UK Startup Unveils HMND 01: A Humanoid Robot with Lightning-Fast Hands

The world of humanoid robots has long been dominated by the United States and China. However, a UK-based startup named Humanoid is making waves with its latest creation: the HMND 01, a general-purpose humanoid robot boasting hand speeds that rival or even surpass those of humans.

Founded in 2024 by entrepreneur Artem Sokolov, Humanoid aims to position itself at the forefront of robotics innovation. Their flagship robot, HMND 01, stands 5’9″ tall and weighs approximately 154 pounds. It can walk at speeds up to 3.4 mph and handle objects weighing up to 33 pounds. On a single charge, the robot operates for about four hours.

One of HMND 01’s standout features is its advanced motion control system, enabling its hands to perform complex tasks with remarkable speed and precision. This dexterity allows the robot to navigate confined spaces and manipulate objects with exceptional accuracy.

Humanoid has embraced a modular design philosophy for HMND 01, allowing users to customize the robot’s upper body, lower body, and end-effector configurations. This flexibility not only caters to diverse applications but also helps reduce costs, making the robot more accessible for mass commercialization. Potential uses range from warehouse operations and retail assistance to domestic tasks within homes.

Humanoid’s mission extends beyond technological innovation. The company envisions a future where humans and robots collaborate seamlessly, addressing pressing societal issues such as workforce shortages and an aging population. Sokolov emphasizes, “At Humanoid, our team believes in a future where humans and machines work side by side, not in competition, but in harmony.”

Entering the humanoid robotics arena is no small feat. Established players like Boston Dynamics have showcased robots such as Atlas, which is featured in our list of best human robots. Tesla’s Optimus robot is also making headlines, with Elon Musk projecting that thousands could be operational in Tesla factories by the end of the year.

Additionally, companies like 1X are developing humanoid robots like NEO Beta, aiming to bring them into homes. In China, the demand for humanoid robots is surging, with rental services fully booked until June.​

Despite the competition, Humanoid is undeterred. The company plans to develop and test alpha prototypes for both wheeled and bipedal platforms in 2025. They are also in discussions with leading retail companies for potential pilot projects, signaling a promising trajectory in the evolving landscape of humanoid robotics.