Robots in 2024 are like nothing we've seen before — they can perform backflips and even smile back at you. From Tesla’s Optimus to Boston Dynamics’ Atlas, we’ve handpicked the remarkable robots that are turning heads.
In this article, you’ll explore:
- Who the major robot players are in 2024
- How do these robots stack up
- The way they’re influencing industries
Let’s check out the heavyweights.
Tesla didn’t stop with cars. Optimus, a.k.a. the Tesla Bot, is Tesla’s answer to repetitive stuff — think carrying your groceries or organizing inventory.
This humanoid bot stands pretty tall at 5’8” and clocks in at 125 pounds and uses AI to make quick, smart decisions.
Cool factor: Optimus has a sleek design and moves a bit like you might after a strong coffee (or three). He’s agile enough for basic jobs, so you might start thinking about outsourcing your bag-carrying to him (or it?).
If robots had their own Olympics, Atlas would have more gold on him than Snoop Dogg.
With its insane balance and agility, this bot can run, jump, and even flip like a parkour athlete. Atlas is meant primarily for challenging environments — search and rescue, construction, and places no one else wants to go.
What’s there to love?: Atlas isn’t just a show-off; it’s meant to survive tough situations. When it performs backflips, it’s not for fun (although it is fun to watch) — it’s designed to handle unpredictable terrain.
Ameca has set the bar pretty high for humanoid facial expressions.
If you ever wondered what it’d be like to talk to a robot that could actually smile back at you (uncanny valley, anyone?), Ameca is your bot.
Ameca can mimic expressions that make it unsettlingly human-like; you’ve got the grin, the eyebrow raise — everything.
Cool factor: Ameca’s expressions are so lifelike you’ll forget it’s a robot… until it starts forgetting the last two prompts you gave it.
The Moley Robotic Kitchen is whipping up meals from scratch.
Equipped with robotic arms that follow recipes, this robo-chef will chop, stir, and serve — all without (hopefully) setting off the smoke alarm.
It’s the next best thing to having a professional chef in your kitchen, minus the hat and the Marco Pierre White airs of superiority.
Cool factor: Imagine coming home and saying, “Make me a lasagna, please,” and a robot actually does it. To some, that’s the most advanced robot in the world — to others, that’s a calorie bomb waiting to happen. To each their own.
Promobot V.4 is a front desk attendant capable of answering questions, processing payments, and engaging customers with natural conversations.
You’ll find it at hotels, shopping centers, and other places that could use a “greeting without the grump.”
Cool factor: Promobot can talk, answer questions, and make transactions without the sighs and eye-rolls of a typical receptionist. Plus, it doesn’t get hangry, either.
Sophia doesn’t just talk — she converses. She’s been on TV, cracked a joke or two, and even engaged in debates.
Sophia can chat on quite a few topics, from world peace to tending your garden. She’s great for social settings, education, and customer engagement; Sophia has a knack for holding attention.
Cool factor: She’s a legit celebrity. Sophia’s fame rivals that of many B-list actors (sorry, Oscar Isaac), and her conversations are almost as riveting. Great if you want a robot that’s half-diplomat, half-chat show guest. Without a doubt, it is the most advanced humanoid robot.
At 4.75 feet (a bit shorter than Danny De Vito), Walker S1 can help around the house, from bringing you a drink to grabbing the TV remote you’re too lazy to reach for.
Designed primarily for elder care, Walker S1 is a household assistant with a gentle touch and is the most capable, non-judgmental helper you’ll ever meet.
Cool factor: Walker S1 is the companion we could all use on a lazy Sunday (or Wednesday). It's all about helping without making a fuss, which we’re sure is just what you’re after.
A new arrival, unveiled in August 2024, Figure 02 is a humanoid robot that’s meant for industrial applications.
It stands at 5'6" and weighs 132 pounds. plus, it features a modern, sleek design with integrated cabling and increased battery capacity.
With a whopping six cameras, Figure 02 offers extra perception and interaction capabilities. Its redesigned five-fingered hands have a mind-bending 16 degrees of freedom, allowing it to handle loads of up to 25 kg.
Currently, Figure 02 robots are deployed in a BMW plant in South Carolina for testing and data collection — we’ll see how it fares with bated breath.
Cool factor: Figure 02 is meant to do a lot — ideally, it’ll be versatile, efficient, and ready to tackle a wide range of industrial applications.
Summing up
This was the most advanced robot roundup of 2024, with quite a few winners on the list.
They range from friendly humanoids to machines that can take on some pretty tough challenges.
And while each robot brings something unique to the table, they all have one thing in common: they’re giving us a glimpse into a real where bots aren’t there to look cool — they’re part of the team.
Next steps
Ready to explore an advanced AI robot in the industrial space? RO1 by Standard Bots is the answer for businesses that want reliable, affordable automation:
- Affordable and dependable: RO1 combines top-tier performance at half the cost of competitors, with leasing options starting at just $5/hour.
- Speed & precision: With a best-in-class 18 kg payload and repeatability of +/- 0.025 mm, RO1 outpaces the rest.
- AI adaptability: Packed with GPT-4-level smarts, RO1’s no-code setup makes it easy to operate without a degree in robotics.
- Safety-first design: Featuring machine vision and collision detection, RO1 works right alongside your team safely and smoothly.
Get in touch with our expert team today for a free, 30-day onsite trial and see how RO1 can change your shop floor.
