Methodology: How We Score Robots

Transparency is a feature, not a footnote.


Overview

The Humanoid Index uses a 6-dimension capability model to assess humanoid robots. Each dimension is scored 0–10 based on published manufacturer specifications. The overall score is a weighted average of all non-null dimensions, giving a single comparable metric across the entire index.


The 6 Dimensions

Each robot is evaluated across six distinct capability dimensions. Where possible, scores are derived from objective, published specifications. One dimension — Autonomy — requires editorial judgment.

DimensionMeasuresData SourceScale
ReadinessProduction and deployment maturityCompany status (mass production, commercial, pilot, prototype, R&D)Mass production = 10, Commercial = 8, Pilot = 6, Prototype = 4, R&D = 2
DexterityManipulation capabilityDegrees of freedom from published specsLinear: 0 DOF = 0, 55 DOF = 10
MobilityMovement speed and agilityMax speed from published specsLinear: 0 m/s = 0, 4 m/s = 10
AutonomyAI capability and independent operationEditorial estimate based on demos, deployments, and published capabilitiesEditorial judgment (see note below)
PayloadLoad-carrying capacityPayload capacity from published specsLinear: 0 kg = 0, 30 kg = 10
EnduranceOperational durationBattery life from published specsLinear: 0 hrs = 0, 8 hrs = 10

Overall Score

The overall capability score is a weighted average of all non-null dimensions. Dimensions with missing data are excluded from the calculation rather than penalized. The weights reflect relative importance to real-world deployability.

DimensionWeightRationale
Readiness1.5xMarket deployability matters most
Autonomy1.3xAI capability is the key differentiator
Dexterity1.2xManipulation capability drives use cases
Mobility1.0xBaseline weighting
Endurance1.0xBaseline weighting
Payload0.8xImportant but secondary to other factors

Readiness is weighted highest because market deployability is the strongest signal of real-world viability. Autonomy is weighted high because AI capability is the key differentiator between platforms that will lead and those that will follow.


A Note on Autonomy Scores

Autonomy is the hardest dimension to score objectively. Unlike degrees of freedom or speed, there is no single published metric that captures a robot's AI capability.

Our autonomy scores are editorial estimates based on:

  • Published demo capabilities
  • Real-world deployment evidence
  • Partner and customer announcements
  • Research publications

These scores represent our best assessment and will be updated as standardized benchmarks emerge. We welcome corrections — if you believe a score is inaccurate, please contact us.


Data Freshness


Limitations

No scoring system is perfect. We believe in being transparent about ours.

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