Today’s most advanced robots include humanoids working in warehouses, AI-powered robot arms on factory floors, and mobile bots delivering towels in hotels. 

These machines blend dexterity, autonomy, and understanding natural language to handle real-world tasks. And they’re not just confined to labs or plants anymore. They’re showing up in offices, homes, and public spaces.

The market for humanoid robots is projected to hit $2.92 billion in 2025, growing at a 39.2% CAGR through 2030 to reach $15.26 billion, proving that advanced robotics is no longer just hype. For a quick look at how we got here, check out the history of robots.

What is an advanced robot?

An advanced robot is a sophisticated machine, often combining AI and robotics, that can perform complex tasks with a high degree of autonomy, adaptability, and precision. They are characterized by their ability to make intelligent decisions, interact with their environment, and learn from experience, often exceeding the capabilities of traditional robots. 

These capabilities are made possible by several core traits:

• Dexterity and motion control: Robots with multiple degrees of freedom (DoF) can move like humans and handle delicate objects with precision.
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• Autonomy and AI reasoning: They make decisions using large language models (LLMs) and goal-based planning.
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• Natural language interaction: Modern robots understand voice commands, ask questions, and respond like digital assistants.
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• Real-time feedback and sensing: With cameras, LiDAR, force sensors, and tactile arrays, they see and feel their surroundings.

Many of these robots rely on a fusion of vision systems and LLMs to navigate dynamic spaces. Features like SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping), semantic scene understanding, and cloud software updates help them improve over time.

Most advanced robots in 2025 fall into three broad types:

1. Humanoid robots: Built to operate in spaces made for people.
2. Industrial robots: Cobots and arms designed for high-precision tasks in factories and warehouses.
3. Service robots: Mobile, voice-enabled bots used in homes, hotels, and retail.

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Most advanced robots: TL;DR

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The most advanced humanoid robots in 2025

Figure 02 by Figure AI

Figure 02 is a full-sized general-purpose humanoid designed to work alongside humans. It stands 1.7 meters tall, weighs 70 kilograms, and features 16 degrees of freedom in each hand. This allows it to lift and manipulate tools with human-like dexterity. 

The robot runs on a vision-language model trained in partnership with OpenAI, giving it the ability to understand tasks from voice or visual cues. Its 2.25 kWh battery lasts over 20 hours, and it delivers triple the onboard compute power compared to earlier prototypes. 

Figure 02 is currently deployed at BMW’s manufacturing plant in the U.S., performing assembly and material transport tasks. Figure AI has raised over $675M in funding from investors including Microsoft and Nvidia, signaling strong momentum toward mass production.

Use cases:

• Deployed at BMW’s U.S. factory to assist with assembly and material transport, helping reduce worker fatigue and streamline repetitive tasks
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• Combines OpenAI’s LLM with onboard vision to plan and execute tasks from voice or visual prompts, allowing BMW to explore AI-based general-purpose labor

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Tesla Optimus

Tesla Optimus is a humanoid robot under development by Tesla, designed for both factory use and personal assistance. Standing 173 cm tall and weighing just 57 kg, it features 40 degrees of freedom and 11 DoF per hand. 

Optimus uses Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software for navigation and task execution. The robot runs on a 2.3 kWh battery, enabling a full workday of operation. While still in prototype stages, Tesla demonstrated Optimus walking, picking up objects, and folding laundry at its 2023 and 2024 AI Day events. 

Elon Musk has stated it will be priced “significantly under $20,000” with plans for large-scale production. Real-world trials are underway at Tesla factories, where Optimus performs basic material handling tasks.

Use case:

• Internally tested in Tesla factories for material handling, showing potential to replace human labor in repetitive workflows
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• Tesla reports increased efficiency in early trials, with the robot autonomously navigating shop floors and performing simple pick-and-place jobs

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Boston Dynamics Atlas (Electric)

The electric version of Atlas was unveiled by Boston Dynamics in April 2024, replacing the original hydraulic model. It features a fully electric actuation system with a broader range of motion and stronger joints. Designed to outperform human strength and flexibility, Atlas now focuses on industrial tasks rather than performance demos. 

The robot will first be deployed in Hyundai Motor’s manufacturing plants, where it will assist with heavy material handling and assembly. Atlas continues to demonstrate agile motion, including jumping, spinning, and tool manipulation, with enhanced energy efficiency and embedded machine-learning control for real-time responsiveness.

Use case:

• Built for Hyundai’s factories to support heavy lifting and assembly, reducing physical strain on human workers
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• Early deployment aims to cut injury risk and increase efficiency in material movement through dynamic, bipedal motion in constrained spaces

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Industrial robots pushing the limits of performance

RO1 by Standard Bots

RO1 is a precision-built collaborative robot designed to bring industrial-grade automation to small and mid-sized businesses. It supports an 18 kg payload, 1.3  m reach, 3 m/s speed, and ±0.025 mm repeatability, making it competitive with top-tier arms from ABB and KUKA.

With an AI-first approach, RO1 uses transformer-based models to learn tasks through demonstration and adapt workflows on the fly. Operators can use a drag-and-drop no-code interface, eliminating the need for traditional programming. 

The robot includes built-in vision and safety systems, enabling it to operate cage-free alongside humans. RO1 is used in welding, machine tending, packaging, and even folding clothes, showing its broad real-world applicability.

Use case:

• Used across welding, tending, and packaging lines by mid-sized manufacturers to reduce labor costs and increase throughput
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• Shops report up to 3x faster changeovers using RO1’s no-code teaching, enabling quick deployment across part types without external integrators

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ABB GoFa & FANUC CRX

ABB’s GoFa CRB 15000 and FANUC’s CRX series represent two of the most reliable cobot lines available in 2025. GoFa offers 6-axis movement, joint torque sensors for safety, and up to 1.62 m reach. 

Its ultra-accuracy mode delivers 0.03 mm path accuracy, and it supports applications like gluing, welding, and electronics assembly. Operators can teach it tasks via hand guidance or graphical apps, with no prior coding experience required.

FANUC’s CRX line is designed for zero-maintenance operation over 8 years. These cobots offer payloads from 5 kg to 30 kg and feature hand-guided setup, plug-and-play gripper options, and support for 120 V wall power. 

CRX arms are widely used across automotive, electronics, and general assembly lines due to their durability and rapid deployment.

Use case:

• GoFa is deployed in precision cleanroom and electronics labs, helping manufacturers reduce defects in fine-assembly lines by ensuring ±0.02 mm repeatability
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• CRX arms are used across global assembly plants to reduce maintenance costs and downtime. Some facilities report zero service interventions in over a year

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KUKA LBR iisy & Yaskawa AR series

KUKA’s LBR iisy is a compact cobot designed for sensitive environments. Available in payloads from 3 to 15 kg, it includes 6 torque sensors and runs on KUKA’s iiQKA.OS operating system. Programming takes minutes using the smartPAD Pro controller, allowing fast setup without external integration. 

It’s ideal for pick-and-place, testing, and electronics packaging in tight spaces, and it comes with an optional pre-installed gripper to speed up deployment.

The Yaskawa Motoman AR series is purpose-built for high-speed arc welding. The AR3120 model reaches 3.12 m horizontally and supports a 20 kg payload. It offers class-leading axis speed and uses Yaskawa’s YRC1000 controller, known for fast I/O response and simplified programming. These arms are used in large-format welding tasks across agriculture, automotive, and aerospace sectors.

Use case:

• LBR iisy is widely adopted in MedTech firms for handling delicate components in ISO-7 cleanrooms, improving both speed and handling accuracy
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• Yaskawa AR arms have replaced manual welders in agricultural equipment lines, tripling output speed while meeting strict weld uniformity requirements

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AI robots for homes, hotels, and logistics

Amazon Astro

Amazon Astro is a rolling home assistant designed to combine Alexa, security, and mobility. It operates as a smart display on wheels, with a periscope camera that extends upward to see over furniture. Astro recognizes household members using facial recognition and maps up to 3,500 sq ft of living space using SLAM. 

It integrates directly with Ring Protect Pro for home monitoring. Astro was first released as part of Amazon’s Day 1 Editions and now retails at $1,449.99, with a $20/month subscription for security features. It supports Alexa commands, delivers reminders, and can patrol rooms or check on family members using its two-way video system.

Use case:

• Serves as a mobile security and delivery unit in smart homes, helping households automate basic tasks like reminders, room patrols, and video check-ins
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• Early adopters report smoother elderly care management and improved visibility into home activities when away

You can also check out more service and home robots in our best robots roundup.

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Agility Robotics Digit

Digit is a two-legged robot designed for warehouses and logistics centers. Its unique backward-bending legs and 4 DoF arms let it move through narrow aisles, climb stairs, and lift or place parcels. Digit runs on a real-time Linux OS powered by dual Intel i7 CPUs and features a vision stack with LiDAR, stereo cameras, and depth sensors. 

Agility Robotics has partnered with GXO and Amazon for early deployment in tote transfer and recycling workflows. The robot operates under a robot-as-a-service (RaaS) model and is trained using reinforcement learning to adapt to changing layouts. Future iterations may include self-charging and long-duration autonomy.

Use case:

• Deployed by Amazon and GXO to transfer totes and recycling material in dynamic warehouse layouts, especially where stairs or narrow aisles are involved
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• Resulted in reduced downtime between item handoffs and improved labor coverage during night shifts

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Relay Robotics

Relay is a compact autonomous delivery robot built for hotels, hospitals, and offices. It stands 92 cm tall, navigates elevators, and travels at 2.5 km/h using SLAM and multi-sensor fusion (LiDAR, sonar, gyroscopes, and cameras). 

Relay can carry food, medicine, or amenities to guest rooms, freeing up human staff. It uses a 24V lithium iron phosphate battery that supports about 4 hours of runtime per charge, with a 2-hour recharge cycle. 

The system includes touchscreen instructions for guests and integrates with existing hotel systems via Wi-Fi. 

Use case:

• Installed in major hotel chains to deliver room service and amenities, relieving reception staff during peak hours
• Hotels report faster service turnaround times and increased guest satisfaction scores for late-night delivery

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Softbank Pepper

Softbank’s Pepper is a humanoid robot built for customer interaction. It’s 1.2 meters tall, has 19 degrees of freedom, and includes 3D cameras, lasers, sonar, and emotion-sensing software. Pepper recognizes faces, responds to voice commands in up to 20 languages, and expresses itself using head, hand, and eye movement. 

Pepper was widely adopted in retail, hospitality, and education before production paused in 2021. As of 2025, Pepper remains available for research and business use and is still deployed in banks, airports, and schools.

Use case:

• Used in schools and labs to study human-robot interaction, especially for language learning and autism therapy experiments
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• In hospitality settings, Pepper has helped banks and airports reduce customer wait times by answering FAQs and directing visitors during busy hours

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What are the best robots in the world, and who builds them?

Advanced robots are no longer prototypes hidden in labs. They’re now driving real productivity in factories, warehouses, hotels, and homes. If you’re evaluating automation tools, knowing who builds the best robots in 2025 is a smart place to start.

Standard Bots builds cobots like RO1, designed for precision, speed, and safe human collaboration with no-code control. It brings the power of AI robotics to smaller businesses that previously couldn’t afford it. 

Learn how these robots are upgrading operations in the robot manufacturers’ blog.

Other major players shaping the market include:

• Boston Dynamics, whose electric Atlas is redefining dynamic motion and factory mobility
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• Figure AI, building general-purpose humanoids like Figure 02 with OpenAI-powered reasoning
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• Tesla, leveraging its self-driving software in Optimus for home and factory use at scale
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• ABB, FANUC, KUKA, and Yaskawa, which continue to dominate industrial robotics with platforms like GoFa, CRX, LBR iisy, and AR series arms
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• Agility Robotics, Relay Robotics, and Softbank, pushing the boundaries in logistics, delivery, and human-robot interaction

Looking to compare vendors by capability or specialty? Browse our list of top robotics companies.

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Final thoughts

Robots like Figure 02 and Atlas are navigating real workspaces, lifting real weight, and adapting to real environments. Platforms like RO1, ABB GoFa, and FANUC CRX are making high-precision automation more accessible than ever, while service bots like Astro and Relay are helping in homes, hospitals, and hotels.

This is the year robotic systems stopped being futuristic and started delivering ROI. If you’re planning to invest in automation or expand your operations, the tools are already here, and they’re getting better by the day.

Next steps with Standard Bots’ robotic solutions 

Looking to upgrade your automation game? Standard Bots’ RO1 is the perfect six-axis cobot addition to any robotic setup, delivering unbeatable precision and flexibility.

• Affordable and adaptable: RO1 costs $37K (list). Get high-precision automation at half the cost of traditional robots. 
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• Precision and power: With a repeatability of ±0.025 mm and an 18 kg payload, RO1 handles even the most demanding CNC jobs.
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• AI-driven simplicity: Equipped with AI capabilities on par with GPT-4, RO1 integrates seamlessly with CNC systems for advanced automation.
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• Safety-first design: Machine vision and collision detection mean RO1 works safely alongside human operators.

Schedule your on-site demo with our engineers today and see how RO1 can bring AI-powered greatness to your shop floor. 

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FAQs

1. How much does Walker S1 cost and where can I buy it?

Walker S1 is not currently available for consumer purchase. Research versions cost between $500,000 and $960,000, with commercial versions projected between $30,000 and $100,000. As of 2025, UBTECH Robotics offers it only to research institutions and enterprise clients.

2. Is Atlas by Boston Dynamics available for consumer purchase?

No, Atlas by Boston Dynamic is not for sale to consumers. The electric version is built exclusively for industrial partners like Hyundai, and Boston Dynamics has not announced pricing or plans for public sale.

3. What safety features do robots like RO1 and Figure 02 include?

RO1 includes built-in collision detection and force limiting, allowing it to work without safety cages. ABB GoFa adds joint torque sensors and a pinch-free design. Figure 02 uses vision-guided AI to avoid obstacles, though formal safety certifications haven’t been published.

4. What is the expected lifespan and maintenance schedule for a humanoid robot?

The expected lifespan of a humanoid robot is similar to industrial cobots, typically around 8 years. However, since most humanoids are still early in deployment, real-world data is limited. Maintenance usually includes routine software updates, battery replacement every 2 to 3 years, and joint lubrication or sensor recalibration depending on usage.

5. Can home service robots be integrated with smart home systems?

Yes, home service robots like Amazon Astro integrate with Alexa and Ring for voice commands, reminders, and home patrol. Pepper supports cloud APIs and SDK-level customization, but offers limited built-in smart home integration.

6. What programming skills are needed to operate the Tesla Optimus?

Programming skills are not required to operate the Tesla Optimus for everyday users. Tesla is designing it to work via voice commands and mobile controls, similar to how its vehicles receive software updates. While no official developer tools have been released, internal development likely involves AI and robotics frameworks such as Python or ROS.

7. Are there legal restrictions on deploying humanoid robots in public?

Yes, there are legal restrictions on deploying humanoid robots in public. In the EU, ISO 10218 and the upcoming AI Act regulate autonomous systems. In the U.S., robots must comply with OSHA standards and local privacy laws. Always check local regulations before deployment.