Backflips are not enough: 4 crucial factors for the breakthrough of humanoid robots

They look more and more like us and will eventually become the industry's new assistants. But first, four key challenges must be resolved before humanoid robots are ready for the real world in the industry.

Humanoid robots are no longer just something you see in science fiction. Development is moving so fast that companies can already start considering how the technology can be used in practice.

But before humanoid robots can truly become a natural supplement to the workforce, there are, according to Søren Peter Johansen, Technology Manager from Danish Technological Institute (DTI), four crucial factors that need to be in place.

1. Safety

The first and most important factor is safety.

If humanoid robots are to work closely with humans in manufacturing companies, hospitals or other populated environments, it requires clear standards for how they can be used safely.

Work is currently underway on a safety standard, which will realistically take years to complete.

2. The software must be much more advanced

It is not enough for a humanoid robot to be able to do backflips. It must also be able to understand its surroundings and perform practical tasks in a way that provides daily value. Therefore, better and more intelligent software is a crucial prerequisite if the robots are to become genuine assistants to humans.

For example, the robots must be able to walk on stairs without falling over, even if they encounter something unexpected, and be able to tell the difference between a mannequin and a human.

3. Companies must be ready

Humanoid robots differ from traditional industrial robots by resembling humans. This makes them interesting because, in principle, they can fit into environments already designed for humans.

But this also places demands on companies. Employees must get used to new types of machinery, and workplaces must be ready to adopt technology that physically and functionally moves closer to humans.

4. The hands must be able to do more

The fourth factor is about the robots' hands. If humanoid robots are to solve tasks in practice, it requires gripping tools that more closely resemble human hands.

At DTI, work is being done with several types of robotic hands – from simple models already used on industrial robots to advanced five-fingered hands with tactile sensors that can detect touch.

It is precisely the sense of touch that opens up new opportunities. When a robotic hand can feel what it is touching, it becomes easier to handle different objects – from hard metal parts to fragile items such as glass and eggs.

In classic automation, simple two-fingered grippers with limited sensors are often used. The transition to hands with many degrees of freedom and tactile sensors is therefore a significant technological leap. It could make it possible to automate more types of tasks than has previously been possible.

Not ready yet – but closer

Humanoid robots are not yet mature enough to be widely deployed on factory floors. But development is rapid, and according to Søren Peter Johansen, it is only a matter of a few years before the first solutions become relevant in testing and later in operation.

Therefore, DTI is already testing the technology: Which sensors are necessary? Where do they need improvement? Are the motors strong enough? Which tasks will the robots be good at first? And, not least, how should the robots be programmed and optimised for the individual task?

Time to think ahead

Interest from companies is already high. In the long term, humanoid robots could assist in industry, retail, hospitals – and eventually in private homes.

Therefore, the message is clear: if you have not already started thinking about the possibilities, now is the time.

For once the four crucial factors fall into place, humanoid robots will become the mechanical assistants of the future.

Contact Søren Peter Johansen and hear more about the possibilities in our Humanoid Lab in Odense