Humanoid

According to a report citing a former Amazon executive, the e-commerce giant is forming a team, potentially including members from Covariant, to develop humanoid robots for warehouse, home, and healthcare applications. The project reportedly involves exploring both wheeled and bipedal designs via simulation.

Figure AI showcased its humanoid robots performing material handling tasks within BMW's live production facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina. This marks a move from controlled tests to real-world automotive manufacturing operations for the Figure 01 robot.

Chinese robotics firm UBTech has deployed its Walker S humanoid robots at the Audi FAW New Energy Vehicle plant in Changchun. The robots are performing tasks like logistics, assembly assistance, and quality inspection alongside human workers on the production line, marking a significant step for humanoid integration in China's automotive manufacturing sector.

Tesla showcased its Optimus humanoid robot on Capitol Hill this week as part of an event where U.S. robotics companies urged lawmakers to establish a national strategy to compete with global rivals, particularly China. Tesla representatives highlighted the need for manufacturing scale alongside innovation.

A recent Global Times report highlights China's strategic push in AI and humanoid robotics, citing national policy support, recent product launches by companies like Dobot and Midea, and growing commercial interest, while suggesting the country is entering an early stage of mass production.