The World Robot Conference 2024, held in Beijing, China, featured around 27 different versions of humanoid robots. The five-day exhibition aimed to demonstrate the latest achievements in robotics and reportedly attracted over 169 exhibitors, with more than 600 innovative products on display.
Humanoid robots dominated the five-day conference, demonstrating their potential applications in industries such as manufacturing industry, healthcare, and services. The investments in China's robotics industry have exceeded 100 billion yuan over the last decade. The conference highlighted the rapid advancement of robotics, with both startups and established firms pushing the limits of what humanoid robots can do.
Here are the Five humanoid robots that stole the spotlight at World Robot Conference 2024.
Astribot S1: Developed by Stardust Intelligence, the Astribot S1 is a humanoid assistant that impressed attendees with its precision and versatility. Known for its ability to perform intricate tasks such as calligraphy, Astribot S1 also demonstrated its capabilities in daily activities, including pouring a glass of wine. Its combination of technical skill and artistic flair made it a highlight of the conference.
NAVIAI: Unveiled by the Zhejiang Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, NAVIAI is a humanoid robot designed to replicate human-like behaviour with impressive proficiency. Weighing in at 60 kilograms, NAVIAI is capable of delivering speeches, brewing tea, and playing chess, showcasing a diverse range of applications in both personal and professional settings.
Agibot: The Shanghai-based startup Agibot, founded by a former Huawei employee, introduced a series of delivery robots designed for practical, everyday use. With plans to deploy 300 robots by mid-October, Agibot aims to revolutionize the delivery industry, while also positioning its robots for roles as salespeople, museum guides, and manufacturing assistants.
Wanda: Developed by UniX AI, Wanda is a dual-arm humanoid robot designed for home service. Equipped with advanced stain identification and multi-motive primitive fusion technology, Wanda is capable of handling a variety of household tasks, from laundry to dishwashing. At the conference, Wanda demonstrated its culinary skills, martial arts abilities, and even played the Zither, highlighting its potential as a versatile home assistant.
Optimus: Tesla's flagship Optimus humanoid robot made an appearance at the World Robot Conference. However, the model apparently sat immobile in a glass exhibit. Tesla, owned by Elon Musk, recently began hiring workers to train the humanoid robot using motion capture suits and virtual reality (VR) headsets.
In addition to humanoid robots, the conference also featured innovative technologies like the 3D-printed flexible robotic manipulators from Shenzhen-based Wisson Technology. These pneumatic artificial muscles offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional transmission devices, further advancing the capabilities of robotic systems.
