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WIRED
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- WIRED
We Bought a ‘Peeing' Robot Attack Dog From Temu. It Was Even Weirder Than Expected
For less than the cost a round of drinks, a plasticized Boston Dynamics fever dream could be yours too. Courtesy of Esat Dedezade All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. In my 15 years of reviewing tech, this pellet-firing, story-telling, pretend-urinating robot attack dog is easily the strangest thing I've ever tested. Arriving in a slightly battered box following a series of questionable decisions on Temu, I'm immediately drawn to the words 'FIRE BULLETS PET' emblazoned on the box. And there, resting behind the protective plastic window with all the innocence of a newborn lamb, lies the plastic destroyer of worlds that my four-and-a-half-year-old immediately (and inexplicably), names Clippy. Clippy is a robot dog. Of sorts. And he (my son assures me that it's a he), is clearly influenced by the remarkable, and somewhat terrifying, robotic canine creations of Boston Dynamics—a renowned company that's leading the robot revolution. Naturally, given the $50 price tag (a little less if you don't want the—ahem—spinal-mounted pellet gun), I'm not expecting Clippy to perform miracles. But, given my track record, being served an Instagram ad promising all manner of animatronic wizardry for less than the cost of a round of drinks in a London bar, the opportunity was too tempting to pass up. What happened, almost inevitably, was a lesson in not taking the social media ads you are served at face value. But, actually? It was also a lot of ridiculous fun. Robot Attack Dog: Lab Notes After freeing Clippy from his box, I'm immediately met with some of the lightest, cheapest, glossiest plastic I've ever come across. I have nothing against plastic. Remember the Nokia Lumia 920? Its polycarbonate body remains one of my favourite phone designs to this day. Sturdy, solid, and light, it was everything an object clad in plastic should be. Clippy and his accompanying remote, on the other hand, provide a somewhat Christmas cracker toy-like level of confidence in their durability. Clippy's main body, filled with the bulk of the electronics, is weighty enough, but his four spindly legs do not give the impression that they're up to the task of supporting anything. Except, of course, that I am in ownership of the turret-toting model, which promises to lay waste to enemies by bombarding them with water-absorbent pellets (more on that in a bit). Overall, the entire ensemble resembles an elongated CCTV camera on legs, with a turret resting on top—suitably menacing, and genuinely not far off Boston Dynamic's bona fide offering, in looks, at least. Courtesy of Esat Dedezade Elsewhere, I can only assume that the controller has been pumped full of helium, such is its hollow, airy lightness. Heavily inspired by the shape of an Xbox controller, I particularly love the fact that its bumper buttons and triggers are simply formed from one immobile piece of moulded plastic. There's something quite beautiful in their utter uselessness that I enjoy very much. As for the business end, it's an ADHD nightmare. Littered with a chaotic array of buttons in seemingly no logical order, I give credit to the designers for creating a controller that laughs in the face of muscle memory. Initial attempts at turning Clippy on are unsuccessful. The on/off switch does nothing, and the charging light remains dead when the USB-C cable is plugged in. There are no instructions. Opening the battery compartment reveals the culprit—the battery is disconnected. Was this to avoid it draining in transit, or to reduce the risk of spontaneous combustion? Either way, it's plugged back in. Clippy lives. And wow, he's loud. The built-in speakers are beyond shrill. I desperately look through the carnage of controller buttons, hoping to find a volume or mute option. There isn't one. Naturally, I press 'urinate' first. Clippy's hind leg raises. That, I expected. What I didn't expect, was cheerful whistling, and the sound of water tinkling into a toilet bowl. I look, and happen upon the 'handstand' button. This, I feel, will be an impressive test of his dexterity. A handstand maneuver will surely call upon multiple gyroscopes and accelerometers, combining and crunching data from numerous sensors in real time to ensure that Clippy's body remains perfectly poised in balance. I press the button, and Clippy immediately—and rather violently—faceplants. The force of this manoeuvre takes me off guard, and the impact is loud. I am worried. A moment passes, his rear legs rise, and they begin to twitch. I presume this apparent seizure is meant to represent elegant scissor kicks. It's reminiscent of how ants communicate with their antennae, a form of silent communication. 'Don't blame me bro, did you really expect anything else?' I can almost hear him plead. But, somehow, Clippy does return to his feet and appears unscathed, ready for more. Me? I'm not so sure. Multitalented As I mentioned, the controller has many, many buttons—no less than 17 functions in fact—and I'm not going to bore you with overly gratuitous descriptions for each one. Instead, here's a quick rundown of the main buttons, to give you a general idea of some of Clippy's talents: Kung fu: Absolutely zero semblance of any martial art moves, or even a cheeky backflip. Instead (and completely inexplicably), some form of poolside, Lost Frequencies-esque lounge music blasts out. Clippy 'dances.' Swimming/Dance: I recently saw Usher perform live. Both of these buttons involve vigorous floor-humping that surpass even his most sexually charged efforts. A truly impressive feat. Oh, and a side note for any optimists out there, Clippy is not waterproof. Do not, I repeat do not, introduce him to water. Push-up: Clippy blasts out push-ups while playing the guitar riff from'Eye of the Tiger.' I have no further notes. Story: Buckle up, pressing this button results in very loud, tinny classical music blaring out over a spoken story. The narrator has an Eric Cartman-like twang to their voice, and the speaker quality means I can barely make out what's being said. The only plot I manage to grasp is about an old woman and an ageing cat. The woman scolds the cat for not being able to catch mice, as it has no teeth. The cat bestows a moral about respecting our elders for the contributions they used to make in their youth. The next story, I think, involves a pigeon. It may be injured. Courtesy of Esat Dedezade Despite this clearly incredible skillset, it is interesting that Clippy's ability to be controlled or steered via the remote is … flawed. Going forward is generally fine, and there are left and right buttons which cause him to turn very slowly, often toppling over in the process. There is no reverse, so I constantly have to pick him up before he collides with walls and furniture (no collision detection cameras appear to be present). He can, at least, shake hands (or "hadn-shake" on the remote) like any well-trained pup. It would also be remiss not to mention that there is an official app which lets you control your robot dog via Bluetooth. Once you figure out how to change the language to English, it's easy enough to navigate, and there are even some bonus features they couldn't squeeze onto the remote. For example, you can select different 'foods' for him to eat, ranging from a bone to 'Nuclear Energy Source'—all of which result in various forms of eating animations. There's also a voice command mode, which doesn't seem to work. Despite offering all the permissions asked for (including, against my better judgement, access to my phone and files), voice commands seem to fall on deaf ears. There's also a program mode which lets you set up custom actions, though all my attempts seem to end up in more faceplants. Munitions Report According to the product page, Clippy's back-mounted turret 'can be loaded with water bombs to launch for fun.' The image accompanying this description is impressive. Two blue projectiles appear to blast forth from the cannon. I immediately picture an autonomous robotic guard dog patrolling the house, scanning for threats, and dispensing justice as appropriate. The reality is a tiny packet of minuscule blue balls, about a millimetre in diameter. Once soaked in water for a few hours, they plump up, and you can load them into the turret, before firing away. The test takes place in the makeshift bathtub firing range. I drop a few of the blue gel-like pellets into what is presumably the correct slot in the turret (I once again remind you of the lack of any instructions), and tell my son to stand back, in case the velocity rebounds anything towards our eyes. I look down at the controller, and finally press the 'attack' button. Clippy walks forward a few steps, crouches to steady his aim, and two pellets dribble out with all the urgency of a clogged ketchup bottle. This method is repeated about ten times, with mixed results. At best, a pellet is fired relatively straight, but still not without any meaningful force—certainly not enough to even penetrate a wet square of toilet paper. We tried. After the ammo is spent, we decide that it's time to watch him faceplant again. But should you buy this thing, as (relatively) cheap as it is? I think the answer is obvious. But while it's all too easy to slate, playing around with Clippy has taken me back to my childhood, where toys like this were life. Clippy, as terrible as he is, has entertained my son daily, for the week that we've spent testing him. He brought him into our bedroom every morning, waking me up with a shrill, unintelligible story before blasting out a guitar riff with an enthusiasm that is already wearing thin. It won't be long, of course, before Clippy gathers dust in some corner, replaced by the Next Thing. I imagine he'll end up in a thrift store, awaiting a new family to dazzle and confuse in equal measure. I just hope, whoever they are, that they like Survivor.
Bloomberg
3 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
China's Startups Race to Dominate the Coming AI Robot Boom
A few weeks ago, a Chinese startup called EngineAI gave an unusual demonstration of how today's robots learn. A female instructor with long blonde hair showed off a series of dance steps and then encouraged the company's humanoid robot to imitate her moves. 'Five, six, seven, eight,' she said. 'Let's go! Keep the flow.' Using computer vision and machine learning algorithms, the machine watched and listened — and then mimicked a series of steps from her dance routine. Over a few days, EngineAI's robot mastered the Axe Gang dance from the 2004 movie Kung Fu Hustle. A bit silly perhaps, but the dance represents a serious step for China's tech industry. After years of American companies like Boston Dynamics Inc. leading the development of humanoid — or people-shaped — machines, Chinese upstarts are now pushing the boundaries of innovation. In April, Beijing hosted the world's first robot half-marathon, where the city's X-Humanoid bested a field of 20 other bipedal machines. In May, Unitree Robotics, one of the country's prominent players, showcased its machines in what was billed as the first robot kickboxing tournament. While these events don't always go smoothly — 15 of 21 robots failed to complete the Beijing race — the point is progress, not perfection. China, which already has a higher density of robots per human on its factory floors than the likes of the US and Japan, is preparing humanoids to move into increasingly complex roles. EngineAI, Unitree and their competitors have started trials for everything from sorting garbage and delivering medicines in nursing homes to patrolling the streets alongside police officers and guiding tours through museums. The bots are quietly being tested for military combat, according to local media reports. Zhao Tongyang, founder and chief executive officer of EngineAI, figures 50 or 60 companies in China are working on humanoid development now, benefiting from the country's manufacturing expertise and robust government support. They're harnessing artificial intelligence models so the machines can learn how to handle new tasks on their own, without laborious programming for each situation. The company says it has orders for hundreds of its humanoids. 'China has many players involved and there are some very good talents among them,' said the 43-year-old Zhao during an interview over Zoom. 'I hope China will be first when it comes to robots.' The country's startups have caught the attention of Elon Musk, whose Tesla Inc. has set its sights on the humanoid market. On an April conference call, the billionaire said he thinks his Optimus robots lead the industry in performance, but China may end up dominating the field. 'I'm a little concerned that on the leaderboard, ranks 2 through 10 will be Chinese companies,' he said. Leadership in this field matters because humanoids appear poised to move beyond the realms of sci-fi and curiosity. Citigroup Inc. recently projected the market for the machines and related services will surge to $7 trillion by 2050 when the world could be populated by 648 million human-like bots. Beyond the monetary rewards are mind-rattling strategic implications for governments and countries. Whoever leads development of these humanoids could potentially command an army of indefatigable workers, caregivers and soldiers, redefining economic and political strength. Musk made the case in mid-May that the global economy could grow to 10 times its current size with the addition of robot labor. 'It unlocks an immense amount of economic potential,' Musk said during an appearance in Saudi Arabia. 'We're headed to a radically different world.' China's strength in this field isn't an accident. President Xi Jinping and the Communist Party sketched out blueprints for developing strategic technologies — including robotics — more than a decade ago. Local officials then offered financial incentives and support to entrepreneurs to reach Beijing's policy goals. In EngineAI's case, the Shenzhen government helped connect Zhao with funding and other resources. 'Although it is not the government that directly invests in us, at least the government's money is used to guide them to this industry and guide funds in this direction,' the founder said. 'I think this is a great thing.' China announced earlier this year it would invest 1 trillion yuan ($138 billion) in robotics and high tech in the next two decades, far more than the US or Europe. The US has formidable players in robotics — including Boston Dynamics, Agility Robotics, Figure AI and Tesla — and a long track record of technology breakthroughs. Yet some scholars warn that Beijing's approach may give China the edge in developing strategically important, capital-intensive sectors, like it has already done with electric vehicles and solar panels. 'The Chinese model of state-run capitalism might actually be better equipped,' said Julian Mueller-Kaler, director of the Strategic Foresight Hub at the Washington D.C.-based think tank, Stimson Center. 'Digital and tech advancements are geopolitical issues of the highest order.' While it's still possible the humanoid market never takes off, China is making an audacious bet that it will. The country is on track to produce more than 10,000 humanoid robots this year, or more than half of the machines globally, according to an April study from the China think tank Leaderobot and other institutions. 'China is winning the humanoids war, I have no doubt,' said Henrik I. Christensen, director of the Contextual Robotics Institute at the University of California San Diego. Zhao's career mirrors the country's embrace of robotics. After majoring in automation at university, he got into the field eight years ago, motivated not so much by Beijing's strategic priorities as the prospects for innovation. 'I believed that humanoid robots would definitely change the way of life for human beings,' he said. His timing was fortuitous. A few years earlier, Beijing had unveiled an ambitious program called Made in China 2025, which set goals for technological accomplishments over the next decade. The Communist Party's drive to develop humanoid technology stemmed from a looming labor crunch. The working-age population is expected to shrink by about 22% through 2050, according to the Lowy Institute in Sydney. The squeeze is particularly acute in manufacturing, with a projected shortfall of 30 million workers in 10 sectors by the end of this year, according to a report from government agencies, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. This gap is aggravated by the younger generation's reluctance to take the kind of blue-collar factory jobs their parents embraced. China's strategy is to integrate people-like robots across sectors like manufacturing, healthcare and hospitality. Factory floors in China already boast a robot density that eclipses Germany and Japan, with levels doubling in just four years. It had 470 robots per 10,000 employees in 2023, well above the US at 295 robots for the same number of workers, according to the International Federation of Robots. Artificial intelligence models are helping humanoid robots become smarter, more adaptable machines. Startups like EngineAI and Unitree are refining their AI applications, allowing robots to see and recognize objects, plan movements, coordinate with each other and teach themselves how to adapt to new situations. 'Previously, robots were very stupid, right?' said Chang Lin, the co-founder and CEO of Leju Robotics, another ambitious startup. Today, the evolution of large language models, like those powering ChatGPT and DeepSeek, is bestowing intelligence on machines so they can learn tasks from their owners, he said. You could, for example, train one of the company's Kuavo robots how you want it to clean the floors or care for the flowers in your house — and then it would take over. 'It'll be easy,' he said. 'Form a data set for watering flowers, it will naturally water the flowers.' This kind of progress has China's robots making their way into the real world. UBTech Robotics Corp., based in Shenzhen, has deployed its 5-foot-6-inch Walker S1 to help assemble iPhones for Apple partner Foxconn Technology Group. More than 500 of its machines work in the auto factories of BYD Co., Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd. and FAW-Volkswagen, lifting boxes, sorting components and testing instruments. At the FAW-Volkswagen plant, they detect refrigerant leaks in air-conditioning systems, a task that could hurt the lungs of humans. Leju, also based in Shenzhen, is pushing the use of humanoids to sort and deliver medicines at elder-care facilities. At least a hundred of its machines have been delivered to carmakers including BAIC Motor Corp. and Nio Inc., exhibition halls in China and nursing homes in Suzhou. Colleges have also bought Leju robots for doing research. Susanne Bieller, general secretary of the Frankfurt-based International Federation of Robotics, sees China emerging as a leading player in humanoids as the country's startups work with its manufacturers to bring down costs and make machines more affordable. 'Within the next 5 to 10 years, we can expect it to be more widely adopted in industry,' she said. EngineAI spent years improving its robots' joints, making them lighter and smaller, while whittling away at expenses. In one case, Zhao and his 40-person engineering team redesigned a power joint that cost 20,000 to 30,000 yuan so they could produce it themselves for one-tenth the cost. Zhao also grew obsessed with figuring out how to create robots that could walk with a natural, human-like gait. He told staff early machines that take slow, awkward steps should be thrown in the trash. EngineAI built humanoids with refined leg joints and then integrated machine learning with neural networks so the machines could learn to walk, much like a real toddler. 'Collect a lot of very beautiful data from the human body, combine these data and let it walk,' he said. Still, even the most elegant humanoids won't have a future unless they provide value. People-like machines captured the popular imagination at least as far back as Isaac Asimov's writings in the 1950s, yet they've remained largely a novelty. Boston Dynamics has impressed tech geeks since its founding in 1992, but it's never built much of a business. Google and SoftBank Group Corp. each bought the startup and then sold it again without commercial success; it's now owned by Hyundai Motor Co. In Beijing, the humanoid half marathon meant to showcase the machines' capabilities instead demonstrated their limitations. One robot participant fell at the starting line. Another had its head fall off and roll on the ground. In the kickboxing tournament this month, the Unitree robots often lashed out at thin air or toppled over on their own, even though they were controlled by humans ringside. The vibe was less Terminator, more Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots. Humanoids 'just don't make economic sense for most people and companies for the foreseeable future,' said Romain Moulin, CEO of the French startup Exotec, which makes box-like robots for warehouses that he thinks are more utilitarian. Nevertheless, the number of believers is growing. In its 83-page report, Citigroup tapped 10 of its own staff and seven contributors to explain why it sees robots as a yawning opportunity. It describes such machines as 'physical AI' and predicts they will be used for autonomous driving, cleaning and deliveries. It forecasts that humanoids will be the fastest-growing segment of the robot market, with the flexibility to work in health care, factories, home cleaning, deliveries, supermarkets and hospitality. 'A big part of the thesis for humanoids is simple – we have engineered our manmade world to work for humans so humanoids can fit straight in without significant infrastructure changes,' the authors wrote. Musk has become a leading advocate. He said in April he expects to have thousands of Optimus robots working in Tesla factories by the end of the year, and he is confident of getting to a million units a year in less than five years. The robots aren't on sale for others yet, but they're expected to cost $20,000 to $30,000 as they hit the market in 2027. The economics of such machines will then become clearer, Citi contends. If Musk's prediction is accurate that humanoids cost about $25,000, the analysts calculate they would pay for themselves in 36 weeks, if compared with the lowest US minimum wage of $7.25. The payback equations are more compelling in the states and jobs where wages are higher. 'The argument for humanoids is not just economic. Some jobs are dangerous or undesirable for humans and are better suited for robots. In other cases, labour shortages exist and can fill these roles. Robots also don't leave or take holidays,' they wrote. Chang, the Leju Robotics CEO, said the growing number of humanoid startups in China is driving intense competition. Scores of companies have to race their rivals to integrate AI capabilities and physical innovations. 'The more people enter the industry, the better the industry will be,' he said. 'So what we need to do is to try our best to stay ahead.'— Saritha Rai and Jessica Sui
Phone Arena
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Phone Arena
Return of Robot Wars: Chinese bots duke it out in martial arts tournament
*Image credit — South China Morning Post What do you get when you combine the beloved Robot Wars show with today's advancements in Artificial Intelligence? A martial arts tournament featuring humanoid robot contestants, of course! The tournament was held on May 25 in the city of Hangzhou, the capital of China's Zhejiang province. Notably, there were four robot contestants made by Unitree Robotics. All four were the company's flagship robot model: the Unitree G1. The G1 robots employ a human-machine collaboration, with operators controlling the robots from a distance. Though the robots need human operators, they also rely heavily on AI. The contest was a way for China to flex its robotics industry's prowess and place itself on the radar of tech enthusiasts enamored by U.S.-based Boston Dynamics. Both Boston Dynamics ( and other American companies like Tesla ) and the Chinese robotics industry are investing in creating agile robots that can carry out tasks in environments that are too challenging for humans. The tournament showcased the movement capabilities of the robots, and even scored them on it. Each match had a session before the actual combat portion where the robots were required to perform certain actions to help asses their abilities. The organizers used this time to fine-tune the rules of the tournament as well. A clip of the combat between two Unitree G1 robots. | Video credit — The Daily Guardian Long gone are the days when homemade robots would smash into each other in an attempt to knock their opponent off their feet…or treads. The Unitree G1 robots punched, kicked, and swerved as they showed off just how versatile their movements have become. While the punches lacked power, the emphasis of the advancements made in mechanical mobility was not lost on the spectators. Competing robots were scored on whether they could punch or kick their opponent's head and body. Falling down was a deduction of five points, and 10 points were taken away if a robot failed to stand back up within eight seconds. The fights consisted of robots trying to topple their opponents more than severely damaging them, as the lightweight bots' hits were nothing to worry about most of the time. A Unitree G1 robot dancing. | Image credit — Unitree The Unitree G1 robots weigh around 35 kilograms ( 77 lbs ) and stand approximately 132 centimeters ( four feet and four inches ) tall. They can move at about two meters per second, which is slightly faster than the average human pace of 1.5 meters a second. Hopefully, nothing to worry about for the time being. To help them navigate their surroundings, the Unitree G1 robots are equipped with Intel RealSense and Livox 3D Lidar sensors. These sensors help the G1 robots map all 360 degrees of their EngineAI — which organized the event — said that the tournament was a way to showcase the advancements in China's robotics industry in a visually exciting way. Action-packed fights will show attendees the agility of these robots, which will then drive sales and wider adoption of robotics in other fields. These robots use AI to constantly evolve their mannerisms. There's no popular and well-known AI model — like GPT, Gemini, or Meta AI — at play here, as those are LLMs ( Large Language Models ) for mostly text-based actions. Instead, the Unitree G1 robots use machine learning and simulation training to adapt. The G1's more dexterous counterpart, the G1 EDU, can even open bottles, crush walnuts, solder wiring, and perform acrobatic tricks with a stick. Both models are capable of extremely smooth running over challenging terrain and learning complex moves ( like dancing ) via software training. As AI evolves, it's only natural that robotics improves as well. Another tournament featuring even larger humanoid robots is set to take place this December in Shenzhen. It's only a matter of time before we see international competitions with representatives from various countries competing, and I cannot wait.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Humanoid Robots Market Global Outlook Report 2025: Key Market Dynamics and Emerging Opportunities through 2035
Key industry players profiled in the report include Agility Robotics, Boston Dynamics, Hanson Robotics, Tesla, and UBTECH Robotics, among others. The report offers comprehensive insights into their strategies, product offerings, and market positions. Humanoid Robots Dublin, May 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Humanoid Robots Market Industry Trends and Global Forecasts to 2035: Distribution by Type of Component, Areas of Application, Type of Motion, Type of Technology, Type of Functionality, Type of End User, Company Size, Type of Business Model and Key Geographical Regions" report has been added to offering. The global humanoid robots market size is estimated to grow from USD 2.98 billion in 2025, to USD 243.40 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 49.21% during the forecast period, till 2035. Humanoid Robots Market: Growth and Trends Humanoid robots are expected to coexist and collaborate with humans in everyday settings, catering to the needs of individuals with physical disabilities. These robots are designed to handle a diverse range of tasks and items found in unpredictable environments. Humanoid robots are proficient service providers developed to replicate human interactions and movements. Like all service robots, they add value by automating processes that result in cost efficiency and enhanced productivity. A specific category of advanced humanoid robots, referred to as androids, is recognized for displaying behaviors similar to humans. These robots are programmed to communicate using a digital voice, as well as to run, jump, and even ascend stairs in ways akin to humans. Further, as humanoid robots are categorized under mobile robot category, they can autonomously navigate their surroundings, making them extraordinarily versatile for various applications. They are capable of undertaking a wide array of tasks, from industrial functions to household responsibilities. The global market for humanoid robots is experiencing notable growth, driven by several key factors. There is a marked increase in the functionalities and applications of humanoid robots across various sectors, thanks to the rapid progress in robot technology. Additionally, the escalating demand for industrial automation and labor shortages, along with the necessity for improved efficiency, is propelling the market forward. Moreover, substantial investments in research and the development of humanoid robots are further stimulating market expansion. For example, in February 2024, prominent investors such as NVIDIA, Jeff Bezos, OpenAI, and Microsoft partnered to finance Figure AI, a startup focused on developing humanoid robots, with an investment of USD 675 million to expedite its research and development efforts. With this surge in investment, the humanoid robot market is poised for significant growth in the forecast period. Humanoid Robots Market Key Segments Type of Component: The hardware segment dominates due to its ability to enhance humanoid robots' capabilities and human-like appearance. However, the software segment is projected to expand rapidly. Areas of Application: The personal assistance & caregiving segment leads, driven by adoption in homes and healthcare settings, while education & entertainment applications are anticipated to surge. Type of Motion: Wheel drive currently holds the majority market share, with notable examples like SoftBank's Pepper robot showcasing efficient mobility solutions. Type of Technology: AI & ML dominate, enhancing robot features, whereas the deep learning segment is expected to grow the fastest. Type of Functionality: Perception & sensing functionality leads, crucial for effective environment interaction, with human interaction & communication poised for significant growth. Type of End Users: The healthcare segment currently dominates, highlighting robots' roles in patient care. The education segment is predicted to experience dynamic growth. Geographical Regions: North America holds the largest market share, benefiting from extensive research facilities and strong industry-academic collaboration. Prominent Players in the Humanoid Robots Market, Profiled in the Report Include: Agility Robotics Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR) AvatarMind Robot Technology Boston Dynamics DST Robot Engineered Arts EZ-Robot FANUC Figure AI Furhat Robotics GITAI Hajime Research Institute Hanson Robotics Honda Motor HYULIM Robot Instituto Italiano Di Technologia (IIT) Kawada Robotics Kindred KUKA Robotics Macco Robotics National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) PAL Robotics Promobot Qihan Technology Robo Garage ROBOTIS Sanbot Samsung Electronics Shadow Robot SoftBank SoftBank Robotics Tesla Toshiba UBTECH Robotics Willow Garage WowWee Unitree Humanoid robots Market: Research Coverage The report on the humanoid robots market features insights on various sections, including: Market Sizing and Opportunity Analysis: An in-depth analysis of the humanoid robots market, focusing on key market segments, including type of component, areas of application, type of motion, type of technology and type of functionality, type of end users, company size, type of business model and geographical regions. Competitive Landscape: A comprehensive analysis of the companies engaged in the Humanoid robots market, based on several relevant parameters, such as year of establishment, company size, location of headquarters, ownership structure. Company Profiles: Elaborate profiles of prominent players engaged in the Humanoid robots market, providing details on location of headquarters, company size, company mission, company footprint, management team, contact details, financial information, operating business segments, humanoid robots portfolio, moat analysis, recent developments, and an informed future outlook. SWOT Analysis: An insightful SWOT framework, highlighting the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in the domain. Additionally, it provides Harvey ball analysis, highlighting the relative impact of each SWOT parameter. Key Questions Answered in this Report How many companies are currently engaged in humanoid robots market? Which are the leading companies in this market? What factors are likely to influence the evolution of this market? What is the current and future market size? What is the CAGR of this market? How is the current and future market opportunity likely to be distributed across key market segments? Reasons to Buy this Report The report provides a comprehensive market analysis, offering detailed revenue projections of the overall market and its specific sub-segments. This information is valuable to both established market leaders and emerging entrants. Stakeholders can leverage the report to gain a deeper understanding of the competitive dynamics within the market. By analyzing the competitive landscape, businesses can make informed decisions to optimize their market positioning and develop effective go-to-market strategies. The report offers stakeholders a comprehensive overview of the market, including key drivers, barriers, opportunities, and challenges. This information empowers stakeholders to stay abreast of market trends and make data-driven decisions to capitalize on growth prospects. Key Topics Covered: 1. PREFACE 2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3. ECONOMIC AND OTHER PROJECT SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS 4. MACRO-ECONOMIC INDICATORS 5. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 6. INTRODUCTION6.1. Chapter Overview6.2. Overview of Humanoid Robot Market6.2.1. Type of Component6.2.2. Areas of Application6.2.3. Type of Motion6.2.4. Type of Technology6.2.5. Type of Functionality6.2.6. Type of End Users6.3. Future Perspective 7. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE7.1. Chapter Overview7.2. Virtual Reality: Overall Market Landscape7.2.1. Analysis by Year of Establishment7.2.2. Analysis by Company Size7.2.3. Analysis by Location of Headquarters7.2.4. Analysis by Ownership Structure 8. STARTUP ECOSYSTEM IN THE HUMANOID ROBOT MARKET8.1. Humanoid Robot Market: Market Landscape of Startups8.1.1. Analysis by Year of Establishment8.1.2. Analysis by Company Size8.1.3. Analysis by Company Size and Year of Establishment8.1.4. Analysis by Location of Headquarters8.1.5. Analysis by Company Size and Location of Headquarters8.1.6. Analysis by Ownership Structure8.2. Key Findings 9. COMPANY PROFILES 10. VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS 11. SWOT ANALYSIS 12. GLOBAL HUMANOID ROBOT MARKET 13. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES BASED ON TYPE OF COMPONENT 14. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES BASED ON AREAS OF APPLICATION 15. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES BASED ON TYPE OF MOTION 16. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES BASED ON TYPE OF TECHNOLOGY 17. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES BASED ON TYPE OF FUNCTIONALITY 18. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES BASED ON TYPE OF END USERS 19. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES FOR HUMANOID ROBOT IN NORTH AMERICA 20. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES FOR HUMANOID ROBOT IN EUROPE 21. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES FOR HUMANOID ROBOT IN ASIA 22. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES FOR HUMANOID ROBOT IN MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA (MENA) 23. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES FOR HUMANOID ROBOT IN LATIN AMERICA 24. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES FOR HUMANOID ROBOT IN REST OF THE WORLD For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Humanoid Robots CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Robots square off in world's first humanoid boxing match
After decades of being tortured, shoved, kicked, burned, and bludgeoned, robots are finally getting their chance to fight back. Sort of. This weekend, Chinese robotics maker Unitree says it will livestream the world's first boxing match between two of its humanoid robots. The event, titled Unitree Iron Fist King: Awakening, will feature a face-off between two of Unitree's 4.3-foot-tall G1 robots. The robots will reportedly be remotely controlled by human engineers, though they are also expected to demonstrate some autonomous, pre-programmed actions as well. Earlier this week, the two robots previewed some of their moves at an elementary school in Hangzhou, China. Video released by Unitree earlier this month shows the robots, boxing gloves strapped on, 'training' with their human coaches. The petite robots throw a few hooks with their arms before being pushed to the ground. One quickly gets back up and, after briefly struggling to face the right direction, spins around and delivers a straight kick, 300-style. Unitree claims its robots use a motion-capture training system that helps them learn from past mistakes and improve over time. The training video also shows the two robots briefly sparring with each other. The clacking sound of steel fills the room as they exchange a flurry of punches. At one point, both simultaneously deliver knee kicks to each other's groin area, sending the robot in blue gear tumbling to the ground. 'The robot is actively learning even more here skills,' the company notes in a caption towards the end of the video. Related: [Worryingly bendy humanoid robot can crush nuts, slice Coke bottles] The human tendency to force robots to fight for our amusement isn't entirely new. The show Battle Bots, which dates back to the late 1990s revolved around engineers creating and designing remote-controlled robots, often armed to the teeth with electric saws and flamethrowers, and forcing them to duke it out. Many, many robots were reduced to scrap metal over the show's 12 seasons. Since then, engineers around the world have been experimenting with new ways to teach bipedal, humanoid robots how to throw punches and land kicks without stumbling or falling. Sometimes these machines are remotely controlled by human operators. In other cases, semi-autonomous robots have learned to 'mirror' physical movements observed in humans. More advanced autonomous robots, like those being developed by Boston Dynamics and Figure, can move around their environment and perform pre-programmed actions. Neither of those companies, it's worth noting, have announced any plans to make their robots fight. Gentlemen, welcome to Fight Club, for robots! Follow us & comment below if you want to try out yourself. — UFB – Ultimate Fighting Bots (@UFBots) March 20, 2025 China is quickly becoming a center stage for public displays of humanoid robot athletic competition. Last month, more than 20 robotics companies entered their robots into a half-marathon race in Beijing, where they competed against each other and human runners. The results were underwhelming. Media reports from the event claimed many of the machines failed to make it past the starting line. Others veered off course, with one reportedly even crashing into a barrier. The first robot to cross the finish line—a machine designed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center—did so nearly an hour and forty minutes after the first human completed the race. Only six robots finished.
