TechDogs-"Humanoid Robots Assemble: From iPhones To Warehouses And Marathons"

Emerging Technology

Humanoid Robots Assemble: From iPhones To Warehouses And Marathons

By TechDogs Bureau

TD NewsDesk

Updated on Tue, Jan 21, 2025

Overall Rating
Humans have been fascinated with robots since the first machine was invented.

Before we even perfected basic computers, we thought of one day having robots help us with our daily routine, while children grew up on cartoons, such as The Jetsons, depicting what life with such robots would be like.

Since then, we’ve built a variety of robots to help us with daily tasks.

From the circular floor cleaning Roomba that goes around the house on its own cleaning up after us, to the big and strong mechanical arms that help put together cars, electronics, and other products, robots are helping make life easier for us.

Yet, one obsession that humans have had when it comes to robots, is making them look like us. Perhaps it subconsciously provides us with a feeling of familiarity?

Either way, robots that are designed to resemble us and operate in similar ways are known as humanoid robots and Chinese company UBTech Robotics manufactures a wide range of such robots.

Recently, it was revealed that UBTech has partnered with Foxconn to enable the latter to enhance its production of Apple’s iPhones.

In what’s being called a “comprehensive long-term partnership”, Foxconn will use UBTech’s Walker S1 humanoid robots to “perform complicated and delicate production”. As such, UBTech is training its robots to handle various manufacturing-based tasks that will help it excel in diverse industries.

As per UBTech’s Chief Brand Officer Michael Tam, “For car manufacturing, there [are] thousands of tasks on our list. In areas like 3C production, [these are] new skills for humanoid robots to learn.”

“3C” refers to Computers, Communication, and Consumer Electronics assembly lines.

TechDogs-"An Image Of UBTech's Walker S1"
The partnership will also look to boost artificial intelligence (AI) technology, while UBTech is expected to release an upgraded Walker S2 in the second quarter of 2025.

In the last few years, AI technology has grown massively and shown use cases in a variety of industries (pretty much all of them), and robotics isn’t one to miss out on this trend.

This is why investors are betting big on robotics to be the next big thing in the world of technology.

This includes German-based startup Sereact, which just secured €25 million (around $26 million) in a Series A funding round, as per a news release published on its website.

The company specializes in AI-driven robotics and already has customers such as BMW Group, Daimler Truck, Bol, MS Direct, and Active Ants employing their AI-powered robots.

“With our technology, robots act situationally rather than following rigidly programmed sequences. They adapt to dynamic tasks in real-time, enabling an unprecedented level of autonomy,” said Ralf Gulde, CEO and Co-founder of Sereact.

Led by Creandum, the funding round also participation from existing investors Point Nine and Air Street Capital, and prominent business angels, including former Formula 1 World Champion Nico Rosberg, Mehdi Ghissassi (ex-Google DeepMind), Ott Kaukver (Skype), Lars Nordwall (ex neo4j), Rubin Ritter (ex-Zalando), Torsten Reil and Niklas Köhler (both Helsing).

The funding will allow the company to expand its R&D efforts and explore additional robotic platforms, including mobile robots and humanoids. Furthermore, it will be able to develop AI solutions for more complex tasks, extending beyond logistics and manufacturing.

Sereact will also be able to expand its presence in the United States by growing its local team and indulging in partnerships.

“We’re on an exciting journey to become the leading platform for robotics applications that forever changes the daily lives of people and businesses,” added Gulde. “This oversubscribed round and our rapid technology progress enables us to democratize robotics and set new standards for autonomous systems in global markets.”

TechDogs-"An Image Of A Robot Arm Developed By Sereact"
Circling back to China, where the madness for humanoid robots has taken the government, businesses, and consumers by storm, the country is set to host the world’s first human-robot marathon in Beijing.

Among around 12,000 humans taking part in a half-marathon in the spring will be robots from over 20 companies, as per the administrative body of Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, or E-Town.

It’s important to remember that prizes will be offered to the top three runners, humans or robots.

Here, there will be no discrimination, except that the humanoid robots must actually look like humans, have a mechanical structure that allows them to perform motions such as bipedal walking and running (it’s a marathon), and can’t be on wheels.

This move comes as China aims to challenge the U.S. in the tech sector and is betting big on AI and robotics.

Do you think we will see humanoid robots take over dangerous jobs in hostile environments and also participate in otherwise human activities?

Let us know in the comments below!

First published on Tue, Jan 21, 2025

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