AMECA, Atlas, Optimus: Top 10 insane humanoid robots to watch out for in 2025
Tesla has been touted by Tesla bulls as the market leader in humanoid robots. While Tesla is in the top 10, this is not true. There are others that are better.
The most advanced humanoid robots of 2024 are listed below in no particular order.
AMECA
AMECA by Engineered Arts is widely regarded as the "world’s most advanced humanoid." AMECA is engineered to be modular and upgradeable in both hardware and software, designed with a gender-neutral and non-threatening appearance to facilitate comfortable human-robot interactions.
It utilizes embedded microphones, binocular eye-mounted cameras, a chest camera, and facial recognition software. It is an excellent platform for further developing robotics technologies focusing on human-robot interaction. Although AMECA cannot walk yet, it is designed with the potential for mobility in the future.
AMeca's cognitive capabilities are amplified through integration with OpenAI's GPT-3 and GPT-4 language models, enabling it to understand and respond to questions, tell jokes, mimic the voices of celebrities or famous TV characters, dance, and hold engaging conversations.
AMECA has incredibly realistic facial expressions and movements, with 27 actuators controlling minute details such as lip and eyebrow movements and motorized arms, fingers, and neck, totaling 61 degrees of freedom. These features allow AMECA to communicate naturally and expressively, distinct from other robots.
Atlas
Atlas, developed by Boston Dynamics, is renowned for its athleticism, often showcased through its impressive dance moves and backflips. This robot was initially created as a research project for the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in 2009.
Its advanced control algorithms allow Atlas to plan and execute complex movements, considering environmental factors, and achieve speeds up to 2.5 m/s. Composed of titanium and aluminum with 3D printed parts, Atlas possesses a strength-to-weight ratio that facilitates its dynamic maneuvers.
The robot stands 1.5 metres tall, weighs 89 kg, and includes 28 joints that support agile and diverse locomotion. Atlas is equipped with advanced infrared stereo and depth sensors to create detailed environmental point clouds, using a blend of vision, force, and proprioceptive sensors to adapt to environmental changes.
Optimus
Optimus, also known as Tesla Bot, is a general-purpose robotic humanoid initially announced during Tesla's Artificial Intelligence Day on Aug 19, 2021. A prototype was showcased in 2022, and by Dec 2023, Tesla introduced Optimus Generation 2, which featured a slimmer figure and improved hands and movements.
In Jun 2024, Elon Musk announced plans for Optimus to enter limited production in 2025, with over 1,000 units intended for use in Tesla facilities and potential broader production for other companies by 2026. Priced at an estimated USD30,000, Musk envisions Optimus performing a wide range of everyday tasks inside and outside the home.
Figure 02
On Aug 6, 2024, Figure AI unveiled Figure 02, the next generation of its humanoid robot. This version sports a sleeker, slimmer design with integrated cabling in its limbs, which Figure AI claims to be the world’s first commercially viable autonomous humanoid robot.
The new robot features a 50% increase in battery capacity over its predecessor. It is equipped with 6 RGB cameras and an onboard vision language model. The computing power is significantly enhanced, powered by NVIDIA RTX GPU-based modules, offering three times the inference capabilities of the earlier model.
Additionally, Figure 02 includes microphones and speakers paired with a custom AI model developed in collaboration with OpenAI, enhancing its conversational abilities with humans. Its redesigned five-fingered hands boast 16 degrees of freedom, enabling it to carry objects weighing up to 25 kg. Figure 02 is currently being tested at a BMW plant in South Carolina to gather training data for further AI model development.
DIGIT
Digit is a humanoid robot designed by Agility Robotics with a distinctive inwardly curved leg design that enhances mobility, enabling it to move dynamically through complex environments. This unique structure is complemented by elegant limbs and a torso packed with advanced sensors and computing power, making Digit well-suited for navigating and performing tasks in places like warehouses.
Digit is constructed from aluminum, thermoformed polycarbonate, and carbon fiber composite components, ensuring both lightness and strength. It is equipped with a range of sensors, including Lidar, four Intel RealSense depth cameras, and MEMS IMU, alongside absolute and incremental encoders that enhance its proprioception.
The robot's computational needs are handled by two Intel i7 multi-thread CPUs, with a payload bay available for additional computers like an Intel NUC or Nvidia Jetson, which can be used for enhancing perception or machine learning tasks.
Apollo
Apollo, developed by Apptronik, is another groundbreaking humanoid robot benefiting from the company's extensive experience in robotics, including their work on NASA's Valkyrie robot. Apollo is tailored for mass manufacturability and is designed to function in collaborative environments with high payloads and safety standards.
Apollo's design allows it to carry payloads of up to 25 kilograms, emphasizing its ability to perform substantial lifting and carrying tasks. The robot is exceptionally versatile, with a modular design that can be mounted on any mobility platform, whether stationary or fully mobile, with legs.
Additionally, Apollo incorporates an Advanced Force Control Architecture and defines safety zones for enhanced operational safety. It can be controlled through intuitive software accessible on any device, simplifying human-robot interaction. Mercedes-Benz has recognized Apollo's utility and is integrating these robots into their factories to assist with physically intensive and low-skill tasks, showcasing Apollo's industrial applicability and efficiency.
ALTER 3
ALTER 3 stands out in the list of top humanoid robots for its unique blend of AI and musical talent, notably demonstrated through its ability to conduct orchestras. Developed by Osaka University and Mixi Corporation, this humanoid robot has been used in various experimental settings, including conducting orchestras, participating in theatrical performances, and exploring the intersection of robotics and the arts.
ALTER 3's design features a highly expressive face capable of displaying a wide range of emotions, such as smiling, frowning, and even singing, enhancing its interaction with human audiences.
ALTER 3 utilizes a combination of pneumatic and servo-based actuators, controlled by 42 actuators and a central pattern generator (CPG) integrated with a neural network, allowing for fluid and lifelike movements.
The robot is equipped with optical and distance sensors for autonomous movement, and its sensors and microphones feed into an AI system that enables it to respond dynamically to its environment. The development of ALTER 3 aims to probe fundamental questions about whether robots can obtain a sense of life and what life itself may mean.
Unitree G1
Unitree G1 is recognized for its exceptional flexibility and affordability, making it a standout choice for robotics research and development. The robot is designed to facilitate the exploration of advanced locomotion and manipulation techniques, capable of performing a standing long jump of up to 1.4 metres - possibly the longest jump ever achieved by a humanoid robot of its size.
The G1 robot is equipped with a dexterous 3-fingered hand that allows for precise manipulation, supported by a maximum joint torque of 120 Nm. It boasts 43 degrees of freedom, enabling complex movements, and moves at a speed of 2 m/s. Sensory and communication enhancements include 3D LIDAR with a LIVOX MID360 for 360° detection, an Intel RealSense D435i depth camera, and a microphone array with noise and echo cancellation capabilities.
The G1 comes with an 8-month warranty, while the G1 EDU offers a 1-year warranty, with pricing for the G1 starting at USD 16,000.
ARMAR-6
ARMAR-6, part of the ARMAR series of humanoid robots developed at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, represents a lineage of robots that dates back to 2000 with ARMAR-1, focusing initially on basic locomotion and manipulation. Successive models such as ARMAR-2, ARMAR-3a, and ARMAR-3b (developed between 2004 and 2007) have seen progressive improvements, enhancing capabilities in interaction and more complex tasks.
ARMAR-6, a collaborative humanoid assistant designed for industrial environments, embodies these advancements.
ARMAR-6 features a human-like torso and two arms mounted on a wheeled base, enabling it to navigate industrial settings and utilize tools designed for humans, like power drills and hammers. This robot has four computers in its mobile base, providing substantial computational power for control, image processing, interaction algorithms, and implementing machine learning and artificial intelligence through its ArmarX software architecture.
Its sensors include position, IMUs, torque, and temperature sensors across its joints, supplemented by 6D force-torque sensors for interaction and laser scanners for navigation. Two stereo camera systems, a depth camera, and microphones enhance perception capabilities. ARMAR-6 runs on an EtherCAT bus system, linking its multiple high-end PCs and GPU, ensuring robust autonomous operations facilitated by a powerful battery system.
Astribot S1
Astribot S1, described as an 'all-purpose' home robot, is specifically designed for household tasks such as cooking, folding clothes, and operating a vacuum cleaner. Unlike traditional humanoid robots with legs, the Astribot S1 features motorized wheels and a flexible lower body that can bend in the middle, supporting its tasks around the home with impressive agility and mobility.
Astribot S1 has a slender, sleek white design. It boasts a payload capacity of 10 kg per arm and 7 degrees of freedom per arm, allowing for a range of motion that rivals a human limb. The robot's arms are equipped with touch sensors for safe interaction with objects and people. Instead of a typical humanoid hand, it ends in a sensor-packing dual-digit gripper, enhancing its capability for varied and precise tasks.
Astribot S1's agility and dexterity are notable, with a top speed of 10 metres per second, faster than the average adult human. It can learn new tasks through imitation learning, a feature showcased in various online demonstrations where the robot performs activities like martial arts, making pancakes, and pouring drinks. The robot was announced to be commercially available in 2024, although specific details about its hardware specs or AI learning methods remain undisclosed by the company.
Tesla has shown a few videos of Optimus, but they are still teleoperated.
Tesla rivals are able to move their humanoid robots autonomously.
With humanoid robots more advanced than Optimus, Tesla is unlikely to command a significant market share. Its contribution to the net profit may also be lower than expected.
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his friend : none of the companies here are capable of producing robots at scale except tesla. Prototypes are easy, production is hard.
bullrider_21 OP his friend : Who said cannot. Those are not prototypes, but actual working models.
bullrider_21 OP : Figure 02 humanoid robot is developed in collaboration with OpenAI which is backed by Microsoft, SoftBank, Nvidia and Thrive. A lot of financial muscle to scale up and be a market leader.
104223519 : which robot stock can invest or monitor?