据 X平台 The Humanoid Hub账号11月24日爆料， 谷歌旗下人工智能子公司 DeepMind近日宣布重大人事 任命，聘请波士顿动力前首席技术官（CTO）Aaron Saunders担任硬件工程副总裁。 Saunders早在2024年11月就官宣离开波士顿动力，此前他在该公司从事机器人工程相关工作长达22年。 有 消息显示，谷歌 DeepMind正致力于成为机器人领域的"安卓"系统，而 Saunders 的加入，是整个公司战略 的关键一环。 2018年，他升任公司工程团队副总裁，负责核心产品研发规划与资源调配工作。在此期间，Saunders牵头主 导人形机器人Atlas和四足机器狗Spot的研发工作，两款产品均成为全球机器人领域的代表性产品。 ▍ 22年机器人领域技术大牛 Saunders的开挂人生 Saunders毕业于美国顶尖工程院校，主修机械工程专业，辅修计算机科学，专注机械结构设计与运动控制算 法交叉领域研究。其毕业设计"多自由度机械臂精准控制方案"曾获全美大学生工程创新竞赛银奖。 2003年，Saunders以核心工程师身份加入波士顿动力公司。入职后即参与"BigDog"四足机器人研发 ...

Core Insights - The article highlights the shift in the robotics industry from showcasing technical prowess to demonstrating practical capabilities, with over 500 global companies participating in the WRC and more than 100 new products launched, particularly in humanoid robotics [3][4] - It predicts that global humanoid robot shipments will exceed 10,000 units this year, with several manufacturers expected to surpass 1,000 units each [3] Group 1: Investment Themes - The article identifies six key investment themes in robotics, emphasizing the importance of understanding the intricate supply chain behind functional robots [4] - The first theme is "Embodied AI" and software platforms, where hardware sets the lower limit and AI software determines the upper limit of a robot's capabilities [5] - Market leaders in this theme include NVIDIA, which provides foundational computing power and AI models, and Microsoft, which invests in OpenAI to enhance robot capabilities through its Azure cloud platform [6][7] Group 2: Core Hardware Performance and Cost - The second theme focuses on the performance and cost of core hardware components, such as joints, servos, and sensors, which are crucial for the commercialization of robots [9] - Key market players include domestic manufacturers of reducers and servo systems, such as Lianhe Harmonic and Huichuan Technology, which are pivotal in reducing costs and enhancing efficiency [9] Group 3: Multi-Modal Perception Systems - The third theme addresses the need for advanced perception capabilities in robots, integrating 3D vision, LiDAR, and tactile sensors to navigate complex environments [11] - Companies like Orbbec and Keyence are recognized for their contributions to 3D vision and sensor technology, essential for high-end manufacturing robots [12] Group 4: Intelligent Upgrades in Industrial Robots - The fourth theme highlights the transformation of industrial robots through AI and collaborative robots, moving towards intelligent partners that can handle complex tasks alongside human workers [15] - Major players include FANUC and ABB, who are enhancing their product lines with AI capabilities [15] Group 5: Logistics and Specialized Applications - The fifth theme focuses on the rapid commercialization of robots in specific applications, such as e-commerce warehousing and security inspections, where demand is clear and measurable [18] - Boston Dynamics and Geek+ are leading companies in this space, with successful deployments of their robotic solutions [18] Group 6: Humanoid Robot Competition - The sixth theme discusses the competitive landscape of humanoid robots, where companies are racing to achieve positive unit economics and transition from loss-making to profitable operations [21] - Tesla is highlighted as a significant player with its Optimus robot, leveraging its strengths in AI and supply chain [22] Conclusion - The article emphasizes the complexity of the robotics industry and the need for investors to navigate through various challenges, including technology evaluation and supply chain management [25] - It suggests that direct engagement with industry experts can provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of robotics [27]