For years, the world of humanoid robotics has been dominated by the United States and China, but other nations are now making moves to bridge the gap. A new player has emerged from the UK, where AI and robotics startup Humanoid has unveiled its latest creation—HMND 01, a general-purpose humanoid robot designed for use in warehouses, retail spaces, and even homes.
Humanoid was founded just last year by entrepreneur Artem Sokolov, who has ambitious plans to establish the company as a leader in robotics. However, the competition is formidable. Established companies like Boston Dynamics have already demonstrated the agility and versatility of their Atlas and Spot robots, while Chinese firm Unitree has introduced similarly capable robots at lower costs. Despite these challenges, Humanoid believes its HMND 01 robot offers something unique: a balance of affordability, adaptability, and advanced AI integration.
Standing at 175 cm (5’9”) and weighing 70 kg (154 lbs), HMND 01 is designed to mimic human movement while performing a wide range of tasks. It can walk at a speed of 1.5 meters per second (5.4 km/h) and lift objects weighing up to 15 kg (33 lbs). Its battery lasts approximately four hours, making it suitable for various work environments. But what truly sets it apart is its modular design, allowing users to customize the robot’s components, including its upper and lower body as well as different hand configurations. This feature is intended to reduce costs and make the robot more accessible for mass adoption across multiple industries.
Beyond its technical capabilities, Humanoid envisions a future where humans and robots work in harmony rather than in competition. Founder Artem Sokolov has emphasized that humanoid robots could be instrumental in solving global labor shortages, particularly in industries struggling with an aging workforce. In a statement, he explained: “At Humanoid, our team believes in a future where humans and machines work side by side, not in competition, but in harmony. This societal shift will address social issues such as workforce shortages and aging populations while giving people more freedom to focus on creative and meaningful work.”
The company sees great potential in humanoid robots precisely because the world is already designed for humans. Sokolov elaborated on this point, stating: “The strongest argument in favor of humanoids is that the world is already designed for humans, so they can seamlessly integrate and quickly adapt to existing environments.” This perspective drives Humanoid’s vision for HMND 01 as a commercially viable product that can seamlessly fit into workplaces and homes.
Despite its promising technology, the startup faces a significant challenge in competing with well-funded industry leaders. Several major companies are already making rapid advancements in humanoid robotics, including Tesla, whose Optimus robots are set to be deployed in its factories by the end of the year.
Nevertheless, Humanoid is pressing forward with its ambitious 2025 roadmap, which includes developing and testing both a wheeled and a bipedal version of its humanoid platform. The company is also actively engaging with retail and logistics companies to explore potential pilot projects.