While humanoid robots have made significant strides in their internal functionality, their ability to move has always been a limitation. However, this landscape seems to be changing with the recent announcement of Phoenix, a humanoid robot developed by Sanctuary AI, a Canadian startup. Phoenix stands out for the surprisingly natural way it moves its hands, marking a notable advancement in robotics technology.
Phoenix is characterized by its hydraulic hands, a significant departure from the commonly used electric motor hands in other robots. This technology enables Phoenix to manipulate objects with a precision, speed, and strength that other current robots do not possess.
Phoenix's design was inspired by how babies learn and interact with the world around them. As a result, Phoenix can replicate between 31 and 33 different types of human grips, demonstrating a highly versatile manual ability. Its robotic hands can also move at a speed similar to that of a human.
Unlike other initiatives focusing on the walking ability of humanoid robots, such as Tesla or Figure 01 in the United States, Phoenix focuses on the torso and hands. Additionally, it is equipped with a rolling platform for movement instead of walking.
Another standout humanoid robot is Ameca, which gained popularity during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. It is known for its ability to mimic facial gestures and engage in fluent conversations in 21 languages. Ameca has an articulated face that can display complex facial expressions, facilitating a more natural and expressive interaction with people.
Ameca uses integrated microphones and cameras located in its binocular eyes and chest, along with facial recognition software, to interact. Its overall appearance is in shades of gray or white, with an emphasis on its expressive facial features and eyes, key elements for interaction.
Humanoid robotics faces significant challenges when attempting to replicate the complexities of the human body and behavior. Projects like Phoenix and Ameca address different aspects of this experience, from precision in hand movements to the ability to display complex facial expressions, thus contributing to the continuous advancement of robotic technology.
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