VIDEO: Robotics, AI startup Humanoid offers first look at general-purpose HMND 01

UK-based AI and robotics startup Humanoid offered a first look at its new general-purpose humanoid robot, HMND 01, in action.

The video (see below), highlights the robot’s mechanical design, motion control and AI integration features. The company said these advancements mark a major step toward efficient human-robot collaboration.

HMND 01 targeted for labor automation

Founded in 2024 by serial entrepreneur Artem Sokolov, Humanoid said it aims to develop the world’s leading, commercially scalable and safe humanoid robots.

“At Humanoid, our team believes in a future where humans and machines work side by side, not in competition, but in harmony,” Sokolov said. “This societal shift will address social issues such as workforce shortages and aging population while giving people more freedom to focus on more creative and meaningful work. The strongest argument in favor of humanoids is that the world is already designed for humans, so they can seamlessly integrate and quickly adapt to existing environments. With a world-class team, Humanoid has ambitious plans for the year ahead. In 2025, we plan to develop and test our alpha prototype for two platforms - wheeled and bipedal. We're also in ongoing discussions with leading retail companies for potential pilot projects.”

According to Humanoid, HMND 01 is a next-generation labor automation unit that stands 175 cm (5’9”) tall and weighs 70 kg (154 lbs). It can reach a walking speed of 1.5 m/s (5.4 km/h), with an average runtime of 4 hours and a payload capacity of 15 kg (33 lbs). Humanoid said that HMND 01 achieves human-level or higher manipulation speeds for complex tasks and can navigate confined spaces with exceptional accuracy.

The robot’s hardware and software are designed with a modular concept. Humanoid said customers could incorporate different upper-body, lower-body and end-effector configurations to ensure adaptability, better meet their requirements and reduce costs. The company added that HMND 01 features a wide range of interchangeable garments that protect both its systems and the surrounding environment.

With hardware and software stability as core design principles, Humanoid said its general-purpose robots offer a low total cost of ownership (TCO) suitable for mass commercialization. They will provide highly efficient services across various use cases and industries, starting with industrial applications such as goods handling, picking and packing, kitting and part handling. The company suggested that HMND 01 could enhance automation levels in retail and manufacturing facilities, logistics and fulfillment centers and warehouses.