HUMANOID robot projects are on the rise, the idea being to create flexible and intelligent robots, capable of replacing humans in repetitive and often tedious tasks.

The California-based startup Figure specializes in the design of intelligent humanoid robots. Its first project, named Figure 01, is currently in the test phase.

It stands 1.70 m (5 ft 6) tall and weighs 60 kg. It can carry a payload of up to 20 kg, has a battery life of 5 hours and can move at a speed of 1.2 m/s, i.e., a little over 4 km/h.

Note that it is also equipped with fingers rather than pincers, to help it manipulate objects even more effectively.

Here, the idea is to create a humanoid robot that can work to help humans produce more, address labor shortages and even reduce the number of workers involved in dangerous jobs.

Ultimately, Figure 01 will combine the dexterity of the human body with artificial intelligence, so that it can adapt to different tasks for optimal efficiency.

Eventually, Figure 01 aims to become the world's first commercially viable autonomous humanoid robot that is, in other words, financially "accessible."

Companies like Tesla and Boston Dynamics are also working on humanoid robot projects.

Known for its famous robot dog Spot, Boston Dynamics recently unveiled Atlas, a humanoid machine capable of lifting, handling and moving heavy loads, like a human worker.

For its part, Xiaomi is working on the CyberOne, a robot able to perceive space in 3D but also to recognize individuals as well as their gestures, expressions and emotions. Combined with artificial intelligence, it could even interact with them directly.

Finally, Tesla is working on its own humanoid robot project, code named Optimus.