Watch: Meet the stylish new robot that threatens to out-dress you

UK-based startup Humanoid has just shared a first look at its prototype humanoid robot — the HMND 01. It’s not here to overthrow humanity (yet), but it may walk, work, and possibly even out-dress you.

At 5’9” and 154lbs, the “labour automation unit” is the coworker who never calls in sick, never complains about overtime, and somehow always looks sharp. Yes, HMND 01 comes with a range of interchangeable outfits. 

The humanoid is no slouch, either. It can walk at a brisk 5.4km/h, carry up to 15kgs, and work for four hours straight before it needs a coffee break. Or should I say, electricity recharge. 

Check it out for yourself in the video below:

Humanoid claims its bot has human-level (or better) dexterity for complex tasks and can navigate tight spaces like a pro. Whether it’s lifting, packing, or navigating tight spaces in a warehouse, this robot is ready to take on the world. And by “the world,” we mean retail, manufacturing, logistics, and pretty much any industry that involves repetitive tasks humans would rather avoid.  

Rather than plotting world domination, Humanoid’s founder Artem Sokolov envisions a future “where humans and machines work side by side, not in competition, but in harmony.”

“This societal shift will address social issues such as workforce shortages and ageing population while giving people more freedom to focus on more creative and meaningful work,” says Sokolov, a serial entrepreneur and investor who founded Humanoid last year. 

“The strongest argument in favour of humanoids is that the world is already designed for humans.” This means humanoids – unlike robot dogs or wheeled robots — could move about our world with ease. 

Humanoid is still in the early stages of developing its robot, and it better hurry up. The space is getting increasingly crowded.  

Tesla’s Optimus is set to go on sale as early as this year, while Boston Dynamics’ Atlas continues to backflip its way into our dreams (or nightmares?), and China’s Unitree bots are perfecting their dance routines. These robots are poised to take over the jobs we don’t want to do — and maybe a few we do.

So whether you’re excited or nervously side-eyeing your toaster, one thing’s certain: the future is looking decidedly humanoid. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to buy a new outfit. If the robots are going to out-dress me, I might as well go down in style.