The future is now

ERGO is known to rely on software-bots, but humanoid robots, which were once considered science fiction, are now a reality and have long since begun to revolutionise the way we live and work.

In contrast to purpose-oriented robots, such as household robots, these machines based on artificial intelligence (AI) are more than just tools or aids that fulfil repetitive tasks: They are creatures that possess human-like characteristics and can therefore profoundly change the way we live and interact.

The evolution of humanoid robotics 

Humanoid robots, often considered the pinnacle of robotics technology, mirror human form and functionality and can integrate seamlessly into our physical and social environments. Their development ranges from simple mechanical replicas to sophisticated autonomous units powered by advanced AI systems such as machine learning and neural networks. These technologies enable humanoid robots to interpret the environment as well as human gestures and emotions and respond appropriately. 

Companies such as Tesla (Optimus), BostonDynamics (Atlas), NVIDIA (GR00T), 1X (Neo, together with OpenAI), Figure (Figure 01, together with OpenAI) and Chinese manufacturers such as Unitree (H1) are among the pioneers and are already on the verge of launching these ground-breaking technologies on the market. Tesla's Optimus, for example, aims to take over repetitive tasks in manufacturing and can also be used interactively in social scenarios. OpenAI's Neo uses advanced algorithms to excel in areas such as customer service or care through a deep understanding of language and emotions. BostonDynamics' Atlas and Unitree's H1 impress with physical capabilities for demanding tasks in rough terrain, such as handling various objects. NVIDIA's Gr00t can learn movement and behaviour patterns from multimodal instructions and observed interactions, seamlessly bridging the gap between simulation and the real world.

Current areas of application for humanoid robots 

Humanoid robots, although less advanced, have already been used in a wide variety of areas for some time:

• Healthcare: They support medical staff, perform assistive tasks and provide social interactions for patients, especially in geriatrics. For example, the 1.20 m tall humanoid robot Pepper (Softbank & Aldebaran Robotics SAS) is already being used successfully in cognitive geriatrics at St.Marien-Hospitals in Cologne , encouraging patients to move more and engaging in small talk with them. 
• Education: As interactive teaching assistants, they offer personalised learning support and thus promote academic development. For example, the 58 cm small humanoid robot Nao (Aldebaran Robotics) is used in gymnastics and project lessons in Carinthian schools . It cooperates with both pupils and teachers to answer questions and demonstrate gymnastics exercises.
• Customer service: In retail and catering, they improve the customer experience through personal interaction and efficient service handling. For example, the 1.30 metre tall robot BellaBot (Pudu-Robotics) is part of the service staff at the Cologne sushi restaurant Nakoyashi . It can autonomously navigate to tables, take orders and deliver them. Gesundheitswesen: Sie unterstützen medizinisches Personal, führen assistierende Aufgaben aus und bieten soziale Interaktionen für Patienten, besonders in der Geriatrie. So wird der 1,20 m große humanoide Roboter Pepper (Softbank & Aldebaran Robotics SAS) bereits heute erfolgreich in der kognitiven Geriatrie des St.Marien-Hospitals in Köln eingesetzt und animiert die Patienten zu mehr Bewegung und führt mit ihnen Smalltalk.

Challenges and ethical considerations

The introduction of humanoid robots poses new challenges and ethical dilemmas. Issues of privacy, safety and social impacts such as job displacement require careful consideration and responsible regulation. The legal recognition of robots is an emerging area. Saudi Arabia has granted citizenship to the humanoid robot Sophia, which caused a global stir. Estonia has also taken steps to recognise the rights of robots. In Germany and at EU level, there are discussions about liability for autonomous systems and the regulation of such technologies.

Outlook for the future: Man and machine in harmony

The technology behind humanoid robots is still in its infancy, but it harbours enormous potential for future applications. Further development promises not only increased efficiency, but also new opportunities for human interaction. In a rapidly evolving world, humanoid robots therefore offer exciting new opportunities for progress and innovation. By driving these developments forward together and overcoming their challenges, we are shaping a future in which humans and machines work together in harmony and push the boundaries of what is possible. The future is not just near - it's here, and humanoid robots have a vital role to play. 

Text: Luisa Schmolke, Georgina Neitzel