The world of humanoid robots is advancing rapidly, with innovative prototypes now pushing closer to commercial deployment than ever before. The progress made since early prototypes, which often struggled with basic movements and balance, is remarkable. Today, companies across the globe are unveiling advanced humanoid robots with real-world applications, reflecting a broader trend toward automation powered by new technologies like large language models (LLMs) and AI.
An infographic shared by Visual Capitalist explores the latest generation of humanoid robots that have been developed and tested in labs worldwide. This comparison—using data sourced from company websites and LifeArchitect.ai—shows the variety of humanoid robots being tested for different functions, ranging from industrial applications to domestic and assistance roles.
The visualization by Harrison Schell from Made Visual offers insights into the robots’ key specifications, such as country of origin, height, weight, top speed, and power capabilities. Among the highlighted robots are some of the most advanced machines on the market:
- Figure 01 (USA): 167 cm tall, 60 kg, with a top speed of 4.3 km/h, offering 5 hours of power.
- Fourier GR-1 (Singapore): A 165 cm robot weighing 55 kg, with a top speed of 5 km/h.
- Tesla Optimus Gen 2 (USA): Standing at 180 cm, weighing 47 kg, this robot has a remarkable top speed of 8 km/h and an unknown power rating.
- Boston Dynamics HD Atlas (USA): A 150 cm tall robot weighing 47 kg with 9 hours of power.
- Boston Dynamics Atlas (USA): At 175 cm tall and 80 kg, this advanced robot’s full capabilities are still being developed.
- Sanctuary AI Phoenix (Canada): 170 cm tall, 70 kg, with a top speed of 5 km/h.
- Agility Digit (USA): A 175 cm tall robot, weighing 64 kg, with a top speed of 5.4 km/h and 3 hours of power.
- Unitree H1 (China): 180 cm tall, 47 kg, with an impressive top speed of 18 km/h.
As the technology for humanoid robots continues to evolve, several companies are pushing the limits of robotic capabilities, aiming to seize early market share in a space with massive growth potential.
In April 2024, Boston Dynamics retired its long-standing HD Atlas robot, replacing it with the cervo-based Atlas, a more advanced model capable of performing complex tasks autonomously. A recent video demonstrated the new Atlas robot’s ability to move engine covers between containers and a dolly with minimal human interaction, showcasing the real-world potential for robotic labor in industrial settings.
Meanwhile, Tesla is preparing for the limited production of its humanoid robot, Optimus, slated for release in 2025. Initially, several thousand units will be deployed within Tesla factories, before mass production ramps up by 2026. Tesla’s long-term goal includes producing up to 500,000 robots annually by 2029, underscoring the ambitious scale and potential impact of humanoid robots in everyday life.
This comparison of the current generation of humanoid robots illustrates the significant technological strides being made across the globe. As AI and robotics continue to improve, we are witnessing the beginnings of a transformation in the way labor and daily tasks may be carried out in the near future.
