This section provides an overview for bipedal robots as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 8 bipedal robot manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked bipedal robot companies as of November, 2024: 1.SuperDroid Robots, 2.Apptronik, inc., 3.Agility Robotics.
Table of Contents
A bipedal robot is a robot characterized by having a torso and two independently operating arms. This design allows for complex tasks to be performed, offering more human-like movements compared to single-armed robots. Bipedal robots can work with objects in floating positions, unlike their single-armed counterparts.
Bipedal robots are employed in various industries including manufacturing, logistics, and food service, as well as in medical and welfare facilities. They are also used in academic research. Two main types based on joint structures are vertically articulated robots and horizontally articulated robots, sometimes referred to as SCARA robots.
Suitable for three-dimensional work, these robots perform tasks such as machining, polishing, inspection, painting, welding, assembly, picking, and handling.
Designed for flat surface work, these robots are commonly used for inspection, assembly, and handling tasks.
Bipedal robots operate similarly to conventional robots, consisting of hands, arms, and joints. Vertically articulated models typically have six or more axes, allowing movement in three-dimensional space. Some even mimic human form with additional axes. Horizontally articulated robots generally have four axes, with three for horizontal movement and one for vertical action. These robots use servo motors for precision and are often equipped with multiple cameras and force sensors for autonomous capabilities.
Previously expensive, the cost of bipedal robots has decreased, making them more accessible for use in various sectors. Modern models are also lighter and safer, meeting the growing market demand.
Bipedal robots offer several advantages, including the ability to perform complex tasks, high safety standards, and reduced introduction costs. They can work alongside human workers, even in settings that previously required safety fences for robots with higher power outputs. This flexibility, combined with their decreasing cost, makes them a valuable asset in various industries, improving work efficiency and reducing labor costs.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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SuperDroid Robots was founded in 2000 and is based in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, United States, and is a manufacturer and supplier of robotic solutions and systems for various industrial applications. The company provides autonomous programmable robots, tactical robots, SWAT robots, humanoid robots, and associated robot kits along with crawlspace robots that come with a 360° camera and light ring that have applications in machinery manufacturing, police & fire, reality capture, mine exploration, and, cleaning systems.
Apptronik, Inc. was founded in 2016 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, U.S.A., and is a supplier of humanoid robots and biped mobility platforms for various applications. The company developed commercial humanoid robots named Apollo that can operate in warehouses and manufacturing plants, and also have applications in construction, oil & gas, electronics production, retail, and, home delivery & elder care arenas. The company also offers general-purpose humanoid robots for trailer unloading, case picking, palletization, machine tending, and, work cell delivery services.
THK Co., Ltd. was incorporated in 1946 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. THK is a manufacturer and supplier of machine components such as linear motion components for customers globally. THK’s products are used in many industries including electronics, aerospace, industrial robots, and precision instruments. THK’s primary product categories are Linear Motion, Feed Screw, Rotation, Custom Assemblies, and Seismic Isolation. Linear Motion products assist in linear motion and transportation. They include linear motion actuators, guides, and rollers. Feed screws include ball screws, screw nuts, and change nuts. Seismic Isolation includes both large systems and small guides.
Boston Dynamics, established in 1992 by founders Marc Raibert and Robert Playter and headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, is a manufacturer and supplier of highly mobile robots. The company’s product portfolio includes a four-legged robot named BigDog, a full-body balanced humanoid robot named Atlas, the quadruped robot Spot, and Stretch, purposefully built for warehouse tasks. The research and development regarding Robotics is at the forefront at Boston Dynamics. Boston Dynamics was acquired by the Hyundai Motors Group in 2020.
Agility Robotics, founded in 2015, is a manufacturer of multipurpose robots with headquarters in Corvallis, Oregon, and office locations in Palo Alto, CA, and Pittsburgh, PA. The company specializes in bi-pedal robots, offering a two-legged robotic platform and control methods for legged locomotion. The robotic solutions by Agility Robotics address mobility limitations faced by traditional robots, featuring walking and running capabilities, perception for stair climbing, autonomous navigation in unstructured environments, and manipulation arms. Agility Robotics primarily serves the B2B sector, such as high tech, transportation, and logistics tech market segments.
Ubtech Robotics Corp was established in 2012 and is based in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of humanoid robots and smart service robots for various applications. The company provides smart companion & trainer robots, Open Shelf & Cabinet Delivery robots, smart chairs, panda robots, and, robots for disinfection & cleaning services along with robotic operating systems that combine functions including navigating, locating, obstacle avoidance, and dispatching for warehouse management, city transport, manufacturing execution, real-life assistance & health care, and artificial intelligence sectors.
Aldebaran, formerly Softbank Robotics, was established in 2005, is headquartered in Paris, France, and is a manufacturer and distributor of humanoid robots. The company's product portfolio includes two humanoid robots named NAO and Pepper. It has another location in Suzhou, China, and its robots have global outreach. The company's robots serve the retail, tourism, healthcare, and education industries. The company partnered with the United Robotics Group in 2022 to advance human-robot interaction. The robots NAO and Pepper serve as academic aids and company assistants and compete in events like the RoboCup.
PAL Robotics was founded in 2004 and is based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, as a supplier of humanoid robots and modular robotic parts for various applications in research, logistics, retail, and, social arenas. The company offers different types of service robots with names such as ARan, ARI, Kangaroo, REEM-C, and, StockBotfor as well as TALOS, TIAGo Base & Pro, and, Solo12 for artificial intelligence research & development area, electronic actuators, modular robotics systems, robotics consultancy services, and, robots-assisted lifestyle applications.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | SuperDroid Robots |
24.3%
|
2 | Apptronik, inc. |
18.0%
|
3 | Agility Robotics |
11.8%
|
4 | THK U.K. |
10.2%
|
5 | Ubtech Robotics Corp |
9.4%
|
6 | PAL Robotics |
9.4%
|
7 | Aldebaran |
9.0%
|
8 | Boston Dynamics |
7.8%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the bipedal robot page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 2 | 40.0% |
Japan | 1 | 20.0% |
China | 1 | 20.0% |
Spain | 1 | 20.0% |