It is the heart of modern-day science fiction to imagine a society in which humans and robots cohabit together. Robotics and AI advancements have provided us a look into the probable future of this technology. Humanoid robots have a special place in the world of robots made by humans. They are the only robots made by humans that look like humans.
In contrast to their other artificial intelligence (AI) brothers, these robots are meant to achieve the closest approximation to human beings possible. Aside from their physical resemblance, their makers have armed them with talents that show how far they have come in their growth.
What exactly are humanoid robots?
It is more accurate to state that a humanoid is a robot with human-like traits. In order to mimic the human body, this sort of robot is built in such a manner. As a result, actuators are used, which, despite their structural differences, perform the same duties as muscles and joints. Humanoid robots employ rotary actuators to achieve the same results as humans. There are efforts to build humanoid robots that can help the sick and elderly, do dangerous jobs, and do other things that humans do, like help with personal support.
Humanoids may also be used in a variety of different jobs, such as receptionists and employees on automobile assembly lines. A humanoid robot’s behavior and shape are matched selectively. Many different types of humanoids exist, from simple robotic heads to full-scale humanoids that can sense and emote like a real person.
In several scientific fields, humanoid robots are employed as research instruments. Research into how humans look and act is driving the development of humanoid robots.
The Humanoid Robotics Industry is Expected to Grow at a Rapid Pace
The market for humanoid robots is on the verge of significant expansion. The market for humanoid robots is expected to be worth $3.9 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 52.1 percent between 2017 and 2023.Bipedal robots are predicted to expand at the fastest CAGR of all humanoid robot types throughout the projection period. One of the main reasons the market for humanoid robots is growing so quickly is that these robots are getting better and there are more and more ways they can be used.
The humanoid robot market is estimated to be worth $3.9 billion by the year 2023.
Humanoid robots are being utilized at power plants to do risky and time-consuming inspection, maintenance, and emergency response duties that would otherwise be performed by humans. In the same way, they are ready to take over astronauts’ mundane responsibilities in space flight as well. In addition, it could be used to help people who are old or sick, give advice and help people as a receptionist, or even make transplant organs for people.
Humanoid robots can perform a broad variety of duties, from perilous rescues to caring care, all of which can be automated. How these robots can be used is always changing. As the technology behind them improves, the market will grow as well, which means more people will buy them.
These are seven of the most popular humanoid robots that are made to look like humans
- Nao
In 2008, Aldebaran Robotics unveiled the production version of the robot, which was initially designed by the French business. The next year, it totally replaced the Sony Aibo robots that had previously been utilized for the soccer competition at the RoboCup. A specialized operating system called NAOqi powers NAO’s motors, sensors, and software. The Choregraphe program lets you customize it to your requirements.
As far as robots that can be used for many tasks go, there is no shortage. As a result of its widespread use in over 70 countries, Nao is the world’s most popular academic and research robot. Nao has found a unique use in the teaching of youngsters with autism. Even prestigious Indian institutes like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) Allahabad and Kanpur have adopted it.
- Robear
When it comes to machines with a light touch, Robear is the epitome of this. Robotics researchers from RIKEN and Sumitomo Riko Company Limited came across this prototype robot and thought it could help solve the problem of not enough caregivers in Japan over the course of its life.
With a rapidly aging population and a strict stance on immigration, Robear was supposed to step in and save the day. Smart Rubber capacitance-type tactile sensors made completely of rubber are integrated into the system. For duties like lifting or transporting patients, delicate motions are necessary to ensure that the robot does not inflict unnecessary pain.
- Ocean one
The Stanford Robotics Lab has developed a bimanual underwater humanoid robot to investigate coral reefs and the ocean. One can go to places other people can’t. An ideal combination of robots, haptic feedback devices, and AI.
A stereoscopic camera and two fully articulating arms are included in its design. Ocean One’s electrical components are not water-proofed to prevent air leakage due to underwater pressure, instead they are immersed in oil. This helps to counteract the enormous pressure that is put on it at deep depths. Because of its human-like anthropomorphic design, this ‘robo mermaid’ is superior to other remote-controlled vehicles (ROV) in terms of its mobility and navigational skills.
- ATLAS
In 2013, ATLAS, dubbed by its designers as “the world’s most dynamic humanoid,” was introduced. Boston Dynamics designed and produced it with assistance from the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, specifically for use in search and rescue operations (DARPA). It can find its way over difficult terrain and around obstacles in its route with the use of sensors like range sensing, stereo vision, and other technologies.
New features and enhancements were added to the ATLAS Unplugged in 2015, which the makers said made it 75% distinct from the initial ATLAS.
- Petman
Boston Dynamics’ Protection Ensemble Test Mannequin (Petman) is another innovation in robotic world. It was made by the US Department of Defense’s Chemical and Biological Defense program. It is used to test biological and chemical suits for the military to see how well they work.
This bipedal humanoid robot’s demeanor is uncannily human, even with its artificial skeleton concealed under a hazmat suit. It’s a beast, standing nearly six feet tall and weighing 80 kilograms.Even among humanoid robots, a walk this close to a human’s is unusual. Petman is the fastest bipedal robot, able to walk at a pace of 7.08 kilometers per hour.
- Pepper
Robots with the ability to recognize basic human emotions like anger, happiness, and sorrow and ‘behave’ in accordance with those feelings would be awesome. Pepper is the only robot that can accomplish it. If you have SoftBank Robotics make a humanoid friend, it can speak naturally.
Pepper is able to read nonverbal clues such as a person’s facial expressions, tone of speech, and body language. Thanks to its various sensors and three multi-directional wheels, Pepper can quickly spring into action to engage and learn about individuals it comes across, thanks to its various sensors. Pepper has found work at a variety of places that depend on customer contact, including supermarkets, banks, and even SoftBank shops.
- Sophia
Sophia, supposedly based on Audrey Hepburn, was created by roboticist David Hanson and his firm, Hanson Robotics. In April 2015, she was made official. It wasn’t until October 2017 that she became famous around the world after being given citizenship by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Sophia’s programming is comparable to ELIZA in that she replies to particular inquiries with pre-written answers.
There is a resemblance of discussion here. Sophia, who had previously been motionless, is said to have gained “legs” in January 2018 and is now ambulatory.
Sophia became a favorite of the international media community almost immediately after her first public appearance in 2016.After appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Good Morning Britain, Sophia has become an international star.
Winding up
Humanoid robots are here to stay, and as artificial intelligence improves, we may soon see them in a wide range of places in our daily lives.
Also Read: How Robots Will Affect Future Generations
