The research group in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence at Luleå University of Technology is conducting research on how robots become fully autonomous and make independent decisions. Now it’s time for the researchers to take the next step and start working with humanoids.

Robots that resemble humans and act with the help of artificial intelligence are no longer science fiction. At Luleå University of Technology, researchers in Robotics and AI have already developed algorithms to make different kinds of robots autonomous, and the research group has now invested in four humanoids.

“Humanoids are more capable of interacting with their environment compared to drones or robotic dogs. They can walk on a challenging terrain, carry objects, or use tools, for example. We hope to be among the world’s first research groups to take important steps for developing artificial intelligence for humanoids so they can actually be used in real life applications,” says George Nikolakopoulos, Professor and Head of Subject of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence at Luleå University of Technology.

The researchers are already working on artificial intelligence for robots that can be used in industry, such as drones that can carry out missions in mines or other hostile environments that could be dangerous for humans. With the humanoids, they see opportunities to further develop this research. The use of autonomous humanoids could also be far wider, ranging from healthcare to exploring space. The research team will develop algorithms providing the humanoids with artificial intelligence, allowing them to interact with their environment, make autonomous decisions and carry out different kinds of tasks independently.

The new investment involves four humanoids that differ in size, sensors and ability to carry things. The first to arrive is a G1 humanoid robot from manufacturer Unitree Robotics. By having several humanoids, the researchers want to explore scenarios where the robots work together.

“We can imagine a future where robots are executing difficult, repeatable and dangerous tasks that humas currently are performing. It might sound as far into the future, but believe me it is just around the corner,” says George Nikolakopoulos.