Fanuc, for example, is a leader in this field. However, their inability to adapt to unforeseen situations limited their usefulness. The advent of machine learning in the 2000s marked a turning point. Robots began to use algorithms to recognize patterns and adjust their actions in real time. Current developments

Generative artificial intelligence has made a quantum leap in the field of robotics. Robots can now learn by imitating, much as we do. Imagine a robot that watches a video of someone folding laundry and can then do the same thing, even if the conditions change a little.

Last summer, Tesla boss Elon Musk announced that their Optimus humanoid robot could be on the market by the end of 2025. He even thinks it could boost Tesla's value to $25,000 billion.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has launched a study group to examine the world of humanoid robots and establish standards that companies could follow. The group is open to academics, government agencies and industry players alike.

Boston Dynamics presented the new version of its Atlas humanoid robot in April 2024. This model is fully electric, more powerful and more agile than its predecessor.

Agility Robotics has collaborated with Manhattan Associates to integrate bipedal humanoid robots into warehouses.

Figure.ai, a manufacturer of humanoid robots, joined forces with OpenAI in March 2024 to integrate OpenAI's AI into its robots.

Beijing has decided to go all out on robotics with a $1.4 billion fund launched in August 2023. The idea is to boost technological innovation, advance commercial projects and support mergers and acquisitions in the sector.

But Canada is not to be outdone. At the end of 2022, the government invested $30 million in Sanctuary Cognitive Systems, a Vancouver-based company that manufactures versatile humanoid robots. Sanctuary Cognitive Systems has teamed up with Magna International to improve humanoid robots for automotive manufacturing. The partnership aims to make these robots more affordable and scalable, using Magna's engineering and manufacturing expertise.

On the military front, the use of ground combat robots capable of firing is no longer a science-fiction concept, but a reality in contemporary conflicts. Currently, during the war in Ukraine, alongside FPV aerial drones and naval drones, Ukrainian forces are deploying small wheeled robots equipped with machine guns against Russian troops. The Russians, meanwhile, have pioneered this field by deploying heavy Uran-9 robots in Syria, with apparently mixed results. The major military powers have all developed drones or machines which, although far removed from humanoids, incorporate automation and are capable of replacing certain human functions in high-risk missions.

In short, robotics is making great strides, and artificial intelligence is playing a key role in this revolution. Investments are pouring in, collaborations are multiplying, and innovations never cease to surprise.

Challenges and growth prospects

The market for humanoid robots is booming. In 2023, it was already worth $2.43 billion, and could reach $66 billion by 2032, with annual growth of 45.5%, according to Forbes.

Tesla, Agibot, PNDbotics, Xiaomi, Xpeng, Astribot, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Neura Robotics, Amazon, Covariant, Robust, Toyota Research Institute, Figure.ai, 1X Technologies, Boston Dynamics, Apptronik, Unitree, Sanctuary AI, Zhiyuan Robotics, Argon Mechatronics, Clone Robotics, PAL Robotics, Devanthro, Robotera, Mentee Robotics.

Boston Dynamics is a leader in the development of humanoid robots. Their best-known project, Atlas, is a bipedal robot designed to perform complex tasks in a variety of environments. Atlas can walk, run, jump and even perform acrobatics. Boston Dynamics uses advanced robotics and artificial intelligence technologies to enhance the mobility and autonomy of its robots. The development of these robots could transform sectors such as logistics, construction and emergency rescue.

Google's (Alphabet) ALOHA project aims to create robots capable of interacting naturally with humans. These robots are designed to perform a variety of tasks, from home assistance to industrial applications. Google is using advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to enhance the robots' perception and movement capabilities. The aim is to make these robots more autonomous and efficient in complex environments.

First unveiled in 2021, Tesla 's Optimus robot is designed to perform repetitive tasks that are hazardous to humans, aiming to improve efficiency in factories and potentially other environments. In recent weeks, Tesla has unveiled significant advances in the development of Optimus, including demonstrations of its motor skills and dexterity. These advances have attracted the interest of investors and the public alike, as they illustrate the diversification of Tesla's activities beyond automobiles.

Figure.ai is developing a humanoid robot called F.02. This project aims to create a robot capable of performing a variety of tasks in industrial and commercial environments. The F.02 is designed to be versatile, with advanced motion capabilities and an intuitive user interface. Figure.ai hopes that this robot will improve efficiency and reduce costs in a variety of sectors. The project is still in the development phase, with tests underway to refine its functionality.

Agility Robotics is developing a humanoid robot called Digit. This robot is designed to perform logistics tasks, such as handling parcels in warehouses. Digit is able to walk, climb stairs and manipulate objects thanks to its articulated arms and legs. The aim is to improve the efficiency of logistics operations by automating certain repetitive tasks. Agility Robotics aims to integrate Digit into various industrial environments to optimize workflows.

These companies represent interesting investment opportunities for those wishing to position themselves in this fast-growing market. The USA, Europe and China share most of the advances. However, most start-ups in this field are not public or listed on the stock exchange.

Humanoid robots, supported by advances in AI, are redefining the way we interact with technology. Although challenges remain, the opportunities offered by these intelligent machines are immense. For investors, understanding the dynamics of this sector and identifying the key players will be crucial to capitalizing on this technological transformation. As we move towards a future where robots are increasingly present, close collaboration between researchers, companies and regulators will be essential to maximize the benefits while minimizing the risks.