What are humanoid robots, what can they do and when will they arrive?

Over the years, technological advances have enabled us to automate tasks using robots, ranging from simple repetitive tasks to complex processes. From factory conveyor belts to advanced systems such as Amazon's Kiva robots, which move shelving units to order pickers, and Serve Robotics' autonomous meal delivery robots. These developments have significantly changed our daily lives, but there remained a limit: no robot could take over all the tasks that people perform. However, that line is now beginning to blur with the arrival of Humanoid Robots.

Humanoid Robots, with their human-like shape including arms and legs, promise to revolutionize both our personal and professional lives. They are designed to perform a wide range of tasks, from household chores such as vacuuming and folding laundry to more complex tasks in distribution centers or construction. This development marks a significant shift in the possibilities of robotics, where physical work no longer has to be performed exclusively by humans.

Pioneers in Humanoid Robotics

Several countries, with China and the United States leading the way, have strategically embraced the development of Humanoid Robots. This has led to significant investments in the development of these robots, with the aim of producing millions of units in the coming years.

One of the most notable examples is Tesla's Optimus Gen 2. Within a few years, Elon Musk, the driving force behind Tesla, developed a Humanoid Robot that has the potential to make physical work optional. The Optimus Gen 2, which can already perform complex tasks such as folding laundry, is a symbol of significant progress in robotics. Musk predicts that these robots will not only exceed Tesla's operations but will also be sold on a large scale at prices comparable to those of a mid-range car, made possible by a subscription model.

Other companies, including Figure AI, a startup supported by OpenAI and NVIDIA, as well as larger names such as Mercedes and NIO, are also actively developing Humanoid Robots. Amazon, already the largest robotics company in the world, is further expanding its robotics empire and exploring the possibilities of this technology.

$40 billion market

While the introduction of Humanoid Robots promises to transform the way we work and live, it also raises questions about the future of the labor market and the economy. The potential to automate both cognitive and physical tasks could lead to significant shifts in the demand for human labor.

Goldman Sachs predicts that the Humanoid Robots market could generate up to $40 billion in market value by 2035 under an optimistic scenario. While this represents an enormous economic opportunity, it also highlights the need to think about how we prepare for this future, including retraining and adapting the education system to meet new demand.

The arrival of Humanoid Robots promises a new era in robotics. As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, it is essential to keep an eye on the wider social and economic implications. It will be a challenge to maximize the benefits of this technology while making sure no one is left behind in this rapidly changing world.