Google DeepMind and robotics company Apptronik have announced a collaboration to combine their technical expertise in developing AI humanoid robots capable of operating in complex dynamic environments. This partnership aims to advance the deep integration of robotic hardware and artificial intelligence, exploring broader possibilities for robots in both industrial and everyday applications. Apptronik has been independently operating since 2016, spun off from the Human Centered Robotics Lab at the University of Texas at Austin, and has developed 15 different robot models to date, including the...

On December 16, ZhiYuan Robotics announced the official launch of commercial mass production of general-purpose robots, marking the company's transition from the startup phase to industrialization. Since its establishment in February 2022 in the Shanghai Lingang New Area, ZhiYuan Robotics has rapidly grown and released its first humanoid robot, 'Yanzheng A1'. This year, the company plans to achieve large-scale production of robots by 2024 and has built Shanghai's first humanoid robot mass production facility in Lingang Fengxian. Founder Peng Zhihui expressed on social media: 'In two years, we've forged a sword, from inspiration to blueprint, from prototype to mass production, ZhiYuan.'

Addverb Technologies, backed by the Reliance Group, is rapidly catching up with the global robotics industry. The company recently announced that it will launch its first humanoid robots in 2025, with an initial plan to roll out 100 units. Sangeet Kumar, the co-founder and CEO of Addverb, stated in an interview that these robots will be utilized across various sectors including energy and retail. Addverb has a strong background.

The technology company 'Accelerated Evolution', dedicated to humanoid robot research and development, has completed hundreds of millions in pre-A funding, with investors including Bianshi Times, Minyin International, Zhongguancun Science City, and iCANX Fund, along with follow-up investment from Inno Angel. The funds will primarily be used for the development of a general ontology and enhancement of software development capabilities. CEO Cheng Hao pointed out that the AI-driven humanoid robot boom, especially the demand for vehicles of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), is driving the transition of humanoid robots from specialization to generalization. The company's phase one commercial positioning is to provide developers with general biped robots.

Noted robotics expert David Hanson has joined WorkFar Robotics as Chief Executive Advisor, focusing on innovations in human-robot collaboration technology. WorkFar is dedicated to providing intelligent humanoid robot solutions for the warehousing and manufacturing industries, aimed at addressing labor shortages. Hanson, along with his team, developed the 'Syntro' synthetic robot, which combines artificial intelligence with remote human control technology to ensure safe operation in high-risk tasks. Additionally, Hanson plans to send his created robot 'Sophia' to Mars.

NAVIAI 2.0, independently developed by the Zhejiang Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, is a humanoid robot that stands 1.65 meters tall, weighs 60 kilograms, boasts 41 degrees of freedom, and has an AI computing power of 275 Tops. It showcases exceptional performance and a highly anthropomorphic design, with the ability to execute smooth and natural movements. It can perform complex tasks such as giving speeches, making tea, and playing chess, demonstrating a very high level of anthropomorphic motion mapping execution ability. At the exhibition, it not only served as the host but also displayed its ability to quickly learn new movements and perform high-precision tasks in industrial settings.

Figure AI is an emerging humanoid robotics company that has surpassed a valuation of $2.6 billion within less than two years of its founding. The company's team includes top talent from Silicon Valley's tech scene, including Jerry Pratt. Its core technology is based on the coupling capabilities of collaborative robots, utilizing generative AI technology for human-machine interaction. The investor lineup is strong, with their investments acting more like orders for the company, demonstrating the immense potential within the industry. The emergence of Figure AI is viewed as the dawn of a new era for humanoid robots, garnering significant attention.

CES 2024 has become a feast for domestic robots, showcasing humanoid, wheeled, bipedal, and quadrupedal robots. Microsoft CEO Nadella visited the domestic humanoid robot created by Kepler, highlighting the competitive strength of domestic technology. The robotics industry demonstrated improvements in practicality, including innovative products for home assistance, healthcare, education, and industrial applications. In home scenarios, Samsung's Ballie patrols and monitors while also having projection capabilities, and LG's AI butler achieves intelligent interaction through emotion analysis. There are also widespread applications in industrial and medical fields, with Kepler showcasing its general humanoid robot.

{1:BYD invested nearly 2 million yuan in Zhiyuan Robotics, becoming its 7th largest shareholder and making its debut in the humanoid robot field. 2:Zhiyuan Robotics plans to deploy its first expedition A1 robot in factories, enabling automatic assembly and other functions by adjusting the large model. 3:The humanoid robot field is booming, with numerous tech companies and academic institutions actively making moves.}

Tesla's Optimus ignites the craze for humanoid robots, while large models empower humanoid robots. However, technical challenges and commercialization hurdles still exist.

Humanoid robots demonstrate the level of AI development and cutting-edge directions. The humanoid robot developed by 1X company features safety and realistic appearance. Humanoid robots have wide applications in workplaces, healthcare, and households.