IHMC to showcase Alex, a next-gen humanoid robot built for real-world tasks, at its April 10 open house with public demos.
A leading US robotics center is preparing its next-generation humanoid robot designed to operate beyond labs in real-world environments.The Institute for Human and Machine Cognition in Florida will give the public its first chance to meet Alex and test its capabilities at the April 10 open house.
The multi-year, multimillion-dollar robotics project, funded by the US Office of Naval Research , builds on advances in controls, behavior systems, and in-house hardware design.Alex follows Nadia, IHMC’s earlier humanoid known for playing ping pong and boxing, while carrying forward advances in balance, perception, teleoperation, and decision-making.In November 2025, Boardwalk Robotics, IHMC’s commercial partner, unveiled Alex, a legless humanoid robot designed for household and industrial tasks, including cleaning and organizing, in a newly released demonstration video.Lighter faster humanoidDesigned for high-risk environments, Alex is being developed with a focus on outdoor mobility, autonomy, and faster response capabilities. According to IHMC, although Alex features next-generation technology and capabilities, it lacks one very important thing: a face. At the open house, children can design Alex’s face, with the top ideas turned into 3D models. Visitors can also watch demonstrations and interact with scientists exploring drones, virtual reality, exoskeletons, artificial intelligence, and human performance technologies.One of the most important technical upgrades in Alex, when compared to Nadia, is its custom-built high-powered actuators. These actuators reduce the robot’s overall weight while maintaining strength and performance. Alex is expected to weigh about 187 pounds , including its battery, a notable drop from its predecessor, Nadia, which weighed roughly 220 pounds .The lower weight is expected to improve agility, speed, and energy efficiency, all critical factors for humanoids operating in unstable or dangerous settings. Researchers believe future versions could become even lighter, allowing engineers to push performance further in areas such as running, climbing, balance recovery, and maneuvering through difficult terrain.Alex is also being designed to function as part of a coordinated human-machine team. Its autonomy, search capabilities, and mobility could eventually allow it to enter collapsed buildings, explore hazardous sites, or carry out reconnaissance missions before human responders arrive. The same technology could support military operations as well as disaster response, where keeping personnel out of harm’s way remains a major priority.AI-powered workforceBoardWalk Robotics has shared limited information about Alex on its website, but its specifications highlight a highly capable robotic system. During its preview in November, the company described the robot as having 19 degrees of freedom, enabling advanced maneuverability and precise motion across complex tasks. Its end-effector and lower body are designed to be agnostic, allowing flexibility and adaptability for a wide range of applications.Alex is equipped with high-speed joints capable of reaching 9 radians per second, while its wrists provide up to 300 degrees of motion, enhancing agility in dynamic environments. The system also incorporates a low back driving torque of less than 1 Nm, improving safety and control during operation. Additionally, it can handle a continuous payload of up to 22 pounds , ensuring reliable performance in demanding conditions.BoardWalk Robotics aims to use Alex to transform industries through AI-driven capabilities. In manufacturing, it can improve efficiency and accelerate production. In logistics, it can automate sorting and cargo handling. The company also envisions its use in maintenance tasks such as aircraft servicing and oil rig operations.
Alex Boardwalk Robotics Boston Dynamics Humanoid IHMC Nadia Robot Robotics Tesla Unitree
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