Given article:  

Executives from Boston Dynamics, Agility, Neura and Apptronik discuss the state of the industry at the annual Association for Advancing Automation (A3) show.

AI action "Highlights":

Key Highlights:

  • Scarce humanoid presence at Automate: Only three non-working prototypes displayed, indicating a lack of widespread adoption.
  • Industry skepticism: Approximately 75% of attendees at a panel discussion expressed skepticism about the humanoid form factor.
  • Cautious optimism from A3: The Association for Advancing Automation hosted a panel on humanoids and plans a Humanoid Robot Forum in October.
  • Investor enthusiasm: Goldman Sachs projects a $38 billion market for humanoid robots by 2035.
  • Risks of overpromise: Hype cycles can lead to unrealistic expectations, especially for technologies like humanoid robots that evoke visions of personal servants.
  • Limited current capabilities: Partnership announcements often involve pilots with single-digit robot deployments, indicating that market fit is yet to be established.
  • Agility's readiness: The only company to confirm readiness for the next step in commercialization, with specific announcements expected in June.
  • Boston Dynamics' cautious approach: Despite decades of humanoid research, the company is still in early stages and plans to focus on pilots next year.
  • Diverse portfolios: Neura has a range of form factors, while Apptronik offers both legged and wheeled options.
  • Benefits of legs: Humanoid robots can reach lower shelves and navigate obstacles better than wheeled counterparts.
  • Safety concerns: The heavy and metallic nature of humanoid robots poses potential hazards, requiring further safety standards.
  • Call for transparency in demos: Standardized demo protocols are needed to prevent misleading representations of humanoid capabilities.
woodpeng
2024-06-02