LimX demos latest generation of CL-1 humanoid

By Mike Oitzman | August 20, 2024

LimX Dynamics upgraded the physical and functional capabilities of its CL-1 humanoid robot. Since debuting the robot in late 2023, the company has been busy teaching the robot to work in a warehouse setting.

The video above demonstrates the CL-1 picking up and moving heavy objects throughout a mock warehouse. The company said the video shows the humanoid performing the tasks in a single, unedited cut of the video.

LimX said the robot uses real-time perception to understand the world around it, along with full-body coordinated motion to lift and place heavy objects. The robot is not equipped with a human-like hand, but it uses simple paddle end effectors to grip and control a tote or box.

The robot also demonstrates how it can react to a real-time interruption when acquiring an item by reevaluating the scene, replanning, and then continuing on its mission.

Putting humanoids to work

The Robot Report has tracked the milestones of all the major humanoid developers over the years. The earliest videos were basic walking demos. But things have drastically changed over the last year or so.

Agility Robotics Digit was named the 2024 RBR50 Robot of the Year, as it matured into a robust solution and the company opened a new RoboFab factory to begin large-scale production. In July 2024, Agility Robotics was the first company to sell a humanoid robot for production to a paying customer.

Several other companies, like Tesla, Figure AI, and Sanctuary AI have produced extensive videos illustrating the nimbleness of hand-eye coordination with five-fingered robot hands grasping and controlling objects. Warehousing and manufacturing will likely be the early markets for humanoids.

Amazon is an investor in Agility Robotics, Hyundai owns Boston Dynamics and many of the worldwide automotive companies are looking to partner with humanoid robot developers as they continue to mature.