To help you understand what is going on in the tech sector our highly experienced Kiplinger Letter team will keep you abreast of the latest developments and forecasts (Get a free issue of The Kiplinger Letter or subscribe). You'll get all the latest news first by subscribing, but we will publish many (but not all) of the forecasts a few days afterward online. Here’s the latest…
There’s a newfound excitement over the potential of humanoid robots. Hefty investment has poured into the tech sector to speed up commercialization. Hundreds of millions of dollars in venture capital have been invested in the robots in the last few years, including a recent $675 million bet on the start-up firm Figure— which describes itself as "The team bringing impossible ideas to life... with over 100 years of combined AI and humanoid experience."
Firms working on cutting-edge robots include Boston Dynamics and Agility Robotics. Tesla made a splash with its effort — Optimus, aka the Tesla Bot. Other notable firms in this space are Apptronik, 1X Technologies, Sanctuary AI and Unitree Robotics.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Agility Robotic’s Digit, which is being tested in warehouses now to move boxes short distances, is 5’8”, weighs 140 pounds and lifts up to 35 pounds. However, humanoid robots have specific challenges not easy to overcome including lackluster balance, lack of strength and speed, very high costs and short battery life. It’s especially tricky to develop a robot that can work anywhere on a range of tasks.
Expect exciting developments in the coming years, but not much adoption over the next decade. The first uses in work settings are likely to be for repeatable and specific tasks — taking a box from a shelf to a conveyor belt, for instance.
This forecast first appeared in The Kiplinger Letter, which has been running since 1923 and is a collection of concise weekly forecasts on business and economic trends, as well as what to expect from Washington, to help you understand what’s coming up to make the most of your investments and your money. Subscribe to The Kiplinger Letter.
Related Content
-
S&P, Nasdaq Hit New Highs: Stock Market TodayA late-day rally wasn't enough to lift the Dow into the green as its six-session winning streak came to an end.
-
Five Things to Consider Now If You Want to Retire in 2026To retire with confidence in the year ahead, tackle these essential tasks right now.
-
Apple Readies for AI Upgrade with New iPhonesThe Kiplinger Letter The tech giant has stumbled when it comes to artificial intelligence, but a new batch of iPhones will help it make headway.
-
Japan Enters a New Era of Risk and ReformThe Kiplinger Letter Japan has entered a pivotal moment in its economic history, undertaking ambitious policy and structural reforms to escape from decades of stagnation.
-
How Consumers Are Tinkering with Cutting-Edge AIThe Kiplinger Letter Companies launching artificial intelligence tools are jostling for consumer attention. Some products are already building a deep connection with users.
-
After Years of Stagnant Growth, Hope Emerges for EU EconomyThe Kiplinger Letter Can a German fiscal push outweigh French political peril?
-
Small Businesses Are Racing to Use AIThe Kiplinger Letter Spurred on by competitive pressures, small businesses are racing to adopt AI. A recent snapshot shows the technology’s day-to-day uses.
-
How AI Puts Company Data at RiskThe Kiplinger Letter Cybersecurity professionals are racing to ward off AI threats while also using AI tools to shore up defenses.
-
Trump's Economic InterventionThe Kiplinger Letter What to Make of Washington's Increasingly Hands-On Approach to Big Business
-
AI Start-ups Are Rolling in CashThe Kiplinger Letter Investors are plowing record sums of money into artificial intelligence start-ups. Even as sales grow swiftly, losses are piling up for AI firms.
