The structured nature of manufacturing makes it an ideal setting for humanoid robots. However, enhancing these robots' ability to interact with humans is crucial for advancing from basic automation to effective collaboration

If there is one technology generating more excitement than artificial intelligence (AI) right now, it’s a specific application of AI—humanoid robots. Many industry experts anticipate that the emergence of a new generation of robots designed in human form will trigger one of the most significant transitions in the global labor market. For instance, Goldman Sachs predicts that the total addressable market for humanoid robots will reach $38 billion by 2035, with a considerable portion of this growth expected to stem from their deployment in structured environments like manufacturing.

Despite the current enthusiasm surrounding humanoid robots, there remains considerable debate about their design. One aspect of this debate concerns their physical form factor, while the other focuses on their capabilities for human-like interaction.

The assumption that designing a robot in a human form inherently enhances its functionality is not as straightforward as it may seem. However, there are compelling arguments supporting the effectiveness of this form factor:

1. Compatibility with Human-Built Environments: Much of the world is designed around the human form, including homes, stores, and factories. Consequently, a robot that resembles a human can navigate and operate more effectively in these spaces, benefiting from its human-like form and mobility.

2. Instinctive Interaction: Humans naturally thrive on interpersonal interactions. The thesis posits that if a technology is designed to look like us, we are likely to engage with it more intuitively and comfortably, facilitating smoother interactions.