In search of the perfect android: which projects are winning the robotics race

The new jewel in the technological crown is startups who specialize in androids with intelligent behavior. Olympus is reserved for those who develop the first generative robot which, in turn, replicates the complexity of the human structure and its functioning.

Candidates must synthesize equal parts hardware and software into the packaging of a humanoid. The condition will be that you can obey instructions and have meaningful conversations, through deep machine learning models.

Behind this concept lies one of the chimeras of classic science fiction: having a mechanical assistant suitable for tasks at home, in the office or in the factory.

“There is still time to realize the dream of humanoid robots, except Roombas or Peppers at airports. The problem is that they are still costlycomplicated to maintain and there is a lack of security measures,” warns Marcela Riccillo, a computer science doctor and expert in artificial intelligence and robotics.

New robotic generation

These intelligent models are descended from those machines that moved awkwardly and slowly. The point of evolution came with the robotic vision and the advances brought about by generative artificial intelligence (AI).

Computer vision not only made navigating complex environments easier, but allowed people to climb stairs, skillfully avoid obstacles, differentiate faces, and make real-time decisions.

In turn, the battery with higher energy density provided limb movement fast enough to dynamically maintain balance and avoid stumbling.

Goldman Sachs analysts predict the humanoid robot market will reach $38 billion in 2035, and by 2030, more than 250,000 units.

On the back of this dark glass are many of the tech industry’s gurus such as Elon Musk, Reid Hoffman, Bill Gates and Eric Schmidt. Along with some leading companies such as Microsoft, NVidia, Samsung, Intel and Amazon.

“Embedding chatbots into humanoids is nothing new. In Argentina, IBM adapted Watson to a NAO to improve speech. What could be seen as a novelty is a revival of humanoid robotics (which had its peak from 2012 to 2016) with the advantage of adding ChatGPT to its structure,” explains Riccillo.

The four companies that are at the forefront today are: Figure, 1X Technologies, Tesla and Sanctuary AI. Who are the tycoons who support them?

Figure one

Figure AImanaged to capture the attention of many investors by receiving funding of 675 million dollars, coming from renowned people and institutions, such as Jeff Bezos.

Leading this initiative is billionaire Brett Adcock, whose goal is to create, in record time, “the world’s first commercially viable universal humanoid robot.”

The team, made up of 60 robotics experts recruited from Boston Dynamics, Tesla, Google DeepMind and Archer Aviation, last month unveiled Figura One, a robot designed to perform tasks with human-like precision.

And while the technical aspects are sparse, in the preview Figura One is seen in workshops, warehouses and retail outlets, handling tools and carrying out household tasks, such as making coffee.

This week, OpenAI signed a collaboration agreement to provide Figura with “next-generation AI models for this robot that can help in everyday life.”

This support allowed Figure AI to close its first commercial deal with BMW Manufacturing, marking its introduction into the luxury vehicle production chain.

NEO

1X Technologies is a Norwegian company that, over the past year, has received more than $125 million from Japanese conglomerate SoftBank and OpenAI, to shape NEO.

This project is trained in practical skills thanks to a technique of integrated learning. Therefore, instead of programming robots with algorithms, it trains them through virtual simulations based on everyday environments.

In early March, a preview of how NEO performs in society was provided and some of its parameters were provided. It measures 1.67 meters, weighs 30 kilograms and can carry objects up to 20 kilograms.

Its distinctive feature is that of having a soft body, without pinch points or sharp edges. The intention is that its padded structure does not pose a threat to its owner.

It has an autonomy of up to 4 hours and allows the android to run up to 12 kilometers per hour. When it detects that the power is low, it automatically finds its way to the charging station.

Phoenix

In 2024, the Canadian company Sanctuary AI introduced Phoenix, a humanoid robot equipped with a hydraulic drive system. This technology gives you the ability to manipulate objects with unique precision, speed and strength.

This manual skill was inspired by the way children learn and interact with their environment. As a result, Phoenix is ​​able to replicate 31 of 33 different types of holds and twists.

It is powered by AI Carbon, a software platform that uses sophisticated artificial intelligence to make the machine think and act like a real factory operator.

This control software reproduces subsystems of the human brain such as memory, vision, hearing and touch. Simply by observing a craftsman, Phoenix can imitate any movement, no matter how complex.

The height of the robot is 1.70 cm, it weighs approximately 70 kilos and can move at a speed of 5 kilometers per hour. It can lift up to a weight of 25 kilos.

Optimus Gen 2

This second version was announced by Elon Musk himself, and he noted that it was profiled to resemble a human. This is evident in his height and mobility, thanks to improvements implemented in his hands, feet, neck and body structure.

This Tesla automaton can walk 30% faster and its weight has been reduced to 10 kilos in total, to improve overall balance while on the move.

Among the highlights of Optimus Gen 2 are hands that can manipulate fragile objects such as an egg, through touch sensors on all fingers that measure the pressure of the elements.

Its “brain” consists of a central board embedded with artificial intelligence and a navigation system similar to the one Tesla incorporates for its autonomous vehicles.

Overall, the robot gained more control over its body and balance, which made it easier to carry heavy loads, which also helped it maintain stability when moving on uneven surfaces.