Investment in humanoid robotics is growing. The global humanoid market was valued at approximately $2.43 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $66 billion by 2032, which would translate to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 45.5% during this period.

Meta, for instance, has recently launched a new division within its Reality Labs to develop AI-powered humanoid robots for physical tasks. Similarly, Tesla is launching its Optimus robot, a general-purpose humanoid meant to perform tasks that are dangerous, repetitive, or boring for humans. Google’s DeepMind has partnered with Apptronik to advance humanoid robots for dynamic environments.

While most humanoid robots today are designed for general-purpose tasks such as aiding in household chores, their deployment in specialized professional fields has been limited so far.

According to Donatas Karčiauskas, CEO of Exergio, we need to break this pattern and start using humanoids in professional use-cases, such as energy management in commercial buildings.

“Application of humanoid robots can be used beyond household tasks. They have plenty of potential in professional environments,” said Donatas Karčiauskas. “Managing energy in commercial buildings is complex. It’s not just about turning off lights or adjusting the thermostat. It requires real-time monitoring, predictive analysis, and the ability to act fast. AI-powered humanoid robots can process vast amounts of sensor data, identify inefficiencies, and respond instantly to anomalies. For example, a robot can detect an overheating component before it fails or pinpoint false alarms that would otherwise waste time and resources.”

The humanoid robots used by Exergio will be equipped with NVIDIA’s GR00T system, which has an advanced AI framework designed to enhance perception and motor skills.

Unlike proprietary humanoid AI models, GR00T offers open accessibility, and allows companies to train and adapt robots for their specific needs.

“We chose the NVIDIA GR00T platform because it provides the adaptability necessary in  real-world industrial applications,” explained Karčiauskas. “With GR00T, we can train robots to conduct on-site equipment inspections, detect early signs of system failures, and respond to alerts faster than human operators. In theory, such robots can verify false alarms, analyze inefficiencies in HVAC systems, and even assist in emergency scenarios by guiding personnel to safe exits. We’re here to train them.”

Exergio’s expertise in AI-driven energy management comes from years of optimizing large commercial buildings, where efficiency gains translate directly into cost savings. The company’s AI-based solutions applied in shopping mall Ozas in Vilnius, Lithuania, helped reduce energy waste by 29% and save more than €1 million.

The extensive amount of data from different types of properties, ranging from hotels to office buildings, will help train humanoid robots to operate effectively within different energy management scenarios. It will also ensure the robots are well-equipped to analyze, predict, and respond to energy system inefficiencies. The first training phase for Exergio’s humanoid robots will begin this month.

“AI has already changed the way we optimize energy in commercial buildings, but humanoid robots bring a new level of functionality. They can physically verify system alerts, inspect critical equipment, and assist in maintenance. That will reduce downtime and improve response times. This will create both energy efficiency but also create buildings that can actively manage themselves,” concluded Karčiauskas.

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Tally was the first robot to be employed by a retailer in the Middle East. Weighing 30 kg and reaching a height of 163 cm, Tally and her robotic colleagues are equipped with cameras and sensors that make them capable of scanning up to fifteen thousand products, three times a day, checking for any stock errors, such as out of stock items, price mismatch, wrong barcodes, or stock misplacement.

The robot assists with stock audits using a sophisticated system of artificial intelligence, which support in reducing the workload for store team members.

“Majid Al Futtaim is committed to pioneering tomorrow’s retail, and we are constantly working to better our processes, enhance our efficiency and digitise our operations in the region. This is exactly what Tally Robot has achieved. With product availability, placement and pricing data fully automated, we can offer a more efficient and convenient service at our Carrefour stores, while freeing up our colleagues to be more focused on helping our customers with their shopping experience,” said Philippe Peguilhan, country manager of Carrefour UAE at Majid Al Futtaim Retail.

Following Tally Robot’s success in the Mall of the Emirates, customers can find Tally on the floor of Carrefour stores in City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Me’aisem, Dubai Festival City, Ibn Battuta Mall, City Centre Ajman, Abu Dhabi Airport, Yas Mall, Jimi Mall, City Centre Al Zahia, and Cityland Mall.

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• AI is becoming more prominent with 50 percent of workers currently using some form of AI at work compared to only 32 percent last year. Workers in China (77 percent) and India (78 percent) have adopted AI over 2X more than those in France (32 percent) and Japan (29 percent).
• The majority (65 percent) of workers are optimistic, excited and grateful about having robot co-workers and nearly a quarter report having a loving and gratifying relationship with AI at work.
• Workers in India (60 percent) and China (56 percent) are the most excited about AI, followed by the UAE (44 percent), Singapore (41 percent), Brazil (32 percent), Australia/New Zealand (26 percent), Japan (25 percent), U.S. (22 percent), UK (20 percent) and France (8 percent).
• Men have a more positive view of AI at work than women with 32 percent of men optimistic vs. 23 percent of women.

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