CES has always been a hub for showcasing cutting-edge robotics, and this year was no exception. The highlight of the event was the debut of Atlas, the humanoid robot from Boston Dynamics, which is now ready for production. The showroom floor was filled with various robots that not only served as marketing tools but also provided a glimpse into the future of commercial deployment. While some robots may not accurately represent the current state of technology, they still captivated visitors with their innovative designs. As I explored the display of robots at CES, several stood out as particularly memorable.
The ping pong player
The recent release of the movie “Marty Supreme” set the stage for a ping-pong-playing robot at CES this year. Sharpa, a Chinese robotics company, showcased a full-bodied robot engaging in a friendly game of table tennis with one of its staff members. Despite the robot falling behind with a score of 5-9, the match was a slow-paced yet impressive demonstration of the robot’s capabilities. According to a Sharpa representative, the company’s main focus is on its robotic hand, with the full-bodied bot showcased at CES to showcase its dexterity.
The boxer
EngineAI, a Chinese company specializing in humanoid robots, attracted large crowds with its T800 robots, reminiscent of the Terminator franchise. Positioned in a boxing ring, these robots mimicked fighting movements but never made physical contact with each other. Their unpredictable behavior, including one robot wandering into the audience and another tripping over, added a touch of entertainment to the event. While not engaging in actual combat, these robots managed to evoke a sense of humanoid behavior, drawing comparisons to fictional characters like Robocop.
The dancer
Unitree, a prominent Chinese robotics manufacturer, showcased dancing robots at CES, continuing the tradition of robotic dance performances at the event. Among their impressive lineup was a humanoid bot capable of running at speeds of up to 11 mph. Despite concerns about potential military ties, Unitree’s booth featured robots showcasing their dancing abilities, captivating onlookers with their rhythmic movements.
The convenience store clerk
Galbot, another Chinese company specializing in general-purpose robotics, presented a unique concept at CES by showcasing a robot designed to operate as a convenience store clerk. Equipped with a menu app, the robot interacted with customers by retrieving selected items from the shelves. This innovative approach to customer service has already been implemented in real-world settings, such as Chinese pharmacies, showcasing the practical applications of robotic technology.
The housekeeper
Dyna Robotics impressed visitors with its advanced manipulation models for automated tasks, particularly in the realm of laundry folding. Their robotic arms efficiently folded laundry items, demonstrating a high level of automated competence. Partnering with businesses like Monster Laundry in Sacramento, Dyna Robotics has garnered significant support, including a $120 million Series A fundraising round involving major companies like Nvidia, Amazon, LG, Salesforce, and Samsung.
The butler
LG introduced CLOid, its new home robot, at CES, showcasing a cute yet efficient companion for household tasks. While not the fastest robot on display, CLOid offers a glimpse into the future of smart home technology. For a detailed review of LG’s home robot, check out the full article on our blog.
