Humanoid robots are here to transform the future

In an age marked by remarkable technological advancements, the field of robotics exemplifies humanity's boundless potential for innovation. In recent years, certain types of robots have consistently captured our attention, with humanoid robots standing out as pioneers, alongside pre-programmed robots, autonomous robots, teleoperated robots, and augmenting robots.

With advancements in technology, the evolution of humanoid robotics pushes the boundaries of what was once considered purely sci-fi into the realm of reality. Engineered to emulate the human form both physically and cognitively, these robots are equipped with a sophisticated array of cameras, sensors, and cutting-edge AI and ML technologies. This enables them to not only perceive their surroundings but also to interact with humans in increasingly nuanced ways, from recognizing objects to sensing and responding to environmental cues.

That being said, the sector is poised for significant growth. According to research firm MarketsandMarkets, the humanoid robot market size was valued at $1.8 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to be $13.8 billion in the next five years, growing at a CAGR of over 50.2%.

Humanoid Robots are in Action

While numerous robots remain in the prototype phase, a handful have transitioned from research and development to real-world applications, revolutionizing various industries. Their impact spans manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, customer service, hospitality, travel, aerospace, energy, education, lifestyle, and beyond. The deployment of these robots coupled with advancements in technology, is likely to further boost the adoption of robotics.

Technological Advancements in AI

In institutions and laboratories worldwide, engineers and computer scientists are devising strategies to enhance the perceptiveness and dexterity of robots through technology.

A few of these technological advancements include reinforcement learning from human feedback (RLHF). This technique allows robots to learn through trial and error, guided by human input. Just as a student learns from a teacher's feedback, RLHF helps robots refine their movements, decision-making, and reactions to their surroundings, thereby increasing accuracy.

Deep learning techniques like Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are crucial for enhancing a robot's perception capabilities. RNNs help robots understand sequential data, like human speech, financial forecasting, artificial intelligence, and text generation, while CNNs excel at image and object recognition, allowing robots to navigate their environment effectively.

Further organisations deploy Transfer Learning, which allows robots to leverage knowledge gained from one task and apply it to similar situations, which translates to faster learning and improved performance.

Human-Robot Interaction Techniques

By discerning human emotions conveyed through facial expressions, speech, and gestures, robots are increasingly able to engage with us more intuitively and naturally. This empowers robots to perceive, reason, strategize, and make decisions autonomously.

Sophisticated sensors and actuators, thanks to hardware advancements, are paving the way for building more complex and dexterous robots.

At the same time, processing power is shifting to the edge of networks, with edge devices becoming more powerful. This allows robots to process data locally, leading to faster decision-making and improved control.

What Does the Rise In Humanoid Robotics Mean to Society?

The rise of AI and robotics promises to reshape the future of society, generating both anticipation and apprehension. Although strides are being made in humanoid robot technology, the gap between experimental success and real-world applications persists. While these robots excel in controlled settings, concerns regarding data privacy, ethics, social impact, and safety emerge as a challenge.

However, we need to bear in mind that despite technological advancements, humanoid robots may fall short of achieving human-level intelligence, which underscores the importance of approaching innovation with balance.

Looking Ahead

While the debates for and against these technologies shall go on for a while, it is quite evident that AI and Robotics have become a mainstay in various aspects of our lives. As we navigate the journey towards humanoid robotics, the strides made in this field bring a mix of opportunities and challenges, shaping a future, which is brimming with infinite possibilities.

Ritesh Gupta

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Ritesh Gupta is Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer PES at Happiest Minds Technologies.