Artificial intelligence giant, Yandex, plans to construct humanoid robots.
Yandex's Humanoid Robot Ambitions Yandex, the tech giant, is diving headfirst into the exciting world of humanoid robots, according to RBC's updates. The Yandex Tech Fund, a new initiative, will back this project, which aims to revolutionize science and tech. The fund will allocate 330 million rubles in 2025, with possible expansions based on the company's performance. Yandex employees can apply for funding to foster a culture of innovation within the company.
This project falls under Yandex B2B Tech's autonomous transport division and builds on Yandex's strengths in AI, machine learning, and autonomous transport. The initial focus will be on creating software that enables humanoids to navigate real-world environments confidently. The robots will be taught essential skills like walking, climbing stairs, opening doors, passing through turnstiles, and carrying loads.
As the project progresses, Yandex envisions a complete humanoid development cycle, from software management to design and manufacturing. The collaboration with robot manufacturers remains undisclosed at this stage. Yandex's primary motivation for humanoid robots is their ability to work in human conditions without requiring special infrastructure. Potential use cases include logistics management, industrial inspections, and assistance in daily life and production.
The Rise of Humanoid Robots Humanoid robots are becoming increasingly popular, with the global market expected to reach $66 billion by 2032, according to Fortune Business Insights. Although still in their infancy, humanoid robots are already being used for a variety of purposes, including research, personal care, education, and entertainment.
Notable developments include Texas-based Apptronik's Apollo robot, a 173 cm tall, 72.5 kg, warehouse worker capable of managing 25 kg loads, and Boston Dynamics' Atlas2, equipped with advanced control algorithms for efficient movement and environmental adaptation. Simultaneously, tech giants like Meta Platforms (previously recognized as extremist and banned in Russia) and Elon Musk's Tesla are exploring robotics solutions, such as Meta's household-aid robots and Tesla's Optimus.
Russian companies like Promobot and AlfaRobotics are also contributing to the humanoid robot space, creating robots that can express emotions, gesture, sing, and interact intelligently.
The Future of Humanoid Robots in Russia Humanoid robots represent a significant opportunity for process improvement and cost reduction, according to Anton Averyanov, CEO of the ST IT group of companies. In Russia, some companies have started developing humanoid robots, but no full-scale releases have been made yet. The next few years will see the emergence of practical applications, as production costs decrease following testing and field trials.
Some challenges in the Russian robotics market include weak standardization, insufficient domestic hardware, and dependence on foreign components. However, the growing demand for mobile robotics, autonomous robots for civil and defense use, and educational projects signals a promising market for humanoid robots.
The increasing demand for humanoid robots is driven by their potential applications in dangerous production environments and the military-industrial complex. Mass production will depend on resolving issues related to localization and import substitution, which can be stimulated by supporting domestic producers and choosing Russian robots.
Despite the challenges, robotics represents a rapidly growing market, attracting investors due to the development of mobile robotics, increased demand for autonomous robots, and the growth in educational projects and startups based in universities. However, the high cost, limited performance, and safety concerns may initially limit the scale of humanoid robot adoption.
- By 2032, the global market for humanoid robots is anticipated to reach $66 billion, showcasing their increasing popularity.
- Yandex, the Russian tech giant, is venturing into humanoid robotics with a new initiative, the Yandex Tech Fund, aiming to revolutionize AI, machine learning, and autonomous transport.
- As more companies, including Yandex, invest in humanoid robotics, there is an emerging focus on standardization to overcome dependence on foreign components and stimulate localization.
- Russian technology innovations in humanoid robotics are progressing, with companies like Yandex exploring robotics solutions to address potential applications in industries like logistics management, industrial inspections, and daily life assistance.
