California-based Westwood Robotics has introduced its newest humanoid robot, THEMIS V2, a life-sized machine designed to mimic human movement with unprecedented agility.
THEMIS V2 stands 5 feet 3 inches tall and boasts an impressive 40 degrees of freedom, which allows it to move like a human. The most significant upgrades are found in its arms and hands. The robot now features arms with 6 degrees of freedom and advanced end-effectors that offer 7 degrees of movement. These enhancements translate into exceptional performance in tasks requiring manipulation, precision, and versatility. According to the company’s YouTube post, these upgrades “deliver exceptional capabilities in manipulation, perception, and navigation, pushing humanoid robotics to new heights.”
A key component behind its smooth, human-like movement is Westwood’s proprietary BEAR actuators (Back-drivable Electromechanical Actuators for Robotics). These actuators ensure that THEMIS V2 moves fluidly while maintaining safety, an essential feature when working alongside people or handling fragile objects. The robot is capable of running at speeds up to 6.2 mph (10 km/h) and can walk at a human pace. It is even designed to perform more challenging mobility tasks such as sprinting, jumping, and executing parkour-like maneuvers, all while preserving balance in dynamic environments.
Internally, THEMIS V2 is equipped with advanced sensory technology. The 3DM-CV7-AHRS sensor from MicroStrain by HBK plays a crucial role by offering precise orientation and spatial awareness. Capable of monitoring tilts, rotations, and movement speeds up to 1,000 times per second, this sensor functions much like a human’s inner ear and reflexes, allowing the robot to quickly adjust to environmental changes such as uneven terrain or unexpected obstacles. Complementing this hardware is the Robot Operating System (ROS), a versatile software toolkit that provides flexibility for programmers to adjust the robot’s functionalities and develop new behaviors, equipping THEMIS V2 with the adaptability required for complex real-world interactions.
While Westwood Robotics is targeting challenging industrial and worksite applications with THEMIS V2, another California-based company, 1X Technologies, is making strides on the domestic front with its humanoid, NEO Gamma. Designed to manage household tasks amid everyday chaos—think navigating over rugs, handling pets and children, and organizing clutter—Neo Gamma operates fully autonomously. In live demonstrations, the Neo Gamma robot has been observed performing tasks such as sweeping leaves, loading dishwashers, and carefully rearranging pillows. One notable demo highlighted its precise control as it moved a cup between its hands, aligned it with a dishwasher rack, and placed it gently, demonstrating both its finesse and dexterity.
These developments mark a significant evolution in humanoid robotics. Whether it’s the robust, dynamic performance of THEMIS V2 on demanding work sites or the responsive, adaptive behavior of Neo Gamma in a home environment, these robotic assistants are steadily moving closer to becoming integral parts of everyday life.
