A few months ago I wrote about how humanoid robots could radically transform our future in the next 50 years. Inspired by Dr. Omar Hatamleh’s musings on organoid intelligence and the increasing integration of robots into everyday life, it seemed fascinating but distant. However, what seemed like a distant future is already taking its first firm steps in 2025.
This week, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang surprised the world by introducing Blue, a small humanoid robot inspired by Star Wars characters. As a fan of this saga, this presentation did not leave me indifferent.
This charismatic droid, presented at the GTC 2025 conference, not only won over the audience with its likeability, but clearly demonstrated how the convergence of advanced artificial intelligence, real-time physical simulation and state-of-the-art robotic design brings us much closer to a future where humans and robots coexist on a daily basis.
NVIDIA and Groot N1: The Intelligence Behind Blue
Blue’s real impact goes far beyond its cute appearance and fluid movements. Its real innovation lies in the artificial intelligence model inside: Groot N1, also recently unveiled by NVIDIA. Groot N1 is a generalist artificial intelligence designed specifically to give robots a learning and adaptive capability reminiscent of humans.
This model works with two simultaneous AI systems: a fast reflex system to react instantaneously, and a slow reasoning system capable of evaluating complex situations and planning actions before carrying them out. Thanks to this combination, robots like Blue can not only perform simple tasks, but also adapt to unforeseen situations, which is essential for coexisting with humans in homes, offices or even theme parks.
Boston Dynamics and Atlas: Superhuman strength and agility
Boston Dynamics is not lagging behind and this year has launched a fully electric version of its famous humanoid robot Atlas. Unlike its hydraulic predecessors, this new Atlas is more agile, stronger and autonomous, capable of performing movements impossible for humans. Equipped with new capabilities for handling heavy objects, Atlas is expected to soon be incorporated into demanding industries such as the automotive industry, assisting in complex, dangerous or repetitive tasks.
Atlas demonstrates the potential of humanoid robots to assist humans in jobs that require precision, endurance and strength, freeing workers from significant physical risks.
Unitree Robotics G1: Accessible Agility for All
While NVIDIA and Boston Dynamics are betting on highly sophisticated robots, the Chinese company Unitree Robotics is launching a different proposal: agile, compact and much more affordable robots. Its G1 model, small in size but incredibly flexible, can perform everything from acrobatic movements to delicate manipulations such as cracking nuts or opening bottles.
The Unitree G1 promises to revolutionize access to humanoid robotics, bringing these technologies closer to small businesses, homes or educational centers that until now saw these robots as unattainable.
Practical applications: logistics, manufacturing, support and entertainment
Recent developments reflect a clear goal: to get humanoid robots out of the lab and into the real world. Atlas could assist in automotive factories performing assembly tasks or handling heavy tools, while the compact Unitree G1 could work in logistics moving goods in tight spaces. On the other hand, robots like Blue stand out in the entertainment sector, interacting in theme parks or educational events, offering immersive and educational experiences. In the long term, these robots could be everyday companions, domestic assistants or even caregivers for the elderly.
Practical implications: Are we prepared?
Recent launches by NVIDIA, Boston Dynamics and Unitree Robotics not only confirm what we anticipated months ago, but also challenge us to think seriously about how to integrate these new machines into our daily lives, as their presence will become more and more commonplace.
However, we must also seriously consider the ethical and social implications mentioned above. To what extent do we want these robots to make autonomous decisions? What limits should we impose to ensure our physical and emotional safety?
Where do we go from here?
The presentation of Blue by Jensen Huang has made it clear that the future of humanoid robots is not decades away, but just a few years away. This little droid has materialized in front of our eyes how humanoid robots become an everyday reality.
Now, the crucial question is how we will adapt our society, economy and even our ethical standards to coexist harmoniously with these new technological inhabitants.
And you, are you ready to live with robots like Blue in your daily life? What tasks would you like to delegate to a humanoid robot? What limits do you consider indispensable for this coexistence?
Let me know what you think in the comments!
Have a good week!
