Top Companies Building Humanoid AI Robots

ODSC - Open Data Science
4 min readMay 10, 2024

If you have seen some of the recent videos from Boston Dynamics, Tesla, and other companies working in robotics, it seems that science fiction is becoming science fact. What’s interesting is that sci-fi often precedes science fact and with the rapid advancements in both AI and robotics, certain limitations that have held robotics back are quickly no longer becoming issues, leaving the possibilities of robotics as just fodder for novels and films.

Now, these machines, thanks to AI, are getting “smarter” and we’re witnessing movements that are real, tangible, and soon, they might be walking among us — literally. For decades, humanoid robots were once the domain of Asimov’s narratives. But it’s becoming likely that they will so be stepping out of the pages and into the real world. If successful and scalable, these bipedal marvels could represent not only a pinnacle of engineering but also a significant leap toward a future where humans and humanoid robots may coexist in daily life.

So let’s take a look at who’s at the forefront of AI robots!

Top Companies Building AI Robots

Atlas by Boston Dynamics

Atlas, developed by Boston Dynamics, isn’t just a robot; it’s a stunning showcase of what’s possible in modern robotics. Known for its human-like dexterity and balance, Atlas can run, jump, and even perform complex maneuvers like backflips. Earlier this month, Atlas wowed the internet with a video that displayed all of these maneuvers and for the first time, people got a glimpse of what was possible.

Sanctuary AI

Sanctuary AI is a bit different compared to some of the other robotics firms. That’s because this company is dedicated to creating what they call “synthetic humans” — robots designed to safely perform tasks that are hazardous or impractical for real humans. With a focus on creating highly dexterous and responsive humanoid robots, Sanctuary AI aims to integrate these beings seamlessly into workplaces, which in the process, removes humans from dangerous/life-threatening work that could result in lower accident rates and higher productivity.

Figure

Figure is a firm that is pushing the boundaries with its humanoid robots designed for both interaction and utility within human-dominated environments. With an eye on reducing the economic burdens related to labor shortages, and like Sanctuary AI, removing workers from dangerous jobs, Figure also focuses on a blend of aesthetics and functionality, and are not just tools but potential companions and coworkers.

Tesla Bot

First making headlines after a video went viral on X and other social media platforms, Tesla’s venture into robotics, the Tesla Bot, really exemplifies Elon Musk’s vision of a future where humanoid robots undertake mundane or dangerous tasks. With a demo that showed off some dynamic and precision movements, the goal of the Tesla Bot is to free humans for more creative endeavors, which isn’t like Figure of Sancutray AI which also focus on reducing workplace-related dangers by removing humans from certain situations. The Tesla Bot looks to be more at the forefront of society, aiming to be friendly and navigate through a world built for humans.

Why Now? The Convergence of Multiple Technologies

Pretty neat right? Well, there is a lot more going on and it’s not just buzz. See the thing is, humanoid robots aren’t just hype. Thanks to recent advancements in AI, reinforcement learning, and LLMs, robotic technology has been making leaps over the last couple of years. This is also thanks in part to the miniaturization of components like batteries and processors that have made it feasible to pack more power into smaller, more agile frames.

This miniaturization, alongside improvements in AI and materials science, is allowing for the creation of robots that can move and interact in ways that were once thought impossible, even in ways that have been reserved for non-synthetic creatures.

It’s time for you to Join the Robotics Revolution at ODSC West

So, are you now interested in learning more about the intersection of AI and robotics? If so, then you’ll want to join us at ODSC West’s Robotics track this October. In our first-ever track devoted to AI robots, leading experts in the field will delve deeper into the capabilities and challenges of AI-driven robotics. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a curious enthusiast, the robotics track at ODSC West is the perfect place to explore how these technologies are shaping the future.

Remember, humanoid robots are not just a testament to human ingenuity but a hint at what the future holds. As we stand on the brink of this new era, the lines between science fiction and science reality continue to blur, it’s more important than ever to not get left behind. So get ready and join us at ODSC West!

Originally posted on OpenDataScience.com

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