The role of social robots in dentistry: security, privacy and future prospects - Nature
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Key takeaways
The most recent developments in humanoid robotics include Russia’s debut of its first AI‑powered humanoid, AIDOL, which dramatically lost balance and fell on stage during a Moscow technology showcase on November 14, 2025, prompting organizers to pull the robot from view and highlighting ongoing challenges in calibration and lighting for new bipedal systems. In contrast, Chinese firm UBTech announced on November 17, 2025 that it has begun mass‑production of its Walker S2 humanoid, a model that can autonomously swap its depleted battery pack for a fresh one, enabling near‑continuous operation without human intervention, and is already secured by a 159‑million‑yuan data‑center contract. Meanwhile, a study published the same day ranked Boston Dynamics’ Atlas as the world’s most advanced humanoid robot, noting its 9 km/h speed, 18 kg payload, and 50 degrees of freedom, while China’s Unitree H2 placed fourth with notable agility and dexterity. These stories illustrate a split in the field: high‑profile setbacks for emerging entrants alongside significant strides in autonomy and performance from established manufacturers.
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