Boston-dynamics

Figure CEO Brett Adcock refuted a Fast Company claim that his company uses planetary roller screws, stating Figure relies on rotary actuators. The dispute highlights a key design debate in humanoid robotics: direct rotary drive versus linear actuators (which use screws) with linkages, as detailed by expert Scott Walter.

New Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) focused specifically on humanoid robotics are launching in South Korea and being proposed in the US. These funds, from asset managers like Samsung, KB, Hanwha, and Roundhill Investments, signal growing investor interest in companies developing human-like robots and related technologies, driven by AI advances and labor market needs, despite acknowledged technical and market risks.

Hyundai Motor Group is significantly expanding its robotics initiatives by committing to purchase 'tens of thousands' of robots from its subsidiary Boston Dynamics, including the Atlas humanoid, Spot quadruped, and Stretch logistics robot. Hyundai will integrate these robots into its operations and leverage its manufacturing capabilities to help Boston Dynamics scale production. This move places Boston Dynamics' Atlas alongside competitors like Agility Robotics, Figure AI, and Apptronik in the race to deploy humanoid robots in industrial settings.

A new market report projects the global humanoid robot market will soar from $2.37 billion in 2023 to over $113 billion by 2033, driven by demand in caregiving, defense, and retail automation. While hardware and wheeled robots dominate now, software and bipedal models are expected to see the fastest growth. North America leads, but Asia-Pacific and Africa are poised for rapid expansion.

Executives from Agility Robotics and Apptronik discuss the drivers, challenges, and future outlook for humanoid robots. Key topics include labor shortages, AI integration, safety standards, deployment hurdles in workplaces vs. homes, and the path toward commercialization in logistics, manufacturing, and potentially eldercare.