Since 2024, the boundary between science fiction and reality has become increasingly thin. Following huge progress in technology, humanoid robots are instrumental in their fields12. Now, humanoid robots themselves are set to become more prevalent in our daily lives, with their increasing use in various industries and even solving problems that can't be approached by regular robots34. This article will focus on the advances of humanoid robots in 2024, including their application in different scenarios, the obstacles they face, and their possible effects on human society56.

Humanoid robots characterized by their human-like movements, gestures and even some cognitive functions due to the rise of artificial intelligence, robotics and machine learning, are a class of robots that greatly differs from the previous generations of industrial robots1. Instead of being specialized for singular purposes, such as fixed welding, painting or other repetitive tasks, humanoid robots have more general functions, and are designed to be targeted at human-focused environments. They are also suitable for performing tasks requiring human interaction and:or complex navigation12. The leap forward is the combination of exceptional AI algorithms, cheaper and better sensors and hardware, making humanoid robots easier to build and more affordable. In 2024, humanoid robots are no longer confined to the research lab, nor limited to special-purpose use cases1.

1. Tesla Optimus

Tesla's Optimus venture sees the day with a promising vision of a humanoid robot to do the jobs that are monotonous and unsafe, so humans can do more meaningful work1. In 2024, Optimus in its early stages but has already shown remarkable capabilities in manufacturing, warehousing and logistics1. The robot is built to perform heavy lifting, putting on and taking off parts, and even driving cars under controlled conditions. And because it can plug into Tesla's existing AI systems, including its full self-driving (FSD) systems, it's a stand-alone entity in the space of humanoids1.

2. Agility Robotics' Digit

The remarkably capable Digit crafted by Agility Robotics for dextrous navigation, delivery and logistics has the power of 'perception to dynamically navigate human environments'1. With self-diagnosis and a unique ability to move in human environments, its balance of human-like nimbleness and machine-like efficiency enables the fluidity of last-mile delivery and warehousing in 20241. What makes Digit so cool is that it folds into a car-sized ball and can be put in the trunk of an autonomous car that can drive it (and many others) to a new job. Digit can be deployed into an urban setting for small package delivery, in a warehouse to act like a forklift, and even to work alongside human workers in more flexible tasks1.

3. SoftBank Robotics' Pepper

SoftBank's Pepper has long been the friendly face of humanoid robots, programming designed for customer-facing roles. By 2024, Pepper is no longer the star of our retail fantasies but rather plays vital roles in the healthcare and education sectors1. Pepper's AI functions to 'read' emotional cues from human interactions so it can be used in healthcare to help and comfort patients— for instance by providing companionship, reminding them to take their medication, or following a therapy routine. In education, it can tailor learning to the individual student, helping those in special needs education or at risk of struggling1.

4. Honda's ASIMO

Honda's humanoid robot ASIMO, which has evolved from its initial research project on mobility to an AI-equipped robot with autonomous decision-making, intuitive vision systems and advanced motor control. ASIMO has been an industrial landmark because of the fact that it was one of the first humanoids to demonstrate human walking, as well as running and climbing stairs1. The latest incarnation of ASIMO functions in both public service and disaster relief: it can move around hostile environments, deliver aid, and assist in search-and-rescue missions. Its dexterity and control systems could save lives where humans are too dangerous to risk1.

It's no longer only in research labs or niche technologies that humanoid robots are pushing the boundaries and becoming more and more part of our everyday world, and our work.

Robots in Healthcare

Perhaps one of the most important future applications of humanoid robots is in the healthcare field. Healthcare robots come in different forms and currently include devices such as Pepper, a domestic assistant robot, which is being deployed as an aid for nurses in hospitals.1

Pepper is currently used for 'remote prescription' to assist elderly patients, for standardized patient check-ins, and as a company for patients in long-term care. Robots can perform a good deal of the repetitive, labor-intensive tasks commonly required in healthcare, such as lifting patients out of bed, or delivering medicines.23

Furthermore, a humanoid robot can assess a patient's vitals and transmit the information back to the attending health staff in real-time, allowing for faster response times and more personalised attention, especially in rural areas where there is less access to healthcare.4

Robots in Education

In the field of education, humanoid robots such as Pepper and Honda's ASIMO are being used to improve the learning experience of younger children, both in and out of school, including those with special needs.15

They can be used as a personalized tutor, working at each student's individual pace and style, and using AI to provide interactive lessons, quizzes and real-time feedback.3 In classrooms, robots can lighten the teacher's workload by taking on some administrative duties, so the teacher can spend more time teaching or interacting with students.

Robots in Hospitality

It is in the hospitality industry that we're seeing some of the largest jumps in humanoid robot adoption, especially in the realm of customer service – from robots checking guests in and out of hotels, serving food and drinks, escorting guests to their rooms to devices doing concierge work. They can communicate in multiple languages, as well as work 24/7 without getting tired.4

In 2024, humanoid robots are better at dealing with the unexpected, too, as they use AI to expertly solve customer problems.

Manufacturing and Logistics

Humanoid robots are also increasingly found in manufacturing, where they can carry out repetitive or dangerous jobs more accurately and for longer periods of time than humans – functions Tesla's Optimus was designed to do, ferrying around parts and tools on assembly lines, performing heavy lifting and awkward tasks that require dexterity and repetition.6

In logistics, Digit and other humanoid robots are already helping to move packages around a warehouse, unload a goods truck, or ferry items from store to building, through indoor and outdoor spaces, thereby increasing operational efficiency, reducing labor costs and improving the bottom line.46

While humanoid robots bring many benefits, their proliferation will also pose numerous problems and ethical dilemmas. One of the most practical challenges is that humanoid robots need to be programmed to work safely alongside humans. As more humanoid robots are used in public spaces, we will need to know that they can perform safely and will not cause harm if they malfunction.12

Another major concern is the loss of jobs. While the introduction of humanoid robots could create efficiency within industries and lower production costs, it could also result in the replacement of human workers in many fields, such as manufacturing, logistics and customer service.23

More importantly, perhaps, ethical issues of AI-influenced decision-making and emotionally interactive robots also raise questions of the future. What needs to be done to ensure that robots can make fair and unbiased decisions? How should privacy issues be dealt with once robots are collecting and processing personal data in real-time?145

From here we can clearly see that humanoid robots will continue to play an ever-increasing role in society in the future. When the year 2030 comes, humanoid robots might be as common in business as smartphones are today. barriers to overcome, the most important thing in the coming decade and beyond is to strike a balance between technology and ethics so that the humanoids we create afford a meaningful enhancement of human life, rather than its replacement.12 The year is 2024, and the turning point is upon us. Humanoid robots will not only complement human abilities but also transform entire industries. The future has arrived, and humanoid robots are leading the way.34