Humanoid robots in the near future can provide care for the elderly and do housework, as their applications across certain industries is rising.
Neura Robotics founder and CEO David Reger, whose company based in Germany has developed humanoid prototypes, said robots will become essential for aging societies, by providing solutions to challenges in manufacturing, health care and home environments.
He pointed out that humanoids can handle repetitive or risky chores – from carrying garbage to operating dishwashers – freeing people to spend more time on creative or personal pursuits.
“It’s mainly doing tasks we humans would not like to do … So, it means having more time for drawing pictures, creative stuff like making music or writing books, new stories. I think that’s what humans love to do,” Reger said.
His company was founded in 2019 and has developed MiPA, a household assistant, and is testing its humanoid 4NE1, combining 360-degree perception with lifelike movements.
Meanwhile, Realbotix based in California, has focused on human-centric design and creating humanoids with realistic facial expressions and conversational artificial intelligence (AI). The company’s products have been in use in entertainment venues, museums, hospitals and homes.
“I could never imagine a robot that looks a little bit like a vacuum cleaner dealing with an ill person at a hospital or at a school. Our robots are not meant for physical tasks, but they’re meant more for emotional and intellectual tasks,” CEO Andrew Kiguel told Anadolu, noting their use of lifelike silicone skin.
One of its products is humanoid assistant Aria, resembling a young blonde woman that can recognize faces, interpret emotions and respond. She can also assist customers in shopping malls and reception desk staff in hotels. What is astounding is she can communicate in any language.
“In our next iteration, they’ll be able to look at you, tell you a joke, smile. They’ll be able to analyze what they’re seeing. Are you happy? Are you sad? Are you angry? And react to you according to how you’re doing,” Kiguel said.
REALBOTIX PHOTO