In a significant move for the rapidly advancing field of humanoid robotics, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Robotics & Automation Society has announced the formation of a new study group. This initiative aims to examine the current landscape of humanoid robots and create a roadmap for future standards development.

The timing of this effort is crucial, as humanoid robots are garnering widespread public attention and substantial investment. With billions of dollars flowing into humanoid robotics from both private and public sectors, the need for comprehensive standards has become increasingly apparent. These standards will be essential to ensure safety, performance, and interoperability as humanoid robots potentially enter various aspects of our lives, from industrial settings to home environments.

Leading the charge is Aaron Prather, director of robotics and autonomous systems programs at ASTM International. Prather, who will chair the humanoid study group, brings a unique perspective to the table. Known for his skepticism regarding the near-term value of humanoid robotics, Prather's appointment underscores the IEEE's commitment to a rigorous and impartial approach to standards development.

The study group has been given a one-year timeframe to deliver its analysis, which will encompass several key areas:

1. Current Landscape Analysis: The group will evaluate existing standards that may or may not be applicable to humanoid robots. This includes examining how current safety standards for industrial mobile robots, such as ANSI/RIA R15.08, might apply to humanoids.
2. Gap Identification: A crucial part of the study will involve identifying gaps in the existing standards framework. This will cover a wide range of topics, from safety to performance, and will consider different use cases such as industrial, home, and service applications.
3. Roadblock Assessment: The group will pinpoint potential obstacles in addressing the identified gaps. These could stem from a lack of information, insufficient research, or cases where the technology hasn't matured enough to warrant standard development.
4. Roadmap Development: Perhaps the most important deliverable, the group will create a roadmap for future standards development. This will outline how to address the identified gaps and overcome potential roadblocks. Additionally, it will suggest which standards development organizations (SDOs) are best suited to handle specific aspects of the work.

The IEEE's proactive approach marks a departure from traditional standards development practices. Typically, SDOs would wait until after a robot had entered the market before developing standards. However, given the rapid pace of humanoid robot development for both academic and industrial applications, this reactive approach is no longer viable.

Prather emphasized the importance of this timely initiative, stating, "By bringing key stakeholders across the spectrum together now, not only can we identify the current landscape and where the gaps and potential problems are, but we can [also] quickly get a roadmap out on what us SDOs need to work on and cut down on the time standards for humanoids are developed."

The study group is open to participants from various sectors, including industry, academia, government agencies, and other standards development organizations. While there is no limit on the number of participants, preference will be given to those with crucial knowledge of humanoids and the standards-development process.

As humanoid robots continue to capture the imagination of the public and investors alike, this IEEE initiative represents a critical step towards ensuring their safe and effective integration into society. By developing comprehensive standards, the robotics community can address potential challenges proactively, paving the way for responsible innovation in this exciting field.

The first virtual meeting of the study group is planned for July, marking the beginning of what promises to be a pivotal year for the future of humanoid robotics standards.

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang at GTC 2024 presented images of many of the humanoids in development. You can watch the full version of the speech in the video: