The year 2024 was, by all accounts, a blockbuster year for robotics. As AI-powered robots surged ahead, they generated an unprecedented number of viral moments that shocked, and sometimes unsettled, the world.
While we’re probably decades away from the kind of synthetic assassins depicted in The Terminator, which premiered 40 years ago this year, the events of 2024 showed just how close we’re getting to blending humanity with machinery.
As we head into 2025, here’s a look back at the most viral moments in robotics of the past year.
CES 2024
The year kicked off with some of the world’s most advanced, and weirdest, robots congregating at CES 2024 in Las Vegas. Innovations on display included a Japanese robotic dragon that can shapeshift in mid-air, an updated version of Samsung’s Ballie home companion robot, autonomous construction equipment from Hyundai, Korean startup Mobinn’s last-mile delivery robot that can ascend stairs, and anime-inspired humanoids from Paris-based Enchanted Tools.
Unitree H1 Breaks Records
In March, leading Chinese robotics firm Unitree’s H1 became the first humanoid robot to do an in-place backflip using deep reinforcement learning. Unitree’s flagship AI robot also became the fastest humanoid robot, with a running pace of 3.3 m/s (7.5 mph).
Boston Dynamics’ Atlas
In April, Honday-owned Boston Dynamics retired the hydraulic version of its world-famous humanoid robot Atlas, which began as a DARPA-backed project in 2013. The Massachusetts-based company introduced a rebooted, fully electric Atlas that’s been training for industrial tasks.
The robot’s progress shocked the Internet in October, when Boston Dynamics released footage of its autonomous capabilities. The company recently joined forces with Toyota Research Institute to supercharge Atlas’ development going into 2025.
Robots with Living Human Tissue
In June, a team of researchers from the University of Tokyo showcased a robot face covered with living lab-grown human skin. The Institute of Industrial Science researchers grew layers of skin tissue directly onto the robotic base.
The skin is capable of self-healing and can contract and stretch like a real human’s. The tissue is nourished with nutrients to keep it thriving.
Also in June, a robot controlled by lab-grown brain organoids, involving researchers from Tianjin University and the Southern University of Science and Technology in China, captured significant attention.
Both of the advancements bring human machine hybrids closer to reality.
Exoskeleton Carries Olympic Torch
French para-athlete Kevin Piette, paralyzed in a 2009 snowboarding accident, participated in the torch relay for the 2024 Paris Olympics thanks to a cutting-edge exoskeleton robot.
French engineering firm Wandercraft developed the AI-powered, self-balancing exoskeleton robot.
The device is a prototype of Wandercraft’s Personal Exoskeleton. The company’s flagship model, the Atalante X, is used by rehab centers globally to help patients regain mobility.
World Robot Conference 2024
In August, Beijing captivated the world as it hosted the 2024 World Robot Conference.
One hundred and sixty nine companies showcased more than 600 innovations, including 27 humanoid robots making their debut. The wide assortment of robots demonstrated the rapid progress happening in advanced robotics.
A notable participant was Ex Robots, a Chinese company that specializes in lifelike androids. Their display featured cosplayers masquerading as humanoid robots. The marketing strategy sparked discussions online.
Some called it misleading, noting it tricked several high-profile social media accounts. Others said it was obvious it was women in costumes so there was no intent to mislead.
Mushroom Bot
In September, people had mixed emotions about a biohybrid robot powered by fungi.
Researchers from Cornell University combined fungal mycelia, the tiny thread-like parts of mushrooms, with mechanical hardware.
The living tissue sends signals that control the robot like an animal brain controls movement. The system uses electronics to read fungi signals and convert them into robot commands. Two robots, one soft and spider-like and the other wheeled, move using fungal signals, blending life with machinery.
Biohybrids like these robots could one day monitor soil health or detect pollution, sensing environmental cues where regular sensors might fail.
Tesla Optimus Hype
In October, Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robots stole the show as the EV maker unveiled its much-anticipated Cyber Cab at its We Robot event at Warner Brothers Studios. A fleet of Tesla Bots navigated through the crowd, chatted with 2 Chainz, played rock paper scissors, and handed out snacks.
While critics highlighted that much of the robots actions were controlled remotely by humans, others said the spectacle effectively showcased the technology’s future potential.
The Tesla Bot is having a whirlwind close to 2024.
The Optimus has been seen recently sporting a new hand with near-human dexterity and linking up with Kim Kardashian.
Clone’s Synthetic Humans
Just in time for Halloween, Clone Robotics introduced its Torso android prototype, which reminded many of the lifelike robots in Westworld. In the HBO show, inspired by the 1973 science fiction western, human-like robots are called host drones.
They’re entirely artificial but their programming and realistic materials make them seem almost human. That’s the same aesthetic Clone aims for as it works toward synthetic humans.
Clone unveiled Torso 2 ahead of the Humanoids Summit in Silicon Valley in December.
The robot’s hydraulics animate its humanlike movements by precisely controlling fluid pressure to mimic muscle contractions. The startup, which operates out of the US and Poland, says the android runs on nothing but water and electricity. Clone plans to release a limited number of bipedal humanoid robots in 2025.
Spot Robot Guards Trump
In November, Boston Dynamics’ other famous robot, Spot, went viral thanks to footage of it patrolling Mar a Lago.
The Secret Service acquired the quadrupedal robot as it beefed up security as President-elect Trump prepares his return to the White House from his Palm Beach resort. A sign on the robot read, “Do Not Pet.”
Spot is equipped with five cameras that provide 360-degree visibility, enabling it to monitor every angle and capture high-quality images essential for real-time inspection and surveillance.
Kai Cenat’s 1X EVE Robot
Also in November, popular Twitch streamer Kai Cenat introduced an EVE AI robot by 1X technologies during his Mafiathon 2 livestream. While the wheeled humanoid can operate autonomously, much of its actions appeared to be remotely controlled. The content has proven popular, and clips of EVE interacting with celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Benny Blanco, and Chris Brown have gone viral.
1X is busy developing its next-generation humanoid, NEO, which the startup aims to mass produce in the next few years.
End of 2024
As 2024 closed, the viral moments in robotics accelerated in frequency:
- A desktop version of Ameca from Engineered Arts lost its cool during a chess match.
- A humanoid robot artist named Ai-Da sold a painting of Alan Turing at auction for more than $1 million.
- Fourier’s GR-2 started its bodybuilding journey.
- The Star1 robot from China-based Robot Era dethroned Unitree’s H1 as the fastest bipedal humanoid.
- Figure AI’s advanced Figure 02 robots partied with Deadmau5 before heading to work full-time for BMW.
- And yet another Chinese startup, Agibot, said it started mass producing autonomous humanoids.
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