In a bold leap into the future of robotics, Nothing, the consumer electronics brand renowned for its minimalist smartphones and audio devices, has announced its entry into the humanoid robot race.
Just minutes ago, the company shared a teaser video on X, featuring an image of a sleek, faceless humanoid robot clad in a transparent lab coat, standing against a backdrop of large, industrial windows.
Credit to Nothing, they also managed to slip in a promotion for their phone in the chest pocket, flashing the unique LED signature of a Nothing device.
The post, captioned “A different kind of unboxing is about to happen. Tomorrow,” signals an imminent reveal on February 24, 2025, positioning Nothing as a new contender in the rapidly evolving field of AI-driven humanoid robotics.
This aesthetic aligns with Nothing’s signature minimalist and transparent design philosophy, but the robot’s capabilities remain shrouded in mystery.
Nothing’s Robot Unveiling Event: Timing and Expectations
Nothing’s full robot reveal is scheduled for tomorrow February 24, 2025 (Australian time), while the exact time and location aren’t yet know, keen an eye on their account @nothing for more details.
The event is expected to showcase the robot’s hardware, AI capabilities, and potential use cases, potentially including demonstrations of mobility, object manipulation, or natural language processing—key features in modern humanoid robotics.
Often with humanoid robot announcements and product update videos, we leave with more questions than answers, let’s hope tomorrow is different.
Competitors in the Humanoid Robot Space
Nothing enters a highly competitive arena dominated by innovative players in humanoid robotics. Here’s a closer look at key competitors, focusing on Tesla, 1X, Figure AI, and Digit, all of which are pushing the boundaries of AI-powered, human-like machines.
Tesla (Optimus) Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus, first teased at the company’s AI Day in August 2021, has evolved significantly. By October 2024, during Tesla’s “We, Robot” event, Optimus prototypes demonstrated advanced mobility, including walking, climbing stairs, and grasping objects.
Powered by Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) AI and neural networks, Optimus is designed for repetitive, dangerous, or undesirable tasks in factories, homes, and beyond. Elon Musk envisions Optimus as a general-purpose assistant costing $20,000–$30,000, with potential applications in logistics, caregiving, and personal assistance. However, skepticism persists about its readiness for consumer markets, with critics noting gaps in dexterity and real-world adaptability compared to current prototypes.
1X (NEO Beta) Based in San Francisco and Norway, 1X has emerged as a leader in consumer-oriented humanoid robotics with its NEO Beta robot. Unveiled in 2024, NEO Beta is a bipedal humanoid designed for household tasks, such as cleaning, fetching items, and assisting with daily activities.
Powered by advanced machine learning and bio-inspired movement algorithms, NEO Beta emphasizes safety and integration into human environments, with a lightweight design (around 60 kg) and agile locomotion. 1X targets a $200,000 price point for early industrial models, with plans to scale for home use, positioning it as a direct competitor to Nothing’s potential consumer robot.
Figure AI Founded in 2021 and backed by investors like Jeff Bezos and Microsoft, Figure AI is developing humanoid robots for industrial and service applications. Its flagship robot, Figure 01, stands 1.65 meters tall and weighs 60 kg, equipped with 10 degrees of freedom in its arms and hands for precise manipulation.
Figure 02 is already being deployed industrially, with shipments to a second commercial customer reported in February 2025, following a successful pilot at BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina plant. Capable of tasks like object manipulation and industrial workflows—performing 4x faster and 7x more accurately than its trial phase—Figure AI aims for mass scalability, targeting a fleet of 100,000 units in the coming years.
Digit (Agility Robotics) Agility Robotics’ Digit is a bipedal humanoid designed for logistics and delivery, with a unique ability to navigate uneven terrain and carry loads up to 18 kg. Standing at 1.73 meters and weighing 70 kg, Digit features advanced balance systems and AI-driven navigation, making it ideal for warehouse operations and last-mile delivery. Agility Robotics, based in Oregon, has partnered with companies like Amazon and GXO Logistics, but its potential for home use is under exploration. Digit’s focus on durability and efficiency positions it as a competitor for Nothing’s robot, depending on its intended use case.
The global humanoid robot market, valued at $2.03 billion in 2024, is projected to reach over $13 billion by 2029, according to MarketsandMarkets, driven by advancements in AI, machine learning, and consumer demand for intelligent assistants.
Nothing’s entry adds a fresh perspective, potentially leveraging its design expertise and brand loyalty to carve out a niche.
What’s Next for Nothing in Humanoid Robotics?
Nothing’s minimalist approach—evident in its smartphones, earbuds, and now this robot—could differentiate it in a crowded field. The transparent lab coat and faceless design suggest a focus on aesthetics and accessibility, appealing to tech-savvy consumers.
However, the company faces challenges: developing robust AI, ensuring safety for human-robot interaction, and competing on price and functionality against established players like Tesla and 1X.
The February 24, 2025, event will likely reveal the robot’s technical specifications, such as its power source (e.g., batteries, actuators), AI framework (e.g., machine learning, NLP), and potential applications (e.g., home assistance, industrial automation).
Once the robot is announced, we’ll analyze how Nothing’s robot stacks up against other humanoid robots in this space.
