Humanoid Robot Alex to Make Debut in the United States

On April 10, 2023, the United States will witness the debut of a groundbreaking humanoid robot named Alex, which has been specifically engineered to execute tasks in real-world environments, moving beyond the confines of laboratory settings. This innovative robot aims to minimize risks for individuals working in hazardous conditions, such as collapsed buildings or disaster zones.

According to Interesting Engineering, a publication that highlights the significance of this project for human safety, Alex was developed at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition located in Florida. During the open event scheduled for April 10, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the capabilities of this robot and engage in discussions with the researchers who contributed to its development.

The development of Alex spanned several years and was funded by the United States Office of Naval Research. This project builds on previous advancements in control systems, behavioral systems, and proprietary equipment, allowing for the creation of a more refined version of the humanoid robot.

Alex is the successor to an earlier humanoid named Nadia, which had the ability to play table tennis and box. The new robot retains all of Nadia's achievements in balance, perception, remote control, and decision-making but has received significant enhancements in various aspects.

In 2025, Boardwalk Robotics, a partner of the developers, showcased Alex in a video featuring a version without legs, designed for performing household and industrial tasks such as cleaning and organizing spaces. The new iteration of the robot is lighter and faster, weighing approximately 85 kilograms including the battery, compared to the previous model which weighed around 100 kilograms. This reduction in weight was achieved through the incorporation of new powerful drives that minimize weight without sacrificing strength.

The decreased weight of the robot is expected to substantially improve its speed, maneuverability, and energy efficiency. Developers express optimism that in the future, Alex will become even lighter and will be able to run, climb, regain balance, and navigate complex terrains more effectively.

The primary goal of developing Alex is to enable it to work alongside humans. The robot will be capable of entering collapsed buildings, exploring dangerous areas, or conducting reconnaissance before the arrival of rescue teams. This technology is also anticipated to be utilized in military operations and during disaster response efforts.

Alex boasts 19 degrees of freedom, allowing it to perform complex movements. Its joints can operate at speeds of up to 9 radians per second, and its wrists can rotate up to 300 degrees. It is capable of continuously carrying loads of up to 10 kilograms, making it exceptionally useful across various sectors.

The company highlights that Alex can be employed in manufacturing to enhance efficiency, in logistics for sorting and handling cargo, and in maintenance tasks, such as servicing aircraft or oil rigs. This project opens new horizons for the application of robotics in everyday life and professional activities.