Why Are Humanoid Robots Gaining Popularity?
Humanoid robots integrating artificial intelligence (AI) have been making headlines across various media platforms, generating significant buzz. Major corporations such as Samsung, LG, and Tesla are actively investing in the robotics industry, accelerating market expansion.
One key reason for the growing attention toward humanoid robots is their ability to efficiently complement or replace human labor while requiring minimal modifications to existing work environments.
As societies face accelerating aging populations, the demand for automation technologies and robotic solutions to supplement the workforce is rising, prompting more companies to enter this market.
Traditional industrial robots and automated systems are typically designed for specific tasks within controlled environments, often requiring additional infrastructure adjustments for implementation.
In contrast, humanoid robots, with their human-like structures, can seamlessly integrate into existing workplaces without significant modifications, allowing them to perform a wide range of tasks more flexibly.
Can AI Surpass Humans?
Interest in humanoid robots surged in 2016 following the historic match between AlphaGo and Lee Sedol. The emergence of AI capable of surpassing human intelligence in the realm of Go sent shockwaves across the globe.
Subsequently, AI-versus-pro-gamer matches in StarCraft, a game widely regarded as a national favorite, further fueled discussions. This led many to ponder the question: Can artificial intelligence truly surpass human capabilities?
This growing interest was far from a passing trend. For decades, we have envisioned a future where AI-powered robots could think and act like humans. However, due to technological limitations, AI remained largely confined to controlled environments, unable to fully integrate into everyday life. Then, another groundbreaking innovation emerged, once again shaking the world—the rise of generative AI.
The advancement of AI technology is deeply intertwined with the humanoid robot industry. Just as the human body consists of both a mind and a physical form, AI-powered robots follow a similar paradigm.
A newborn gradually develops into a child, then a teenager, and eventually an adult, with the brain evolving along the way. Much like how humans progress from expressing basic emotions to forming complex thoughts, AI development can also be categorized into three stages: infancy, adolescence, and adulthood.
The Three Stages of AI Development
1. Analytical AI
Analytical AI focuses on processing existing data, identifying patterns, and making informed decisions based on learned information. For example, in factory automation, this type of AI detects defective products, while in autonomous driving, it enables vehicles to recognize road conditions and determine optimal driving strategies.
2. Generative AI
Generative AI goes a step further by creating new data based on existing information. It can generate images, compose music, and process natural language, making it highly useful in various creative fields. In the context of robotics, generative AI enhances communication capabilities and allows robots to perform more creative and interactive tasks.
3. Behavioral AI
Behavioral AI integrates decision-making with physical movement, enabling robots to interact with real-world environments. This technology is crucial for humanoid robots, allowing them to perceive their surroundings, move autonomously, and perform complex tasks in dynamic settings.
Recently, NVIDIA introduced its robotics platform Cosmos, which enables robots to learn proper walking and movement patterns through unlimited simulations. This technological advancement plays a crucial role in optimizing robotic behavior and achieving fluid, human-like motion.
Behavioral AI leverages sensor data and machine learning to help robots perceive and adapt to their surroundings autonomously. As autonomous driving technology continues to advance, its application is expanding beyond vehicles to humanoid robots. This evolution of AI is not merely a software breakthrough but a shift toward real-world applications, accelerating the emergence of intelligent robots designed to collaborate with humans.
Is the AI Robot Market Following the Growth Path of the Smartphone Industry?
As technology advances, human life continues to evolve. The rise of AI-powered humanoid robots is reminiscent of the early days of the smartphone revolution. When Apple introduced the iPhone in 2007, it delivered a radically different user experience, fundamentally transforming the way people lived and interacted with technology.
At the time, the iPhone was considered groundbreaking due to its capacitive touchscreen and intuitive user interface. However, it did not immediately establish the vast smartphone ecosystem we see today.
One of the key reasons smartphones became an essential part of everyday life was the emergence of app marketplaces. In its early days, the smartphone was primarily a device for calls and text messaging. However, with the introduction of the App Store, a thriving ecosystem allowed developers to create and distribute a wide range of applications, transforming smartphones from mere communication tools into multifunctional platform devices.
The App Store enabled developers to freely design and distribute applications, while users could customize their devices by adding desired functionalities. As a result, smartphones evolved beyond simple communication tools to become indispensable devices in various sectors, including finance, entertainment, education, and business.
The Future of the Humanoid Robot Market
What if the humanoid robot market adopted an open-platform approach similar to that of smartphones? If robots could freely integrate new functions based on user needs, their applications would expand far beyond current limitations.
Imagine a dedicated robot app store where users could select and install specific functionalities onto their robots. Today’s robots are primarily designed for predefined tasks, but if users could freely download and implement software updates, robots would evolve into highly customizable tools tailored to individual needs.
For instance, consider a home robot designed to care for children. Beyond simply monitoring their surroundings, additional educational functionalities could be integrated. The robot could read books aloud, present math problems, or even engage in interactive conversations to facilitate learning. Such capabilities would allow children to develop skills naturally while interacting with the robot.
The possibilities extend far beyond childcare. As societies face increasing aging populations, health management has become a growing priority. What if robots could continuously monitor the health conditions of elderly individuals in real time?
A robot equipped with health monitoring capabilities could measure blood pressure and heart rate, analyzing the data to detect potential health risks. If an abnormal condition is identified, the robot could automatically alert caregivers or medical professionals. Additionally, it could remind elderly individuals to take their medication at scheduled times or actively engage with them to support their overall well-being.
In industrial settings, warehouse robots could enhance efficiency by downloading software that enables faster recognition and categorization of specific products.
In hospitals, autonomous delivery robots could learn optimal routes between wards, improving the efficiency of transporting medication and medical supplies while minimizing disruptions.
With an open ecosystem, robots would no longer be limited to the functions provided by manufacturers. Instead, they could be customized and continuously upgraded based on user needs, evolving into versatile tools that adapt to different environments.
Just as smartphones transformed into indispensable devices through app-based expansions, humanoid robots could follow a similar trajectory, becoming an integral part of daily life.
The Core of Humanoid Robot Hardware
For humanoid robots to think and move in a human-like manner, various technologies must be seamlessly integrated. Fundamentally, a robot consists of sensors, processors, actuation systems, reducers, and power systems, all of which must work together in harmony.
- Sensors – These enable the robot to perceive its surroundings and include components such as cameras, inertial measurement units (IMUs), and pressure sensors.
- Processor – Acting as the robot’s brain, the processor is equipped with artificial intelligence and control systems to process data and make decisions.
- Actuation System – Responsible for movement, this system consists of motors and reducers that work together to execute precise motions.
- Reducer – This component decreases the rotational speed of the motor while generating greater torque, which is essential for stable and efficient movement.
- Power System – Whether powered by batteries or external sources, this system ensures continuous operation by supplying the necessary energy for all robotic functions.
Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a crucial role in enabling robots to perceive their surroundings and perform tasks autonomously. Without AI, robots are limited to executing pre-programmed mechanical movements, making it difficult for them to adapt and respond to complex environments independently.
Recent advancements in machine learning and deep learning have allowed robots to learn and improve over time. Additionally, cloud-based AI computing now facilitates data sharing between robots, enabling collective learning and real-time updates. These innovations are helping humanoid robots interact more naturally with humans and make autonomous decisions in diverse settings.
Power supply is another critical component. As robots become more advanced in size and functionality, high-performance batteries that offer extended operation time while remaining lightweight are essential. Leading humanoid robots, such as Tesla’s Optimus, are equipped with powerful battery systems designed to sustain all-day operation, significantly surpassing the capabilities of traditional robots.
The gripper plays a crucial role in enabling humanoid robots to manipulate objects like a human hand. To achieve natural and precise hand movements, a highly refined actuation system with advanced reduction technology is essential. This allows for more delicate and controlled finger motions, improving dexterity and interaction with various objects.
Walking ability and balance control are also fundamental aspects of humanoid robots. To prevent falling and maintain stable movement, robots require a powerful actuation system, real-time balance sensors, and impact absorption mechanisms. These technologies work together to ensure smooth and adaptive locomotion, allowing robots to navigate diverse environments effectively.
Among the many components that make up a humanoid robot, the gear reducer is considered one of the most critical factors influencing overall performance. Without a high-quality reducer, motors cannot efficiently regulate speed, resulting in rigid, unstable movement and insufficient torque output. This is why reduction technology plays a pivotal role in the future of the robotics industry, enabling robots to move with precision, stability, and power.
What is Reduction Technology?
A gear reducer is a device that reduces a motor’s rotational speed while increasing torque output. Motors typically operate at high speeds, but directly transferring this speed to robotic movements is impractical. Particularly in precision-dependent systems like humanoid robots, simply lowering speed is insufficient—enhancing torque is equally essential.
Consider the maximum weight a human arm can lift. If a robot’s arm were to function similarly, a high-speed motor alone wouldn’t suffice. To lift heavy objects effectively, the arm must rotate at an appropriate speed while exerting sufficient force. This is where a gear reducer comes in—it slows down the motor’s rotation while significantly amplifying torque, allowing robots to lift heavy objects and perform delicate movements with precision.
Currently, three primary types of reducers are commonly used in robotics. The most fundamental type, the standard gear reducer, simply reduces rotational speed and increases torque. These reducers are essential in humanoid robot actuation systems, ensuring stable and controlled movements.
Actuators: The Key to Robotic Motion
An actuator is a component that integrates a motor and a reducer, directly controlling a robot’s movement. Depending on the application and operating environment, actuators come in various forms, including electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic types.
Electric actuators offer precise control, making them ideal for medical robots and precision machinery.
Hydraulic actuators generate high force output, making them well-suited for industrial robots and heavy machinery that require immense strength.
The Rise of Smart Actuators
A smart actuator is an advanced form of actuation system that integrates a reducer, motor, and control system into a single unit. Unlike traditional reducers, smart actuators include sensors and control mechanisms, allowing real-time adjustments to robotic movements. This technology is widely applied in AGVs (autonomous guided vehicles), collaborative robots, and next-generation humanoid robots, where precision and rapid response are critical.
A smart actuator typically consists of:
- A reducer to control speed and increase torque
- A motor to generate movement
- Sensors to provide real-time feedback
- A brake system for controlled stopping
- An encoder for precise position tracking
By integrating all these elements into a single modular unit, smart actuators offer significant advantages over traditional setups, which require separate components to be combined manually. This streamlined design improves installation efficiency, reduces maintenance costs, and simplifies the overall robotic architecture, making it an essential technology in AI-driven robotics.
Leading robotics companies, including Tesla, have started developing proprietary actuators, highlighting the critical role of reduction technology in robotic motion. The more refined the reduction mechanism, the smoother and more stable the robot’s movement, ensuring better energy efficiency and overall performance.
Key Takeaways
For humanoid robots to become deeply integrated into industries and daily life, they must go beyond executing basic movements. A software-driven ecosystem that allows users to customize and install specific functionalities through app-based downloads will exponentially expand the potential applications of robotics.
Just as smartphones evolved from simple communication devices into essential tools for business, entertainment, and healthcare, robots will similarly advance by enabling users to add application-specific software. However, achieving this requires continuous improvements in hardware (H/W) performance.
The growth of the humanoid robotics industry depends not only on advancements in hardware but also on the development of a robot-specific app store and an open developer ecosystem. Among the critical hardware components, gear reduction technology plays an indispensable role in ensuring stable and precise robotic motion.
The future of AI robotics extends beyond physical development—it hinges on establishing an open platform where software developers can easily contribute to innovation. Just as smartphones became indispensable through the integration of the internet, app stores, and cloud technology, humanoid robots will reach widespread adoption through a seamless combination of software platforms and advanced reduction technology.
BonSystems is a leading company specializing in gear reducers, actuators, and smart actuators, providing high-torque, customizable, and fully integrated robotic H/W solutions. By offering optimized motion systems for various industries, BonSystems supports businesses in developing next-generation robotic applications. For product inquiries and technical consultations, please visit the official BonSystems website and contact us through our inquiry section.
