Startup Humanoid Unveils General-Purpose Humanoid RobotStartup Humanoid Unveils General-Purpose Humanoid Robot

UK-based AI and robotics startup Humanoid unveiled its general-purpose humanoid robot, HMND 01, in a new video.

The biped is designed to move and act like a human, with a head, torso, legs and arms with five-digit hands capable of a range of human-level “or higher” manipulation speeds for complex tasks, thanks to a bevy of high-torque, high-speed actuators.

“The strongest argument in favor of humanoids is that the world is already designed for humans, so they can seamlessly integrate and quickly adapt to existing environments,” Humanoid founder and “serial entrepreneur” Artem Sokolov said.

The AI-powered HMND 01 is billed as a next-generation labor automation unit, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 154 pounds. It can reach a walking speed of 3.4 mph with an average runtime of 4 hours and payload capacity of 33 pounds. 

HMND 01’s hardware and software are modular, which allows customers to use different upper-body, lower-body and end-effector configurations. The robot also comes sheathed in a variety of protective garments to protect its systems and the surrounding environment.

Humanoid intends for the HMND 01 to be produced for mass commercialization with a low total cost of ownership (TCO). Its use cases will begin with industrial applications including goods handling, picking and packing, kitting and part handling with eventual enhanced automation levels allowing for deployment into retail and manufacturing facilities, logistics and fulfillment centers and warehouses. 

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This year, the company plans to develop and test an alpha prototype for wheeled and bipedal platforms. Humanoid is in ongoing discussions with certain retail companies for potential pilot projects, the company added.

HMND 01 comes as competition in the humanoid robot field is heating up, with electric-vehicle (EV) manufacturers leading the way. Last year Tesla unveiled its Optimus robot, which it intends to begin selling next year for around $25,000 to $30,000. Also last year, Chinese EV maker XPeng revealed its Iron humanoid robot, which is already working in the company’s factories.

Meanwhile, Apple and Meta are both reported to be developing AI-powered robots of their own. Just this week it was reported that Meta had established a new humanoid technology department in its Reality Labs hardware division and Apple is also reportedly exploring the technology.

As for Humanoid, the company is founded on the belief in “a future where humans and machines work side by side, not in competition, but in harmony,” Sokolov said. 

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“This societal shift will address social issues, such as workforce shortages and aging population while giving people more freedom to focus on more creative and meaningful work.”