EXAMPLE USE CASE: HUMANOID IN A ROBOTIC WELDING

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One of the clearest opportunities for human-robot system integration is in robotic welding cells, where a human operator currently performs repetitive tasks such as:

• Picking up parts, brackets, or fasteners from a rack
• Placing them into the robot fixture with proper orientation
• Validating alignment (often via pokayoke sensors)
• Pressing a start button to initiate welding
• Adding new components mid-cycle, or removing completed parts

These tasks are highly repetitive, localized, and routine—ideal for replacement by a humanoid robot.A humanoid can perform these duties without requiring human-equivalent actions like pressing buttons. Instead, it can be integrated digitally with the welding cell controller to read sensor states, confirm fixture readiness, and trigger the welding sequence through a communication protocol.This integration reduces reliance on manual interfaces, allows for a more compact and efficient cell layout (by eliminating human safety zones and light curtains), and offers a powerful early-stage implementation of humanoids in real-world production.This example illustrates Pampa’s strategic value—not just in deploying the hardware, but in designing the communication logic, safety interaction, and software orchestration needed to make these systems truly operational within the factory floor. 

Tesla Optimus (Tesla Bot) is a humanoid robot introduced by Tesla in 2021.
It is designed to handle dangerous, repetitive, or boring tasks for humans.
The Gen-2 version (2023) improved dexterity, balance, and fine manipulation.
Demonstrated tasks include walking, yoga, cooking, sorting, and object handling.
Main uses: factory automation (assembly, logistics) and household assistance (cleaning, elder care).
Tesla targets deployment in factories by 2025 and mass production by 2030 at $20k–$30k per unit. 

Figure AI builds humanoid robots powered by its Helix brain with onboard GPUs.
Backed by OpenAI and Microsoft, with ChatGPT integration for reasoning.
Robots are designed as general-purpose AI-powered assistants.
Initial deployments focus on factories and logistics.
Notably deployed at BMW’s South Carolina plant.
Aims to combine advanced AI with human-like mobility.
Seen as one of the leading U.S. humanoid robotics startups.  

X develops home-use humanoid robots branded as NEO.
The robots are designed for domestic assistance and personal support.
Backed financially and technically by OpenAI.
Focuses on safety, affordability, and mass adoption.
Emphasis on natural human–AI interaction at home.
NEO is positioned as a consumer-friendly humanoid.
Built to complement daily household and caregiving tasks. 

Agility develops Digit, a bipedal humanoid robot.
Digit is optimized for logistics and warehouse operations.
The robot handles picking, moving, and carrying loads.
Deployed in Amazon warehouses for early adoption.
Future roadmap includes general-purpose tasks.
Digit emphasizes rugged design and mobility in real use.
Agility is a leader in practical humanoid deployments. 

Ekso builds exoskeletons and augmentation suits.
Focus is on rehabilitation, healthcare, and worker support.
Products assist patients with mobility therapy.
Also used in industrial ergonomics and military.
Strong record of FDA approvals and clinical validation.
Bridges medical robotics with human augmentation.
Considered a pioneer in wearable robotics. 

K-Scale develops the K-Bot open-source humanoid.
The project aims to democratize advanced robotics.
Offers a software pipeline for global collaboration.
Goal is to accelerate general-purpose AI and robotics.
Focus on affordability and accessibility of humanoids.
Community-driven development with open research.
Acts as a grassroots counterpoint to big-tech robotics.  

Sanctuary builds humanoids powered by its Carbon AI.
Robots designed for general-purpose human-like tasks.
Founded by Geordie Rose, also co-founder of D-Wave.
Backed by deep expertise in quantum and AI systems.
Deployments focused on commercial pilots and services.
Strong link to Pampa’s customer D-Wave in Santa Clara.
Seen as a Canadian leader in humanoid robotics.   

Apptronik develops Apollo, a humanoid for logistics.
Targeted for manufacturing and warehouse automation.
Focus on modular design and cost efficiency.
Partnered with Google DeepMind for AI integration.
Located in Austin, alongside Pampa’s second site.
Apollo is designed for scalability and industrial use.
Part of the new wave of U.S. humanoid robotics startups. 

Reflex builds general-purpose mobile robotic platforms.
Focus on autonomy in logistics and inspection.
Robots designed for flexible navigation in cities.
Not humanoid, but highly adaptable mobile units.
Targets delivery, patrol, and utility applications.
Leverages New York startup innovation ecosystem.
Positioned as a U.S. player in mobile robotics. 

Fourier develops GR1 humanoid robots for healthcare.
Focus on therapy, rehabilitation, and elder support.
Also capable of general-purpose daily tasks.
Strong global presence in Asia, Europe, and U.S.
Combines medical robotics with humanoid AI.
Partners with clinics and care facilities.
Leader in robotics for human physical support. 

Unitree Robotics builds affordable humanoid and quadrupeds.
G1 humanoid targets research and general-purpose use.
Focus on agility, mobility, and manipulation.
Designed for broad adoption across markets.
Popular in academia, commercial pilots, and consumer use.
Part of China’s growing humanoid robotics industry.
Represents a competitive alternative to U.S. startups