At IFA 2025, German robotics company Neura captivated audiences with its innovative humanoid robots, hinting that such machines may become part of everyday life sooner than most expected. Among the highlights were the 4NE1 robot (pronounced “for anyone”) and MiPA, a mobile manipulation platform designed for household assistance. These robots demonstrated simple yet impressive tasks, such as sorting laundry and tidying a child’s bedroom, showing their potential for practical use in daily life.
From Enterprise to Everyday Tasks
Neura’s head of engineering, Dr.-Ing. Arne Nordmann, shared that the company’s robots are already in enterprise settings, performing repetitive or physically demanding jobs. “We’re focusing on tasks that are dirty, dull, or dangerous,” he explained. Jobs that humans avoid—whether because they’re monotonous, messy, or hazardous—are prime targets for Neura’s robots. By mastering these tasks in controlled environments, Neura prepares its humanoid robots for eventual consumer use.
AI Learning Powers Smarter Robots
While the robots’ hardware is capable, AI development remains a limiting factor for mass-market adoption. The 4NE1 learns by repetition and trial, experimenting with new grasps and movements without direct programming. Nordmann calls this “the magic of physical AI,” allowing robots to adapt to real-world challenges. Over time, this learning capability could make humanoid robots reliable assistants in homes, offices, and factories.
Ethical Commitments and Safety
Neura has made it clear that its robots will not serve military purposes. “We serve humanity,” Nordmann emphasized, stating that the company’s innovations are intended solely for peaceful applications. This ethical stance reassures potential consumers that Neura humanoid robots are designed with human-centered goals in mind.
Looking Ahead
Although general consumers may need to wait a few years before owning a Neura robot, the company is already partnering with factories to handle repetitive tasks efficiently. If these trials continue successfully, the next IFA could feature even more humanoid robots performing real-world chores, bringing science fiction closer to reality.
With Neura’s advancements in humanoid robotics and AI learning, the era of robots assisting humans in everyday life is drawing nearer, transforming both workplaces and homes.
