Europe's answer to humanoid robots: 'best in world' coming this June

In this talk

1. 1:01

   A general-purpose robot with rapid development cycles

   Reger describes 4NE-1 as a multipurpose humanoid for work and household tasks. He says the company moved quickly from Gen 1 to Gen 2 and was developing Gen 3, which he expected to release in June 2025. He aims for Gen 3 to outperform other humanoids, including Tesla’s Optimus.

2. 6:31

   Real-time sensing and response

   Reger says the main technical challenge is streaming enough sensor data to connect virtual decisions with physical action in real time. NEURA’s approach uses three processing layers: a small model at the sensors for immediate reactions, a larger model on the robot, and cloud access for broader decisions. He gives guiding an electric vehicle plug as an example of a task that requires millisecond responses.

3. 14:38

   A platform trained through real-world work

   Reger compares NEURA’s strategy to a smartphone platform: the company builds the robot and developer environment while partners create applications. He says robots can learn skilled tasks from experts using sight, sound, and physical feedback, such as the forces involved in welding. He describes labeling and distributing learned skills across robots, and says NEURA sells through major robotics channels rather than directly to customers.

4. 19:52

   Gen 3 priorities and working safely with people

   Reger identifies data interfaces, sensing, and actuation as key areas for Gen 3. He describes work on sensor-rich artificial skin that could detect contact and pressure, as well as improved sensors and a new actuator and gearbox design. He says better sensing could help robots move faster around people without relying on cautious, slow motion.

5. 25:36

   Europe, work, and the purpose of automation

   Reger argues that humanoid robots could become widespread by 2030 and says Europe needs to compete in robotics to preserve its industrial role. He sees robots as a way to take on unwanted tasks and help address an aging workforce, while acknowledging that automation will reshape work. He hopes people will decide which tasks AI should handle and which people should continue doing because they value them.