Humanoid AI Robots Are Here!
And Tesla Optimus and Sanctuary AI’s PhoenixTM are Leading the Way
From Honda’s ASIMO in the 2000s to Hephaestus forging humanoid automata in Greek mythology, and Leonardo Da Vinci conceptualizing complex armor-clad mechanisms in the 1400s, humanoid robots have been in the making for years.
However, due to technical limitations, the anthropomorphic artificial machines have never fully taken off, but things may be about to change.
In fact, thanks to the advancement of AI in recent years, two companies are now at the forefront of humanoid AI robot development – Sanctuary AI and Tesla, both of which revealed new iterations of their robots just last week. Keep reading to learn more about the arrival of intelligent humanoid robots.
Sanctuary AI’s Humanoid Robot: Phoenix
Sanctuary AI was founded in 2018 by technology experts Geordie Rose, Suzanne Gildert, Olivia Norton, and Ajay Agrawal. According to their website, they formed the company to provide a
“safe place for those with a shared passion for AI and robotics to gather and work collaboratively on perhaps the most complex technical challenge in front of humankind: how to build a human-like brain and system that’s capable of executing human-like tasks in a safe way.”
With the unveiling of their 6th generation robot PhoenixTM last week, it seems Sanctuary AI has achieved its goal–
“to create the world's first human-like intelligence in general-purpose robots.”
The result: a so-called general-purpose robot with domestic and occupational functionality that’s based on the company’s AI control system CarbonTM. It has human-like intelligence, human-like hands, full-body mobility, and a walking speed of three miles per hour.
What do you think of Sanctuary AI’s robot?
Tesla Follows Up With Optimus
Not to be outdone, shortly after Sanctuary AI released the above video of PhoenixTM, the Tesla Optimus team tweeted a video of their robot walking during Tesla’s Investor Day event in March. Where PhoenixTM is designed as a general-purpose robot, the Tesla Bot’s aim is to alleviate humans from having to engage in boring, repetitive, and dangerous tasks.
Compared to PhoenixTM, the Tesla Optimus project, which was initiated in 2022, is still relatively young. Yet, with the full force of Tesla resources behind the project, Optimus is comparable with PhoenixTM in terms of capabilities. In fact, in the above video, you’ll see a Tesla Bot wandering through a workshop while others perform maintenance on one another.
Optimus is equipped with a 2.3 kWh battery pack that allows it to last a whole working day, and is outfitted with 28 structural actuators custom-made by Tesla, enabling stable full-body movement. And just like PhoenixTM, Optimus features an AI-driven brain, supercharged with Tesla’s existing neural network technology.
How Do Humanoid AI Robots Work?
Much like AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT, PhoenixTM and Optimus use a neural network of training data and machine learning capabilities to understand how to complete tasks. Unlike AI chatbots, however, these robots are equipped with complex camera systems that allow them to identify objects by processing images through neural networks.
In order to train their robots, both Tesla and Sanctuary AI use similar techniques. Essentially, human trainers take control of the robots and execute basic tasks like stocking a shelf, making a sandwich, or opening a bag. While this happens, the robot sensors and cameras watch and learn so that they may replicate the task later.
Over time, the idea is that the robots will gain enough information from these human-led tasks to accomplish them autonomously. Where the two companies differ is that Sanctuary AI relies more heavily on the telepresence component of training, while Tesla focuses more on pattern recognition.
Another Threat to the Workforce or Powerful Safety Measure?
With humanoid AI robot technology being developed at a rapid rate, many people will surely question the impact on jobs. For example, a look at Sanctuary AI’s YouTube channel reveals a clear application for them in hospitality, retail, shipping, and cleaning.
However, as robot technology evolves and becomes capable of taking over dangerous and mundane work, it could lead to fewer workplace injuries, deaths, and mental health issues. This is a positive for both employees and employers, not to mention the productivity benefits.
Thanks for reading.
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