The 10 humanoid robots that already work, cook, and play: the revolution coming to homes and industries

Although for decades they were the exclusive domain of science fiction, humanoid robots are now a tangible reality. They walk, talk, manipulate objects, and in some cases, even cook, play soccer, or fold laundry.

An article published in Forbes brings together ten of the most advanced models currently developed by tech giants like Tesla, Boston Dynamics, and emerging startups like Figure AI and 1X Technologies.

According to a recent report by Morgan Stanley, there will be 13 million humanoid robots coexisting with humans by 2035, and that number could climb to one billion by 2050. However, this revolution has already begun: many of these robots are currently in the testing phase or even working in industrial and domestic settings.

Optimus Generation 2

Manufacturer: Tesla

Cost: Projected to cost between USD 20,000 and USD 30,000

Announced in 2023, the second-generation Optimus has already been tested in Tesla factories. According to Elon Musk, it could be more important than Tesla's cars in the future. According to Bernard Marr, a business technology expert, the model is built around the same automation framework as cars, with interconnected motor, battery, navigation, and artificial intelligence systems.

Although it has been seen collecting eggs, dancing, and playing Rock-Paper-Scissors with Kim Kardashian, there are questions about whether some of these demonstrations are powered by AI or remote control.

Atlas

Manufacturer: Boston Dynamics

Cost: Not commercially available

Famous for its viral YouTube videos, the new Atlas is fully electric and lighter than its previous versions. This evolution allows for more precise movements and resistance to damage. Although it is not commercially available, it remains one of the most popular models of humanoid robotics.

Neo Gamma

Manufacturer: 1X Technologies

Cost: Projected to cost between USD 20,000 and USD 30,000

With a nylon-covered structure and tendon actuators, Neo Gamma was designed to coexist with humans. It can fold clothes, vacuum, or load the dishwasher, and hold conversations thanks to a proprietary language model developed by OpenAI. Its design is aimed at home comfort and safety.

GR-2

Manufacturer: Fourier Intelligence

Cost: The current price has not been revealed; previous GR-1 models were reported to cost approximately USD 149,000.

This robot, considered the first mass-produced humanoid, can walk up to 8 km/h (5 mph) and manipulate objects with tactile precision. It is already used in academic and industrial settings, and is being tested for home care tasks. It is an evolution of the GR-1 model, with hands that are twice as agile as its predecessor.

H1

Manufacturer: Unitree

Cost: USD 16,000

This Chinese humanoid achieved the Guinness World Record for the world's fastest humanoid robot in 2024, reaching 11.8 km/h. With LiDAR sensors and open-source technology, it can open bottles, perform cartwheels, fry food, and operate tools. This feature allows various industries with limited resources to incorporate it.

Figure 02

Manufacturer: Figure AI

Cost: Projected to cost around USD 150,000

Installed at a BMW plant in the US, this robot increased its working speed by 400% compared to its previous version. Funded by major tech companies such as OpenAI, Amazon, Nvidia, Intel, and Microsoft, it integrates into industrial environments, lifting large objects and performing precision tasks, and is capable of conversing thanks to custom AI.

Digit

Manufacturer: Agility Robotics

Cost: Not publicly disclosed

This model specializes in logistics tasks such as sorting and transporting objects in warehouses. Along with Figure 02, it is one of the few humanoids already marketed for industrial applications.

Phoenix

Manufacturer: Sanctuary AI

Cost: Not publicly disclosed

What sets Phoenix apart is its learning ability. While training other robots can take weeks, Phoenix can learn new tasks in just 24 hours. It has already been deployed in Canadian retail stores to restock shelves and pack orders.

Apollo

Manufacturer: Apptronik

Cost: Not publicly disclosed

This robust robot was successfully tested by a leading European automotive manufacturer and NASA. It is designed to operate in demanding industrial environments, such as loading docks, and has the capacity to lift up to 11,340 kilograms. Its development aims to promote the incorporation of humanoids into heavy industry.

Booster T1

Manufacturer: Booster Robotics

Cost: USD 47,685

Despite its compact size just 1.2 meters tall this robot participated in the first fully autonomous robot soccer tournament, held in China. In teams of three, the Booster T1s cooperated with each other, dribbling, scoring goals, and recovering after falling to the ground.

As these advances accelerate, the question is no longer whether humanoid robots will become part of everyday life, but rather how prepared people are to live with them. Marr emphasized that “they are no longer just prototypes; they are becoming coworkers, collaborators, and everyday assistants.”