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Sophia

Sophia

Sophia by Hanson Robotics is a humanoid robot with lifelike expressions, AI-driven interaction, and advanced perception for research, education, and public engagement.
In Development
Hong Kong
Humanoid
2016
Specifications
Dev Doc
Website
Made by
Hanson Robotics Limited
Software Type
Open Source
Software Package
Hanson AI SDK for perception, NLP, and actuation. Ubuntu Linux OS. Cloud-based AI learning and updates. Integration with OpenCog AI architecture for general reasoning.
Actuators
Sophia uses a combination of Dynamixel XM430, MX64, MX106 servos, Xpert servos, and Hitec HS-65MG servos to achieve smooth, precise, and expressive movements across its head, neck, arms, and hands.
Compiute
Powered by a 3 GHz Intel i7 processor with 32 GB RAM and an integrated GPU, running Ubuntu Linux for real-time AI processing and control.
Sensors
Includes Intel RealSense eye cameras, a custom wide-angle 1080p chest camera, external USB microphones, audio localization arrays, joint angle and force sensors in arms, touch sensors in fingers, and an inertial measurement unit.
Max Op. time
mins

Robot Brief

Sophia is a highly advanced humanoid robot developed by Hanson Robotics, recognized globally for its realistic human-like appearance and expressive capabilities. Standing 167 cm tall and weighing 20 kg, Sophia features patented artificial skin called Frubber, which allows for lifelike facial expressions that can mimic a wide range of human emotions. Equipped with 83 degrees of freedom-including 36 in the head and neck, 15 per arm and hand, 3 in the torso, and 14 in the mobile base-Sophia can perform nuanced gestures and movements. Its sensor suite includes Intel RealSense cameras in the eyes, a custom wide-angle 1080p chest camera, microphones, audio localization arrays, and inertial measurement units, enabling sophisticated perception such as face detection, body tracking, and audio localization. Powered by a 3 GHz Intel i7 processor with 32 GB RAM running Ubuntu Linux, Sophia leverages Hanson AI SDK for perception, natural language processing, and actuation control. It supports cloud connectivity for real-time learning and interaction. Sophia serves as a platform for AI research, public engagement, and education, and is known as the first robot granted citizenship and a UN Innovation Ambassador.

Use Cases

Sophia interacts naturally with humans through lifelike facial expressions, speech, and gestures. It can recognize faces, track body movement, interpret emotional context, and engage in conversations using advanced natural language processing. Sophia’s AI enables it to synchronize mouth and facial movements with speech, respond adaptively, and perform self-navigation with multiple rolling base options. It is used in research, education, entertainment, and as a cultural ambassador to promote AI ethics and future technologies.

Industries

  • Research & Development: Provides a platform for AI, robotics, and human-robot interaction studies.
  • Education: Facilitates learning about AI, robotics, and ethical implications.
  • Entertainment: Performs in media, exhibitions, and public events with expressive interactions.
  • Public Engagement: Acts as a cultural ambassador and innovation spokesperson.
  • Healthcare: Explored for therapeutic and assistive applications.

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Specifications

Length
mm
Width
410
mm
Height (ResT)
mm
Height (Stand)
1670
mm
Height (Min)
mm
Height (Max)
mm
Weight (With Batt.)
kg
Weight (NO Batt.)
20
kg
Max Step Height
mm
Max Slope
+/-
°
Op. Temp (min)
°C
Op. Temp (Max)
°C
Ingress Rating
No items found.

Intro

Sophia stands 167 cm tall and weighs 20 kg, featuring Frubber skin for realistic facial expressions. It includes:

  • 83 degrees of freedom enabling expressive head, neck, arm, hand, torso, and mobile base movements
  • Intel RealSense eye cameras and a custom chest camera for advanced perception
  • Microphones and audio localization arrays for sound detection
  • Actuators including Dynamixel and Xpert servos for smooth motion
  • Powered by a 3 GHz Intel i7 CPU with 32 GB RAM running Ubuntu Linux
  • Cloud connectivity supporting AI updates and interaction improvements
  • Designed with mixed materials including carbon fiber, aluminum, and 3D-printed components.

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Connectivity

  • WiFi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)
  • Ethernet port
  • USB connectivity
  • Cloud integration for AI updates and remote control.

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Capabilities

  • Lifelike facial expressions and synchronized speech
  • Face detection and body tracking for interactive engagement
  • Natural language processing and conversational AI
  • Autonomous navigation with multiple rolling base options
  • Emotional recognition and adaptive response
  • Multi-modal sensor fusion for environment awareness
  • Cloud-based AI learning and remote monitoring.

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