The adoption of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and collaborative robots (cobots) has grown exponentially over the past decade. For some, mobile manipulation robots (MMRs) — or humanoid robots — may seem like a distant reality, but customers are starting to adopt humanoid robots to fill an important gap. While, manufacturing and logistics operations have some of the most advanced automated solutions, many have been deployed in silos and have created islands of automation. A human-centric MMR can address the remaining gaps between islands of automation and tackle new workflows where more flexible automation is needed. Veteran roboticist Melonee Wise, Chief Product Officer at Agility Robotics, will share an update on current deployments of humanoid robots at work, what it takes to prepare a facility for the introduction of humanoid robots into the workforce, and what to expect in the next five years in terms of safety, collaboration, innovation, and use cases for humanoid robots.

Melonee Wise

Chief Product Officer
Agility Robotics

In recent years, we have witnessed some incredible achievements by artificial intelligence and machine learning models, from creating stunning images and video to writing code with just a simple prompt. These generative AI capabilities have already begun to transform how we interact with the digital world.

We are now on the path to introducing AI into the physical world as well, through general-purpose humanoid robots. Humanoids can now leverage AI models to learn and perform complex, dexterous tasks to address a wide variety of use cases, from industrial environments to eventually the home.

In this session, Apptronik Co-founder and CEO Jeff Cardenas will discuss the recent advancements of AI and humanoid robot learning, and provide examples of how humanoids with dexterous capability can augment today’s workforce in manufacturing and logistics facilities and prepare for future applications such as last-mile delivery and elder care.

With the ability to collaborate closely with human counterparts, these humanoid robots will have a profound impact on society, fundamentally transforming the way we live and work in the future.

Jeff Cardenas

Co-founder and CEO
Apptronik

Could AI become the first competitor to the human brain and its creativity? Will AI one day tell us what to perform with our human bodies? To ensure a future where AI serves humanity, Neura Robotics is developing cognitive robots that enable AI to physically act and perform tasks on its own. The key to this future is to provide robots with cognitive capabilities, i.e., to enable them to reliably recognize and protect humans, to act autonomously and anticipate based on what they learn - and to learn from everything that happens - so that they can be even more helpful next time.

Robots of the future don't just need senses of perception and advanced, true artificial intelligence. They need a full spectrum of cognitive abilities and, above all, excellent hardware, a body capable of moving in an environment created for humans. This ensures that AI doesn't advance to become gods telling us what to do from the metaverse, but that it can really step in when we need help in the real world.

David Reger

CEO and Founder
NEURA Robotics

Adrian Stoch

Chief Automation Officer
GXO

The certification of functional safety for stationary and mobile robots on wheels is already a significant challenge for developers and manufacturers. In these cases, it is still possible to monitor and, if necessary, stop a predefined programmed behavior. However, the safety architecture and certification of AI-controlled robots and humanoids with legs raises the bar to a new level: for the first time, the robot itself decides what to do in detail based on an abstract command.

This keynote provides an overview of the state of the art and the latest developments in the field of robot safety. It presents best practices and offers an outlook on future technologies and approaches that enable universally intelligent humanoid robots that are intrinsically safe.

As the field of robotics advances, the complexity and autonomy of robots increase, posing new safety challenges. AI-controlled humanoid robots must be capable of making real-time decisions in dynamic environments, which requires robust and adaptable safety protocols. These robots must not only interpret commands but also anticipate and respond to unforeseen circumstances without compromising safety.

The keynote will delve into key aspects of safety design, including the integration of AI and machine learning algorithms that enhance the robot’s decision-making capabilities while ensuring compliance with safety standards. Participants will learn about innovative safety mechanisms, such as real-time monitoring systems, fail-safe protocols, and redundancy measures that are essential for the reliable operation of humanoid robots.

By attending this keynote, developers, manufacturers, and stakeholders will be better equipped to address the evolving challenges of functional safety in humanoid robotics, paving the way for safer and more reliable robotic solutions in various applications.

Nikolai Ensslen

CEO
Synapticon GmbH

Will customers for humanoid robots be satisfied with tote picking and similar low-dexterity tasks? Or will these customers seek the capability for robots to perform a far wider range of more complex human work tasks requiring more advanced end effectors with greater dexterity? To accomplish most human-quality work, humanoid robots will rely on a new generation of more dexterous robot hands which must be operated and trained largely by human pilots. Hear the hardware strategies and initial lessons learned from the leading provider of advanced haptic gloves for humanoid robot control and training.

Joe Michaels

Chief Revenue Officer
HaptX

In this founder-led session, we'll explore the cutting-edge advancements in humanoid robotics and how they are poised to transform the fulfillment and manufacturing industries. Attendees will gain insight into the operational capabilities of humanoid robots, their integration into existing workflows, and the significant economic and productivity benefits they offer. The session will also address the challenges and opportunities in adopting this technology, providing practical strategies for implementation and integration. Real-world case studies will be presented to demonstrate the tangible impact of humanoid robots on operational efficiency and workforce dynamics. Whether you're looking to stay ahead of the curve in automation or seeking solutions to current operational challenges, this session will equip you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about the future of your business.

Ritesh Ragavender

Founder & CEO
Reflex Robotics

This presentation will illustrate how humanoid robotics are the next phase in mobile robotics. Using artificial intelligence capabilities, robots can autonomously move around a facility to perform various tasks including inspections, logistics, security, predictive maintenance, abnormality recognition, air quality checks, measurements, and visual recognition, sending data to a person or persons onsite or at a separate location. They may also be manually controlled from within the facility or by someone hundreds of miles away.

Unitree’s H 1 and G 1 humanoid robots will be featured, including a discussion of the integration of various sensors to allow the robots to perform jobs such as those listed above, precluding the necessity for humans to enter dangerous environments.

We will highlight the benefits of utilizing robots to improve efficiency, increase workforce safety, and alleviate workforce shortages with their ability to run 24/7, which provides cost savings as well, as does the flexibility of the robots to be reprogrammed to perform different tasks as needed.

Robert Stokes

CEO
Stokes Educational Services, LLC

In this talk, we will explain the critical technology, especially the machine intelligence and cognitive skills, required for creating humanoid service robots with high-level intelligence and how we use humanoid robots to provide industrial service. Some real-world applications and business cases of using humanoid service robots will be demonstrated in the talk.

Huan Tan

Co-Chief Technology Officer; Honorary President, UBTECH Research Center
UBTECH

What if the very lifeblood of our humanoid robots is also their greatest weakness? As these machines stand idle, they silently consume vast amounts of energy, draining their already limited battery life. The conventional solution? Bigger batteries. But this only deepens the crisis, adding weight and intensifying their power demands. Tethering them to a power source limits their operational autonomy, leaving them cumbersome and less mobile. Is there a way out of this energy dilemma? The answer may lie in wireless opportunity charging. Join us as we unravel the complexities of humanoid robot power, exploring potential solutions and their hidden pitfalls.

Ben Waters

CEO & Founder
WiBotic Inc.

Aaron Prather

Director, Robotics & Autonomous Systems Program
ASTM International

Brendan Schulman

VP of Policy & Government Relations
Boston Dynamics, Inc.

Jeremy Fishel

Principal Researcher
Sanctuary AI

Jon Battles

VP Technology Strategy
Collaborative Robotics