The 7 Most Exciting Robotics Innovations of 2024: Key Advances You Need to Know

The Top 7 Robotics Stories of 2024

Source: IEEE Spectrum

1. Figure Raises $675M for Its Humanoid Robot Development

• Company valuation skyrockets to $2.6 billion.
• Humanoid robots gain increasing media attention and funding.
• Focus on the ability of humanoids to fulfill their promises in 2025.

2. Hello, Electric Atlas

• Boston Dynamics unveils an all-electric version of its Atlas robot.
• Market positioning as a commercial humanoid robot, moving beyond research.

3. Farewell, Hydraulic Atlas

• Retrospective on the hydraulic version's dynamic abilities and achievements.
• Transition to electric models, marking an end to a powerful chapter.

4. NVIDIA Announces GR00T

• NVIDIA invests in a foundation model for humanoid robots called GR00T.
• Focus on achieving commercially viable and reliable humanoid robot functionality.

5. Is It Autonomous?

• Discussion on the importance of separating genuine advancements from hype.
• Emphasizes teleoperation as a method for improving humanoid training.

6. Robotic Metalsmiths

• Highlighting robots' capabilities in precision metalworking beyond human ability.
• Potential applications for NASA in constructing spacecraft components.

7. The End of Ingenuity

• Tribute to NASA's Ingenuity helicopter after its last flight on Mars.
• Success of the mission paves the way for future robotic aircraft on Mars.