This year, artificial intelligence (AI) helped push the robotics world further, creating machines that can perform increasingly complex tasks.
Machines even got their own sporting championship in 2025 with the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing.
Robots from 16 countries, including Germany and Italy, competed in sports such as football, running, and boxing, showing how close they have come to replicating human movement.
The teams took part in the 4×100 metres relay finals.
The winning team was the Chinese manufacturer Unitree Robotics, completing the race in one minute and 48 seconds.
“We participated in these games not (just) to win a gold or silver medal. Our biggest win is not (being) the champion but showing everyone the charisma of our mass-produced robots. What matters the most is keeping up the healthy development of our industry,” said Gao Yuan, Marketing Manager of Unitree Robotics.
At the first International Humanoid Olympiad, held in Olympia, Greece, in September, robots demonstrated dancing and archery skills, and a dog-like robot even jumped from a height in front of a crowd.
Meanwhile, Chinese technology firm XPeng launched its second-generation humanoid robot, IRON, this year.
It features a human-like spine, bionic muscles and a body fully covered with soft skin.
Using three self-developed Turing AI chips with 3,000 TOPS of computing power, the company says the robot can make decisions autonomously.
The new model is expected to be deployed in service roles as early as next year.
Meanwhile, the robot ‘Aria’, developed by Las Vegas-based Realbotix, uses generative AI to interact with users.
Realbotix thinks it could work in customer-facing roles, healthcare, and education, while also forming more complex human relationships.
“Some, like ours, are going to be more geared towards actually interacting with people, creating something resembling a relationship,” said Matt McMullen, Realbotix founder and chief operating officer.
Also designed for emotional connection, but far less human-like, is the robot Romi.
The emotional support robot uses AI to hold conversations with people experiencing loneliness.
Robots are also being developed with more practical skills.
Using machine vision, Panbotica, a service robot, can make a cup of coffee that rivals one brewed by a barista.
Meanwhile, the 4NE1 robot, developed by Neura Robotics, can sort laundry.
Its developers are also positioning it as a companion for elderly people.
“We want to let people stay longer at home without being pushed into care. It’s because I feel like I’m safe home, because you have a buddy helping you with all the tasks but at the same time giving you the secureness that if you fall there is somebody that is going to help you,” said David Reger, CEO of Neura Robotics.
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Video editor • Roselyne Min