reading some reviews, I was able to find the size that probably would be good. I am 36DD and a large Fits PERFECT and soooo comfortable!!!... But if you're having doubts, just do it, for the price you can't go wrong too. I'm ordering more right now." — PR
Get it from Amazon for $22.40+ (available in sizes XS–3X and 15 colors).
14. A lace underwire push-up bra that offers extra lift to anyone who wants a boost, but still wants to have a cute option in their bra collection. This go-to features a stretchy lace band along the sides and back, as well as padded cups to help you avoid any nip slips if the temperature dips!
Promising reviews:"For all my natural big breasted sisters... get this bra!! This is by far one of the best bras I have ever owned. This bra is super comfortable and attractive. I totally recommend. Can't beat it for the price." — Amazon Customer
"I'm a 36 E/F. Which is hard to find so next best thing is a DDD. I was happy to see the padding wasn't thick and it only had two snaps for the back which is nice since larger breast bras usually have 3-4. It was super comfortable, kept everything high and I love it." — Jessika L.
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in band sizes 32–40, cup sizes A–DDD, and 16 colors)
15. A contoured, racerback tank/sports bra hybrid boasting a high-neck and four-way stretch material to make sure you can exercise, stretch, or even lounge in total comfort without worrying about spillage or uncontrollable bounce when you're busting out burpees or running to catch the bus.
Girlfriend Collective is a sustainable clothing brand creating apparel from recycled and recyclable materials. They feature inclusive sizes and styles, making sure everyone has an option that works for them. Check out Melanie Aman's full review of Girlfriend Collective workout leggings here.
Promising review: 'Such a comfortable bra — again, GC did not disappoint. True to size and doesn't ride up at all. It does give me a bit of side boob, but I'm a 34F and find it sexier than anything. I use this in my trampoline workouts and feel secure and comfortable. Love, love, love the color as well.' – Kirsty B.
Get it from Girlfriend Collective for $56+ (available in sizes XXS–6XL, five essential colors and seven limited colors vary).
16. A Wingslove full-coverage bra — there's a reason your grandmother or auntie always looked fly as they got older, and it's because comfortable silhouettes like this offer the support you need without any extra padding or wires. Just plain, ol' comfort... all you need, now, is a muumuu.
Amazon
Promising review:"After reading the reviews on this bra, I did as suggested and ordered mine one cup size smaller. This bra is super comfortable and the fit is amazing! I usually wear a 44G so it's hard to find a bra that fits just right. Most bras at this size are made for [people] with ridiculously long torsos, or the straps dig, or there's at least one thing uncomfortable about them. Not this bra! I love it! So much that I bought seven more!" — PurpleSyn
Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in band sizes 36–50, cup sizes B–I and in 14 colors)
17. A seamless bra that practically spells"comfort" with its side-smoothing panels, all-over stretch, and wide, adjustable straps — you might even surprise yourself by not ripping it off as soon as you walk through the door after a long day. Claiming it now, 2025 is the year the big-breasted squad gives up underwire!
www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: "I have bought three of these bras now and they are so comfortable! They hold well (I am a 34 DDD) and I buy the large. They stretch but hold well. No underwires to dig into your ribs either! Love it!!!" — CrystalD
"I am very pregnant and wanted something that felt supportive and comfortable. This bra has been perfect for me! Also it holds in H cups so that's a plus." — Moses 39
Get it from Amazon for $16.69+ (available in sizes S–XL and four colors).
18. A floral lace full-coverage bra that adds a comfortable, but sexy flair to your intimates collection and offers lightweight support thanks to its U-shaped back and adjustable straps. It might look like lingerie, but you're going to be lounging in this bra all-day, everyday until it's time to wash it!
Promising reviews: " I am a 34DD and I found this bra to be very supportive (thick straps!) and fit my silhouette well. I am not budging out of the top either, the curling covers more than most bras and I also like that about this bra. Seems comfortable, for special occasions. Probably would not be my go-to daily bra. Overall, great bra!" — Hayfranklin
" I've tried a lot of bras for larger busts, and this one is a winner! It's super comfortable and provides great support while still being really pretty. I have a few different colors, and they all fit perfectly and feel amazing — except for the white one. For some reason, the back of the white one is a bit itchy, which I don't experience with the other colors. It's not a dealbreaker because the bra is otherwise fantastic, but it's something to be aware of if you're considering that color. Overall, I highly recommend it!" — jessica
Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in band sizes 32–44, cup sizes C–I, and 15 colors).
19. The Smokin' Mirrors bralette by Thistle and Spire — this spicy, flame-licked addition to your loungewear or lingerie collection makes a comfortable, go-to style with sheer mesh cups, a front-hook closure, and an adjustable T-back.
Thistle and Spire is a woman-founded small business committed to creating unique and inclusive lingerie options for everyone regardless of size, gender, age, race, or ability.
Promising reviews: "Love it! Felt super sexy in it, but it was also very comfortable and supported the [tatas] nicely. As a bigger chested gal, it's hard to find all that in one place." — Rebecca B.
"So high quality and beautiful! Fits true to size. There are a lot of adjustable options for the straps which is really nice. Just an FYI that the flames do not quite cover your nips! I wanted to wear this out but it is just a little too revealing, with some pasties I think it will be fine. It's just really nicely made, definitely the nicest piece of lingerie I own." — Chloe
Get it from Thistle and Spire for $64 (available in XS–3X).
20. Aerie's full coverage underwire bra just perfect for everyday wear thanks to an ultra-soft stretch fabric and adjustable straps for a customized fit.
Aerie
Some reviewers say the bands run small for this brand, so make sure to check the size chart and possibly order up!
Promising reviews: "I bought this a few months ago, and wear it almost everyday! It's super comfy and light!" — MelD
"I love this bra. It's cute, comfortable, supportive, and true to size. I'm 34DDD and very thankful that Aerie carries my size, unlike many other places. One of my favorite things about this bra is that the fabric is sooo smooth and soft." — Alicia
Get it from Aerie for $37.46+ (originally $49.95; available in band sizes 30–42, cup sizes A–G, and six colors).
21. A wireless sports bra to make working out less of a literal backache with molded, seam-free cups, breathable mesh insets, and adjustable straps that, wait for it, are cushioned for extra comfort!
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "This was a recommendation from a fellow large-chested friend who works out a bunch and runs a bit. This is so comfortable and I can wear it throughout the day, including on the days when I don't end up working out and just sit in loungewear instead. When I go for a run, I just clip the cross in the back and immediately have great support." — Nik
Get it from Amazon for $43.95+ (available in band sizes 28–40, cup sizes DD–J, and four colors).
22. A wire-free minimizer bra, a bra that simply keeps everything in place — no bells or whistles necessary. This is designed with pillow-soft cotton-blend cups, extra wide straps with ultra-comfy cushioning. And you don't have to worry about being poked by any wires after a few months or years of wear. 😩
Amazon
Promising review: "I'm a 36H and as you can imagine, it's been a real struggle finding the right bra. Whether it's a case where I have an overflow, or the bands dig into my shoulders or sides, I can never find the right one: not to mention the ridiculous prices. So I went on Amazon and searched and this bra seemed to be good. Good reviews, reasonable price. Man, was I shocked when I got it, tried it on, and it was the BEST bra I've ever worn in my LIFE. It literally felt like I had nothing on. It holds everything in and it is sooo comfy. I'll definitely be buying more from this company, because they have thoroughly surprised me and gained a customer." — Akilah15
Get it from Amazon for $38+ (available in band sizes 36–50, cup sizes C–I, and six colors)
23. The Skims Fits Everybody push-up bra designed to deliver a supportive lift you can depend on thanks to lightweight foam padding, flexible underwire, and 360-degree stretch fabric that makes this bra feel like it was created just for you.
Promising review:" The two bras I bought are now the most comfortable bras I own. It also makes my boobs look great. Normally, I'd never buy a bra online, especially one I heard on a podcast ad, but I'm glad I did. I bought 32DDD and it fits true to size. I do wish it was a truer black." — Lily J.
Get it from Skims for $58+ (available in band sizes 30–44, cup sizes A–H, and eight colors)
24. The Bombshell Everyday no-slip strapless bra with silicone piping along the band to help it actually stay put while you wear it! No more skipping over the fabulous dress you just found for your next event because this bra will keep your boobs in place, no matter the occasion.
Torrid
Of course, it does come with removable, convertible straps that are adjustable and can be worn in different ways to suit your outfit needs!
Promising reviews: "The bra is very well made. It has silicone to help the bra stay in place. It has good coverage so you don't feel like your gonna spill out with moment." — WVMoutainMama
" A strapless bra that is actually comfortable!!!! I have been looking for a strapless bra for a while and could never find one that is comfortable. This one I can wear all day without it pitching or digging into me and it keeps [the tatas] in place!!!!" — Annie0325
Get it from Torrid for $29 (available in band sizes 36–50, cup sizes C–H, and three colors).
25. A Glamorise front-closure bra that boasts a moisture-wicking fabric and cushioned band to help keep you cool, comfortable, and supported, so you don't have to worry about whether or not everything's sitting high and pretty throughout the day.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review:"This is the first front closure bra I've ever purchased and now I'm obsessed. Super comfortable and holds up [your boobs] well. I'm a size 44G." — Erin M.
Get it from Amazon for $44.25+ (available in band sizes 34–50, cup sizes B–H, and in 11 colors)
26. A no-wire full-coverage bra designed with thick straps, breathable cotton-blend material, and stretch lace that keeps you comfortable and looking good.
Promising reviews: "Comfortable and supported. The fabric isn't itchy and it's full coverage. It's comfortable to lounge in." — Lisa26
" Love this bra because it's so comfortable, supportive and fits great! It's not hot to wear, which I'm glad since it's summer! I got this on sale and I'm not sure, but it might have been the last one in a 46DD. I could only buy one. If they bring this back again, I'd buy 2–3 because of the comfort and fit! It's the best fitting bra I've bought at Lane Bryant!!!!" — IrishGirl1666
Get it from Lane Bryant for $48.95+ (available in band sizes 36–54, cup sizes B–H, and in four colors).
27. A front-zip sports bra featuring separated molded cups, and adjustable convertible back straps that you can wear crisscross, racerback, or classic over-the-shoulder style. With this reviewer-loved bra, you can customize the amount of support you need to get through that Zumba class your bestie signed you up for.
Knix
Promising reviews: " I'm a 40G and ordered the 8++ and it fits like a glove and there is a lot of support! I was hesitant to invest in this sports bra but I'm very happy I did — I absolutely love it!" — Camille W.
"Being a bustier girl there aren't many choices for sports bras that give you good amount of support, but I have finally found one, plus no underwire! Comfortable for boxing and walking. Have two already, and excited to get new colors!" — Sara H.
Get it from Knix for $39+ (originally $78; available in band sizes 28–42, cup sizes A–H, and in three colors).
28. An unlined floral lace bra that offers underwire support to help keep your breasts right where you want them and non-molded cups allow for so much freedom and comfort. So what if your breasts are heavy? You deserve to look sexy, if you want to!
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising review:"I was skeptical at first but I'm looking to buy more! I wear a size 32G and the only bras that I've found to work for me have been $50+ each and are bland styles. HOWEVER, this one is not only comfortable, but it's pretty too! I feel like I can take on the world and wear it all day! The straps are *chef's kiss* and are perfect for my small frame but it's adjustable - so as it goes through wear, I'll be able to keep adjusting it for a while. It's also breathable but still covers everything. My favorite thing though: It feels like I'm not wearing a bra but the support is still there! 12/10!" — Ruth Asmarzadeh
Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in band sizes 32–44, cup sizes B–G, and five colors)
29. Skarlett Blue's Minx bra — it's designed with lacy, underwire balconette cups that add a supportive, yet sexy flourish to your collection of everyday bras.
Promising reviews:"I have a full bust and have a hard time finding bras that fit well. This fit was surprisingly lovely! Comfortable at the rib cage, enough support, not bulky, no chunky straps, very pretty. I tried this in a few sizes, and I did size up both in band and cup compared to the bras I own: I usually wear 30G, but 32H was the match for me. It's unlined, but it actually looks fine under a t-shirt, although I will likely get some Nippies to wear with it." — marionalva
"It's definitely difficult to find beautiful bras in large cup sizes when you want to feel sexy or have pretty lingerie on. This bra is very comfortable and the cuffs fit perfectly. I am 32H and the band is like bar and the cups are very soft. I wouldn't hesitate to try this bra if you are on the fence. Also I gave me beautiful lift and a smooth bra line." — TiaOrd
Get it from Nordstrom for $24.99+ (originally $58; available in band sizes 28–40, cup sizes A–H, and seven colors) or Amazon for $58 (available in band sizes 28–40, cup sizes A–H, and 15 colors).
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.

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Sprinting across a track or cleaning a hotel room isn't the same as reliably unloading a dishwasher or scrubbing a counter — it's harder to account for the chaos of pets and kids and more — and for now, most robots still need human spotters nearby. But the fact that they can do pieces of these tasks at all, however clumsily, is why investors and tech giants keep betting that today's tumbles could, eventually, translate into tomorrow's — or next year's, or next decade's — domestic help. From pratfalls to policy Beijing didn't stage the Games as comic relief. This was industrial policy with spotlights, a showcase for China's ambitions in humanoid robotics. The government has already poured tens of billions into subsidies and is planning a trillion-yuan ($137 billion) fund for AI and robotics startups to underline its ambitions. Humanoid robots, Beijing insists, aren't a novelty — they're the future of work, healthcare, and maybe even daily life. The robot Olympics weren't just about public laughs — they were about collecting edge-case training data from robots stumbling in unpredictable scenarios. Every fall becomes a labeled data point, every collision a lesson in physics. In embodied AI, mistakes are fuel. The medal count reinforced Beijing's dominance. Chinese firm Unitree Robotics dominated the track events, winning gold in the 400- and 1,500-meter races — even if the winning time for the longer race was 6:34, nearly double the (human) men's record. Another Chinese player, UniX AI, earned gold in a cleaning contest by tidying a staged hotel room in under nine minutes. That was impressive in context — it beat other competitors handily — but it still underscored the gap between a one-off competition and real-world reliability. In between those flashes of progress were endless slip-ups: robots tumbling over hurdles, colliding in soccer scrums, or freezing mid-task until technicians intervened. The U.S. isn't sitting out, but its approach is different: Silicon Valley promises, not state subsidies. Elon Musk has declared that Tesla's humanoid robot, Optimus, will be in limited production by 2025 and may one day eclipse the company's car business in importance. Demo videos have shown Optimus folding T-shirts, watering plants, and frying an egg. Critics note that many of these demos look heavily choreographed, if not remotely operated. But Musk continues to insist that Optimus will soon populate Tesla factories before eventually landing in homes. Amazon is playing the pragmatist. It has spent years testing Agility Robotics' Digit in warehouses, where the bipedal has carried bins, stacked totes, and unloaded delivery vans. In test facilities in San Francisco and at select fulfillment centers, Digit waddles around obstacle courses, carefully lifting and placing objects. The promise is clear: a humanoid robot helper that can slot into the spaces designed for humans, without expensive retrofitting. But the execution is fenced in. Digit can handle controlled tasks, but not chaos — the very thing that warehouses are full of. That hasn't stopped Amazon from talking about humanoid robots as if they're inevitable, a 'when, not if' scenario. Then, there are the startups. California-based Figure AI has raised billions from Microsoft, Nvidia, and OpenAI on the back of glossy renderings and confident timelines, pitching a general-purpose humanoid that can work in warehouses today and homes tomorrow. Other U.S.-based companies, from Boston Dynamics to 1X Technologies, offer variations on the same promise: The humanoid robot revolution is imminent. The hype gets more surreal in the home. At the robot Olympics, China showed off bots that could cook and clean. In the U.S., Weave Robotics is trying to convince early adopters to put down more than $10,000 for Isaac, a humanoid robot designed to fold laundry and pick up toys. On YouTube, Isaac looks magical. The torso telescopes up and down, the arms reach out delicately, the hands stack folded T-shirts with care. In person, it's slower — methodical in a way that feels less like magic and more like waiting for paint to dry. The company pitches Isaac as 'your eyes and ears' at home, capable of watering plants, feeding pets, and tidying the living room. But when Isaac stalls — and it does — a remote human takes over via teleoperation. Weave calls this 'hybrid autonomy.' The marketing spin is that every teleoperated recovery becomes training data, making the robot smarter. The blunt reality might be that you've just paid five figures for a machine that occasionally calls tech support to finish folding your socks. And in the real world, a real-life housekeeper is cheaper and more reliable. Self-driving déjà vu If the stumble-filled games felt familiar, it's because we've seen this movie before. In 2004, DARPA staged its first driverless car 'Grand Challenge' in the Mojave Desert. Fifteen teams showed up with clunky, experimental vehicles meant to navigate a 142-mile course. None got close. The farthest went just seven miles before veering off the road and catching fire. The event was branded a flop at the time — but in hindsight, it was the start of a multibillion-dollar race. DARPA ran another challenge two years later, and this time, several vehicles finished. By the early 2010s, Google had fleets of self-driving Priuses roaming California streets, and every major automaker was funneling money into the field. Investors and policymakers hailed a driverless future as inevitable: If the cars could drive themselves in a desert, surely they'd soon be chauffeuring commuters down Main Street. But fast-forward to today, and driverless cars are still a half-step promise. They exist, but mostly in constrained pilot zones or as glorified shuttles, not as ubiquitous replacements for human drivers. Cruise and Waymo are burning billions to keep their robotaxi fleets alive. Automakers such as Ford and VW have dialed back once-grand driverless ambitions. A full self-driving car that you can buy at the dealership remains as elusive as it was two decades ago. The gap between a headline-grabbing demo and a reliable, scaled product turned out to be not years but decades — and still counting. The lesson isn't just that breakthrough demos matter; it's that timelines stretch, obstacles multiply, and hype usually gets ahead of reality. Musk's Optimus promises echo the bravado he once applied to Tesla's self-driving software — which still requires drivers to keep their hands on the wheel. Amazon, too, has pitched robotics as the next frontier, but its flagship Astro home robot has been quietly scaled back from the ambitious vision it debuted in 2021. Both companies are leaning on the same playbook: big promises, slick demos, and timelines that don't necessarily survive contact with reality. The humanoid games echo the auto industry's same awkward first act. Robots collapsing in sprints and clinging to soccer balls are today's equivalent of cars stuck in sand traps. The spectacle isn't about performance now so much as seeding an ecosystem: investors with billions to spend, engineers looking for the next career-defining problem, and governments eager to claim leadership in a field with military, economic, and social stakes. The Beijing competition could be remembered as the awkward first steps of an industry that eventually finds its footing, the way DARPA's desert wipeouts seeded today's still-maturing driverless sector. Or, humanoid robots could follow the same tortured arc: Perpetually 'just a few years away,' consuming billions while physics, liability, and public trust keep the finish line out of reach. Investors betting that robots will be scrubbing countertops and unloading dishwashers in the near future might want to revisit the road not yet traveled in autonomous cars. The messy middle The pitch for home robots leans heavily on convenience. They'll scrub your dirty pots and pans after a dinner party, mow the lawn, scoop out the litter box, walk the dog, and organize your closet. They'll be your eyes and ears. But an always-on robot is also a camera with legs, mapping your floor plan, logging your routines, and recording every object it touches. The 'eyes and ears' promise could double as a privacy nightmare. Liability is another issue. What happens when a household bot crushes a pet's tail? When a robot slips on the wet floor and smashes a coffee table? The insurance industry hasn't begun to catch up. Then, there's labor. Advocates frame humanoid robots as replacements for 'mundane' work. At the moment, the hybrid autonomy model means jobs aren't eliminated; they're moved. Someone, somewhere, is still picking up Legos — just through a joystick and a video feed. For now, at least, the disruption looks less like replacement and more like rerouting. The robot Olympics made clear that even the best robots remain fragile, slow, and expensive. Optimus may roll off a line in 2025, but Musk himself admits it will start in factories. Amazon's Digit is still kept contained in trials. Isaac can fold shirts, but not without patience — and sometimes divine intervention. But what the games did prove is that humanoid robots are crossing a threshold. They're moving from glossy, controlled demos into messy public tests. Every tumble on the Olympic track is being labeled as a training dataset. Every viral clip of a face-plant is another reminder that embodied AI is progressing, haltingly, in plain view. The stakes are enormous. If humanoid robots can deliver on even a fraction of their promises, they could reshape labor markets, supply chains, and daily life. If they can't, the industry risks becoming another overhyped money pit. For now, the robots wobble between the two. Investors keep writing checks. Governments keep staging spectacles. Consumers keep laughing. The crowd in Beijing seemed to understand the absurdity. They weren't watching the future roll gracefully into the present; they were watching machines struggle through adolescence. They clapped anyway, as if to will the robots to keep trying. Perhaps that's the most honest picture of humanoid robotics today: funny, flawed, and still far from home — but backed by too much money, and too much ambition, to stop stumbling forward. So will humanoid robots be in your home tomorrow? No. Next year? No. The next decade? That's the trillion-dollar question.


USA Today
3 hours ago
- USA Today
From 'Superman' to 'Mission: Impossible,' new digital movies to watch right now
There are those who have to see a new movie in theaters. Then there are those who are fine with waiting till it hits a subscription streaming service. But then there's a third group of people who embrace digital video-on-demand platforms, who are all about seeing the latest movies but are cool with viewing them from home (or wherever!) and who need their own viewing guides. That's what we're doing here, shouting out the best stuff now on VOD. And this week's a doozy, because Tom Cruise is hanging off airplanes on all your digital devices and TVs with 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.' Here are seven new VOD releases available to buy or rent right now: 'Eddington' Director Ari Aster mixes the Western genre with noir and satire in this honest, cinematic look at how COVID-19 further splintered a divided America. In summer 2020, the fictional New Mexico town of Eddington turns into a hotbed of bad feelings and controversy when local sheriff Joe Cross (Joaquin Phoenix) – who's not big on masking, by the way – runs for mayor against popular progressive incumbent Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal). Their feud turns personal while the situation for the town's residents grows explosive, bloody and downright bonkers. Where to watch: Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Amazon 'Elio' Pixar throws back to the days of "Explorers" and "The Last Starfighter" with this familiar sci-fi project, in which an orphan named Elio (voiced by Yonas Kibreab) doesn't get along with his guardian, Aunt Olga (Zoe Saldaña), and would rather be abducted by aliens than live on Earth. His wish comes true when an intergalactic spaceship picks him up and Elio makes a blobby new bestie, though the youngster quickly figures out that home isn't so bad. Best for a kid who has never seen "E.T." Where to watch: Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Amazon 'Jurassic Park Rebirth' Here's how a "Jurassic World" film usually goes: See dinosaurs, run from dinosaurs, maybe get eaten by dinosaurs. Director Gareth Edwards' latest installment in the long-running sci-fi action franchise at least tries something different by throwing a heist movie into the usual perilous adventure. But homages to Steven Spielberg's 1993 original, a starry cast (including Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey and Oscar winner Mahershala Ali) and dinos aplenty can only do so much when saddled with generic characters and a rickety plot. Where to watch: Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Amazon 'Lilo & Stitch' The wholly unnecessary remake seems like an excessively earnest Disney Channel movie compared with the delightfully unhinged 2002 cartoon. Young Lilo (newcomer Maia Kealoha) is a rebellious 6-year-old Hawaiian girl who gives her big sister/guardian Nani (Sydney Agudong) fits, and Nani is desperately trying to keep social services from taking Lilo away. Both their lives take a turn for the chaotic when Lilo adopts an alien "puppy" she names Stitch, a intergalactic experiment/furry menace that creates mayhem wherever he goes. Where to watch: Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Amazon 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning' From crawling all over a biplane to spelunking a sunken submarine, Tom Cruise goes above and beyond to save the world again in the eighth (and perhaps last) installment in the action-packed franchise. This latest "Mission" finds Cruise's daredevil secret agent Ethan Hunt needing to stop a rogue AI from enslaving mankind. The surprisingly dramatic narrative raises the emotional stakes from previous outings and skillfully explains why Ethan and his heroic pals make the choices they do – and it's not just to accept a mission with a message that will self-destruct. Where to watch: Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Amazon 'Smurfs' Give your children the gift of the best "Smurfs" movie so far. (The previous ones range from terrible to abhorrent, so that bar is quite low.) The animated musical adventure is definitely for kids, with bouncy dance numbers and a plot involving the search for a Smurfnapped Papa Smurf (voiced by John Goodman) and Smurfette (Rihanna) trying to help No Name (James Corden) find his special "thing." While most adults will find it aggressively fine, they'll get a kick out of Kurt Russell as Papa Smurf's manly bro Ken – stunt casting so odd it kind of works. Where to watch: Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Amazon 'Superman' James Gunn's electric adventure introduces a new Man of Steel in David Corenswet and launches a rebooted DC movie universe. The movie features pervasive positivity, one really cool canine, a bright comic book aesthetic and a fresh superhero landscape filled with colorful personalities. Corenswet – the best screen Superman since the iconic Christopher Reeve – imbues his hero with joy and optimism, and Nicholas Hoult is an inspired choice for nervy and smarmy supervillain tech bro Lex Luthor. Where to watch: Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Amazon