If you’re worried that humanoid robots will take your job in 2025, you can relax for now. The few models available on the market are slow, clunky, and primarily designed for repetitive, physically demanding tasks that most humans prefer to avoid—like lifting 20-pound (9-kilogram) objects onto conveyor belts.
However, the landscape is poised for a dramatic shift. By the end of this decade, many experts predict humanoid robots will transform into truly valuable members of the workforce. These advanced machines are expected to surpass human speed, endure longer working hours, and exhibit reasoning abilities beyond today’s most sophisticated AI chatbots—all while being more cost-effective on an annual basis.
Skeptical? You’re not alone. Until now, many bold claims from robotics companies have fallen short of reality. In fact, of the seven robots featured in this roundup, only one is currently in active operation.
Even so, the next five years could redefine what humanoid robots bring to the table. Imagine robots combining Atlas’s agility, Ameca’s emotional connection, Phoenix’s dexterity, Figure 02’s intelligence, and Optimus’s sleek design. Here are seven groundbreaking robots that set new benchmarks in 2024.
7: Apollo, the general purpose robot
Apptronik’s Apollo, a general-purpose humanoid robot, traces its roots to the prestigious NASA Valkyrie robot project, which its co-founders contributed to between 2012 and 2013. Standing 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) tall, Apollo carries forward this high-tech lineage into the realm of practical robotics.
Dubbed “general purpose,” Apollo’s design envisions it tackling a diverse range of tasks, from assisting the elderly to performing factory work. Its collaboration with Nvidia equips it with AI capabilities to learn new skills simply by observing humans at work—a promising glimpse into the future.
For now, Apollo remains a prototype. However, Apptronik has taken significant strides by partnering with Mercedes-Benz to test the robot in real-world factory scenarios, paving the way for its broader adoption.
6: Digit, the working robot
Agility Robotics’ Digit is designed for repetitive tasks in industrial environments like warehouses, much like others on our list. What sets it apart, however, is that it’s already on the job. At GXO Logistics’ facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, Digit tirelessly moves boxes weighing up to 35 pounds (16 kilograms) from autonomous delivery units onto conveyor belts.
Despite its functionality, Digit isn’t the most visually refined robot. Its 5-foot-9-inch (1.75-meter) frame is dominated by backward-bending legs, a design choice that allows it to stand close to racks efficiently. Its only nod to a more personable appearance is a pair of rectangular LED “eyes,” though these are purely aesthetic—Digit relies on Lidar and Intel RealSense depth cameras to navigate its surroundings.
For those eager to put Digit to work, it’s available to order at a price of $36,000.
5: Phoenix, the finger-clicking good robot
While many robotics companies emphasize speed and strength, Sanctuary AI’s Phoenix sets itself apart with an exceptional focus on dexterity. Unveiled in December 2024, Phoenix boasts remarkably agile fingers equipped with tactile pads, capable of manipulating even a 12-sided die with precision.
Sanctuary AI‘s vision extends beyond physical capability. The company is dedicated to advancing robot intelligence, aiming to create a modular system that can acquire new skills through hardware upgrades and on-the-job learning. Despite its potential, Phoenix is still in the prototype phase. Its most notable test to date was a week-long pilot in its home country of Canada, where it worked in a retail store performing tasks like packing merchandise.
Phoenix represents a promising glimpse into the future of robotics, where finesse and adaptability take center stage.
4: Figure 02, the talking robot
The Figure 02, much like Tesla’s Optimus Bot, looks like it could have stepped straight out of a science fiction movie—add laser beam eyes, and it might even be intimidating. That is, until you see the 5-foot-6-inch (1.68-meter) robot shuffle rather than stride with confidence.
What truly sets Figure 02 apart is its conversational ability. As the only robot on our list capable of talking, it integrates OpenAI’s large language models (LLM), allowing for natural interactions. Ask it for a snack, and it might hand you an apple; chat with it, and it responds much like ChatGPT.
With dexterous fingers and the ability to learn from its mistakes, Figure 02 represents a leap forward in humanoid robotics. Despite its advanced features, it remains a prototype, with no clear timeline for broader release.
3: Ameca, the friendly robot
Ameca, developed by Engineered Arts, stands out among its peers with a focus on lifelike human interaction. Its realistic hands, expressive face, flexible synthetic skin, and strikingly lifelike eyes give it the ability to convey emotions convincingly. Equipped with either on-board or cloud-based AI, Ameca can greet you with a warm smile and respond almost instantly to questions.
Unlike many humanoid robots, Ameca is not designed to walk—at least not yet. Instead, it embraces a modular design, allowing it to be mounted on wheels or purchased (or rented) as just a torso and head. This versatility makes Ameca a uniquely adaptable choice for applications that prioritize interaction over mobility.
2: Atlas, the scary robot
Meet Atlas, Boston Dynamics‘ 5-foot-tall (1.5-meter) humanoid robot with unparalleled balance and agility. From smoothly transitioning from lying down to standing up to navigating tough terrain, Atlas showcases physical capabilities that few robots can match. Its Cyclops-like eye, while impressive, may not do much to boost its charm for human interaction.
Atlas’s skill set is as remarkable as it is intimidating. It can run at speeds of 5.6 mph (9 km/h), jump, and even execute backflips with precision. Thanks to AI-enhanced vision, it can autonomously complete tasks, while its simple yet adaptable claw-like hands give it versatility for a wide range of functions.
Despite these extraordinary abilities, Atlas remains a prototype. Its full potential is yet to be realized, but it’s clear that this robot is setting a high bar for the future of humanoid robotics.
1: Optimus Gen 2, the slick robot
In October 2024, Tesla captivated the audience at its “We, Robot” event with the latest generation of its sleek humanoid robot, Optimus Gen 2, serving drinks. However, the impressive cocktail-making performance was revealed to be human-controlled, as the bots’ dexterous hands were not yet fully autonomous.
That said, it’s likely just a matter of time before AI and advanced sensors enable these 5-foot-8-inch robots to fulfill their potential. Slated for deployment in Tesla factories in 2025, Optimus Gen 2 benefits from Tesla’s deep resources, cutting-edge AI, battery technology, and high-performance components.
Thanks to this robust foundation, Optimus Gen 2 earns its place as one of the most complete and advanced humanoid robots today—poised to redefine the capabilities of robotics in the near future.
