China Develops Female Humanoid Robot That Can Replace Receptionists

China has unveiled a new female humanoid robot that looks remarkably human and is capable of performing all the tasks of a receptionist. This innovation can find practical applications in hotels, schools, offices, and other service environments.

Introducing Hobbs W1
Chinese robotics company Noetics has launched a humanoid robot named Hobbs W1, designed specifically for service-related roles. The robot’s face is highly realistic, resembling a human female, which is why it is referred to as a “female robot.” Hobbs W1 is fully equipped to operate in real-world settings: it can communicate with people, understand emotions, and navigate spaces autonomously. As a receptionist, it can welcome guests, provide directions, and assist with daily tasks.

Human-like Skin and Flexible Movements
According to Interesting Engineering (Ref.), Hobbs W1’s arms feature six degrees of freedom, allowing for flexible, multi-directional movement, while its torso has five degrees of freedom. This enables the robot to gesture, hand over items, and perform minor tasks efficiently. Unlike most social robots that are limited to conversation, Hobbs W1 can actively perform work. Its face is bionically engineered with realistic skin, complemented by a large screen that displays emotions.

Capabilities and Functionality
The robot can operate independently, mapping rooms and navigating complex environments without assistance. It can manage reception duties, guide visitors, and support routine activities, all while interacting naturally with humans. Noetics emphasizes that Hobbs W1 is designed to assist humans rather than replace them, performing repetitive tasks so people can focus on higher-priority work. Its versatility allows it to adapt seamlessly to hotels, stores, schools, and offices.

Noetics’ Other Innovation – Boomi
Earlier in October, Noetics launched another robot named Boomi, designed to be child-sized and more affordable. Unlike previous humanoid robots, which cost several lakhs, Boomi is lightweight at just 12 kg, constructed using composite materials with metal only where necessary. Noetics produced many of its components in-house, including control boards and motor drivers, reducing dependency on expensive external parts. The company recently secured $41 million in funding, enabling further development. With these innovations, Noetics aims to bring humanoid robots into everyday homes and workplaces.