Commercial model
Quote-based sales
Research project platform — not commercially sold. That usually means the final commercial package depends on deployment scope, services, or negotiated terms.
Release
Jan 1, 2023
Price
Price TBA
Connectivity
1
Status
Active
Height
150 cm
Weight
55.7 kg
Battery
Not publicly disclosed
Speed
Human-like walking speed (exact value not publicly disclosed)
Payload
~10 kg (collaborative load)
Humanoid
Active
ergoCub
ergoCub is IIT’s ergonomics-focused humanoid robot developed with INAIL for physical collaboration tasks in industrial and healthcare settings. Built as an evolution of iCub, ergoCub is designed to reduce workers’ biomechanical risk during lifting by combining humanoid mobility, force-aware interaction, and AI-based planning. IIT reports a human-scale body (1.5 m, 55.7 kg), an approximate 10 kg collaborative load capability, depth+LiDAR perception, and onboard NVIDIA Jetson/Intel compute for navigation and manipulation in warehouse-like environments.
Listed price
Price TBA
Research project platform — not commercially sold
Release window
Jan 1, 2023
Current status
Active
Italian Institute of Technology
Last verified
Mar 12, 2026
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Technical overview
Core specifications and system stack
A fast read on the mechanical profile, sensing package, and platform integrations behind ergoCub.
Technical Specifications
Height
150 cm
Weight
55.7 kg
Battery Life
Not publicly disclosed
Charging Time
Not publicly disclosed
Max Speed
Human-like walking speed (exact value not publicly disclosed)
Payload
~10 kg (collaborative load)
Tech Components
Sensors (3)
Connectivity (1)
Operational profile
How this robot is configured
Capabilities
7
Connectivity
1
Key capabilities
Collaborative lifting with humansPhysical risk reduction workflowsHumanoid walking and load transportWarehouse-style autonomous navigationObstacle-aware path planningWorker-intention recognitionObject localization and manipulation
Ecosystem fit
IIT/INAIL research workflowsIndustrial and healthcare pilot scenarios
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About the ergoCub
3Sensors1Protocol7Capabilities
The ergoCub is a Humanoid robot built by Italian Institute of Technology. ergoCub is IIT’s ergonomics-focused humanoid robot developed with INAIL for physical collaboration tasks in industrial and healthcare settings. Built as an evolution of iCub, ergoCub is designed to reduce workers’ biomechanical risk during lifting by combining humanoid mobility, force-aware interaction, and AI-based planning. IIT reports a human-scale body (1.5 m, 55.7 kg), an approximate 10 kg collaborative load capability, depth+LiDAR perception, and onboard NVIDIA Jetson/Intel compute for navigation and manipulation in warehouse-like environments.
Pricing has not been publicly disclosed. See all Italian Institute of Technology robots on the Italian Institute of Technology page.
Spec Breakdown
Detailed specifications for the ergoCub
Height
150 cmAt 150 cm, the ergoCub is designed to operate in human-scale environments, allowing it to reach countertops, shelves, and interfaces designed for human height.
Weight
55.7 kgWeighing 55.7 kg, the ergoCub needs to balance mass for stability during bipedal locomotion while remaining light enough for safe human interaction.
Battery Life
Not publicly disclosedWith a battery life of Not publicly disclosed, the ergoCub can operate for sustained periods before requiring a recharge. Battery life is measured under typical operating conditions and may vary based on workload intensity and environmental factors.
Charging Time
Not publicly disclosedA charging time of Not publicly disclosed means the ratio of operation to downtime is an important consideration for applications requiring near-continuous availability. Some deployments use multiple robots in rotation to maintain uninterrupted service.
Maximum Speed
Human-like walking speed (exact value not publicly disclosed)A top speed of Human-like walking speed (exact value not publicly disclosed) approximates human walking pace, enabling the robot to keep up with people in shared environments.
Payload Capacity
~10 kg (collaborative load)A payload capacity of ~10 kg (collaborative load) determines what the robot can carry or manipulate. This is a critical spec for manipulation tasks, determining what objects the robot can lift, carry, and work with.
The ergoCub uses AI-based control, planning, and estimation for collaborative lifting, navigation, and intention-aware interaction as its intelligence backbone. This AI platform powers the robot's decision-making, perception processing, and autonomous behavior. The sophistication of the AI stack directly impacts how well the robot handles unexpected situations and adapts to new environments.
ergoCub Sensor Suite
The ergoCub integrates 3 sensor types, forming the perceptual foundation that enables autonomous operation.
This sensor configuration enables the ergoCub to perceive its 3D environment, recognize objects and people, navigate complex spaces, and perform precise manipulation tasks. Multiple sensor modalities provide redundancy and more robust perception than any single sensor type alone.
Explore sensor technologies: components glossary · full components directory
ergoCub Use Cases & Applications
Humanoid robots are designed for environments built for humans — warehouses, factories, healthcare facilities, and eventually homes. Their bipedal form allows them to navigate stairs, doorways, and workspaces designed for human bodies without requiring environmental modifications.
Capabilities That Enable Real-World Use
The ergoCub offers 7 distinct capabilities, each contributing to the robot's practical utility.
Collaborative lifting with humans
Physical risk reduction workflows
Humanoid walking and load transport
Warehouse-style autonomous navigation
Obstacle-aware path planning
Worker-intention recognition
Object localization and manipulation
These capabilities work together with the robot's 3 onboard sensor types and AI-based control, planning, and estimation for collaborative lifting, navigation, and intention-aware interaction AI platform to deliver practical, real-world performance.
Ecosystem Integration
The ergoCub integrates with the following platforms and ecosystems, extending its utility beyond standalone operation.
IIT/INAIL research workflows
Industrial and healthcare pilot scenarios
This ecosystem compatibility enables the ergoCub to work as part of a broader automation setup rather than operating in isolation.
ergoCub Capabilities
7
Capabilities
3
Sensor Types
AI
AI-based control, planning, …
Collaborative lifting with humans
Physical risk reduction workflows
Humanoid walking and load transport
Warehouse-style autonomous navigation
Obstacle-aware path planning
Worker-intention recognition
Object localization and manipulation
Connectivity & Integration
How the ergoCub communicates with your network, smart home devices, cloud services, and companion apps.
Network & Communication Protocols
✓ Wi-Fi for local network and cloud access — enabling the ergoCub to participate in various networking scenarios.
ergoCub Technology Stack Overview
The ergoCub by Italian Institute of Technology integrates 5 distinct technology components across sensing, connectivity, intelligence, and interaction layers. The physical platform features a height of 150 cm, a weight of 55.7 kg, a top speed of Human-like walking speed (exact value not publicly disclosed), providing the foundation on which this technology stack operates.
Perception — 3 Sensor Types
The perception layer is built on Intel RealSense depth camera, LiDAR, Force/torque sensors. These work in concert to give the robot a detailed understanding of its operating environment. This multi-sensor approach provides redundancy and enables the robot to function reliably even when individual sensors encounter challenging conditions such as low light, reflective surfaces, or cluttered spaces.
Connectivity — 1 Protocol
For communications, the ergoCub relies on Wi-Fi 6E. This connectivity stack ensures the robot can communicate with cloud services, local smart home devices, mobile apps, and other networked systems in its environment.
Intelligence — AI-based control, planning, and estimation for collaborative lifting, navigation, and intention-aware interaction
AI-based control, planning, and estimation for collaborative lifting, navigation, and intention-aware interaction serves as the computational brain, processing sensor data, making navigation decisions, and orchestrating the robot's autonomous behaviors. The quality of this AI platform directly influences how well the robot handles novel situations, adapts to changes in its environment, and improves its performance over time through learning.
Who Should Consider the ergoCub?
Target Audience
Humanoid robots are typically targeted at enterprise customers, research institutions, and forward-thinking businesses looking to automate tasks that require human-like form and dexterity. While some models are approaching consumer pricing, the majority remain in the commercial and industrial space.
Key Considerations
When evaluating a humanoid robot, payload capacity, degrees of freedom, and manipulation dexterity are critical factors. Battery life and charging time determine operational uptime. The AI platform determines how well the robot can adapt to new tasks and environments. Consider whether the robot needs to work alongside humans (requiring safety certifications) or will operate independently.
Pricing
ergoCub does not currently have publicly listed pricing. Contact Italian Institute of Technology directly for quotes and availability information.
Availability
ActiveThe ergoCub has a status of Active. Check with Italian Institute of Technology for the latest availability details.
ergoCub: Strengths & Trade-offs
Engineering compromises and where this humanoid robot excels
What the ergoCub does well
Broad capability set
With 7 distinct capabilities, the ergoCub is designed as a versatile platform rather than a single-task device. This breadth means the robot can handle varied scenarios and workflows, reducing the need for multiple specialized robots and increasing its utility across different situations.
Substantial payload capacity
With a payload capacity of ~10 kg (collaborative load), the ergoCub can handle meaningful physical tasks. This capacity enables practical applications like carrying tools, transporting materials, or supporting equipment mounts that lighter robots simply cannot accommodate.
What to consider carefully
Significant weight
At 55.7 kg, the ergoCub is a substantial piece of equipment. This weight contributes to stability and robustness but also means the robot requires careful consideration of floor load limits, transportation logistics, and the potential impact force in the event of unexpected contact with people or objects.
Undisclosed pricing
Italian Institute of Technology has not published a public price for the ergoCub. While common for enterprise-class robotics, the absence of transparent pricing can complicate budgeting and comparison shopping. Prospective buyers will need to engage directly with the manufacturer for quotes, which may vary by configuration and volume.
Note: This strengths and trade-offs assessment is based on the ergoCub's documented specifications as tracked in the ui44 database. Real-world performance depends on deployment conditions, firmware maturity, and environmental factors. For the most current information, check the Italian Institute of Technology manufacturer page or visit the official product page. Use the comparison tool to evaluate these trade-offs against competing robots in the same category.
How Humanoid Robot Technology Works
Understanding the engineering behind this category
Humanoid robots represent one of the most technically ambitious categories in robotics. Building a machine that walks, balances, manipulates objects, and interacts naturally with humans requires breakthroughs across multiple engineering disciplines simultaneously. Understanding the technology behind humanoid robots helps buyers and enthusiasts appreciate both the capabilities and limitations of current systems.
Navigation & Mobility
Humanoid robots navigate using a combination of visual SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping), depth sensing, and inertial measurement. Unlike wheeled robots that simply avoid obstacles, humanoids must plan footstep placement, maintain dynamic balance on uneven surfaces, and anticipate terrain changes. Advanced systems use predictive models to plan several steps ahead, similar to how humans unconsciously adjust their gait when approaching stairs or rough ground. The computational requirements for real-time bipedal navigation are substantial, often requiring dedicated motion-planning processors separate from the main AI system.
The Role of AI
Artificial intelligence in humanoid robots serves multiple roles: high-level task planning (understanding what needs to be done), perception (recognizing objects, people, and environments), manipulation planning (figuring out how to grasp and move objects), and social interaction (understanding speech, gestures, and context). Modern humanoids increasingly use large language models and vision-language models for task understanding, allowing them to interpret natural language instructions and generalize to new tasks without explicit programming for each scenario.
Sensor Fusion & Perception
The sensor suite in a humanoid robot must provide comprehensive environmental awareness while maintaining real-time processing speeds. Sensor fusion algorithms combine data from cameras, LiDAR, depth sensors, force/torque sensors, and IMUs to create a unified model of the robot's surroundings. This multi-modal perception is critical because no single sensor type works perfectly in all conditions — cameras struggle in darkness, LiDAR cannot distinguish materials, and touch sensors only detect what the robot physically contacts. By combining these inputs, the robot achieves more robust and reliable perception than any individual sensor could provide.
Power & Battery Management
Battery technology is one of the primary limiting factors for humanoid robots. Bipedal locomotion is inherently energy-intensive — maintaining balance requires constant motor activity even when standing still. Current lithium-ion battery packs typically provide two to four hours of active operation, with charging times that can match or exceed operational time. Research into more efficient actuators, energy-harvesting techniques, and advanced battery chemistries aims to extend operational windows. Some commercial deployments address this limitation through battery-swap systems or scheduled charging rotations.
Safety by Design
Safety in humanoid robotics is paramount because these robots operate in close proximity to humans. Design approaches include compliant actuators that absorb impact forces, real-time collision prediction systems, force-limited joints that automatically reduce power when unexpected contact occurs, and emergency stop mechanisms accessible to nearby humans. International safety standards like ISO 13482 for personal care robots provide frameworks for evaluating safety, but the field is still developing standards specific to general-purpose humanoid systems. Buyers should inquire about safety testing, certifications, and the robot's behavior in failure modes.
What's Next for Humanoid Robots
The humanoid robotics field is advancing rapidly on multiple fronts. Improvements in foundation models are enabling more generalizable intelligence. New actuator designs are making robots lighter and more efficient. Manufacturing scale is driving down costs. Over the next several years, expect humanoid robots to transition from controlled industrial environments to more varied commercial and eventually residential settings. The convergence of better AI, cheaper hardware, and proven deployment experience will accelerate adoption across industries.
The ergoCub by Italian Institute of Technology incorporates many of these technology pillars. For a detailed look at the specific sensors and components used in the ergoCub, see the sensor analysis and connectivity sections above, or browse the complete components glossary for explanations of every technology used across the robotics industry.
ergoCub in the Humanoid Market
How this robot compares in the humanoid landscape
Italian Institute of Technology has not publicly disclosed pricing for the ergoCub, which is typical for enterprise-focused robotics platforms that offer customized solutions and direct-sales relationships.
The ergoCub's 3 sensor types provide solid perceptual coverage for its intended use cases. This mid-range sensor suite balances cost with capability, covering the essential modalities needed for humanoid applications.
Being currently available for purchase gives the ergoCub a practical advantage over competitors still in development or prototype stages. Buyers can evaluate the actual product rather than relying on spec-sheet promises that may change before release.
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Side-by-side specs, capability overlap analysis, and key differentiators.
For the full picture of Italian Institute of Technology's portfolio and market strategy, visit the Italian Institute of Technology manufacturer page.
Deployment Readiness and Procurement Signals for ergoCub
What the public profile tells you, and what still needs direct vendor confirmation
From a buying and rollout perspective, the ergoCub should be read as a humanoid platform aimed at human-scale workplaces and pilot automation programs. ui44 currently tracks 7 capability signals, 3 sensor inputs, and a last verification date of 2026-03-12. That mix gives buyers a useful first-pass picture, but it is still only the public layer of due diligence, especially when procurement, uptime, and support commitments are decided directly with Italian Institute of Technology.
Integration posture
1 connectivity option
The profile lists Wi-Fi 6E, plus AI-based control, planning, and estimation for collaborative lifting, navigation, and intention-aware interaction as the AI stack. That is enough to infer the basic network posture, but buyers should still confirm APIs, fleet management, and workflow integration details. ui44 currently tracks 2 declared compatibility links.
Spec disclosure
6/7 core specs public
ui44 currently has 6 of 7 core physical and operating specs filled in for this model, leaving 1 gap that matter for deployment planning. Missing runtime, charge, speed, or payload details can materially change staffing and site-readiness assumptions.
The current profile is detailed enough to support early comparison work, shortlist creation, and cross-checking against other humanoid robots. It is still worth validating the final deployment package, because integration services, support coverage, software entitlements, and site-preparation requirements often sit outside the raw hardware spec sheet.
If you want a faster apples-to-apples read, compare the ergoCub against nearby alternatives in ui44's compare view, then cross-check the underlying AI, sensor, and subsystem terms in the components glossary. For manufacturer-level context, the Italian Institute of Technology profile helps anchor this robot inside the wider product lineup.
Before you sign off on a pilot, confirm these points
- Check what safety, electrical, or deployment certifications exist for the region and task you care about.
Owning the ergoCub: Setup, Maintenance & Tips
Practical guide from day one through years of ownership
Initial Setup
Setting up a humanoid robot is substantially more involved than plug-and-play consumer devices. Expect a professional installation or guided setup process that includes physical unpacking and assembly (if shipped disassembled), initial calibration of joints and sensors, environment mapping and safety zone definition, network and cloud service configuration, and application-specific programming or task teaching. Plan for several hours to a full day of setup time, and budget for potential integration consulting if the robot needs to connect with existing systems. The manufacturer or a certified integrator should provide training on safe operation, emergency procedures, and basic troubleshooting.
Ongoing Maintenance
Humanoid robots require regular maintenance to ensure safe and reliable operation. Monthly maintenance typically includes visual inspection of joints and actuators for wear, sensor cleaning (especially cameras and LiDAR), firmware and software updates, battery health checks, and calibration verification. Quarterly maintenance may include more thorough mechanical inspection, lubrication of moving parts, and performance benchmarking to detect gradual degradation. Keep a maintenance log and follow the manufacturer's recommended schedule precisely — humanoid robots are complex systems where small issues can cascade if not addressed promptly.
Software Updates & Long-Term Support
Humanoid robot software is evolving rapidly, and regular updates can significantly improve performance, add new capabilities, and patch security vulnerabilities. Most manufacturers provide over-the-air updates, but enterprise deployments may require staging and testing updates before rolling them out. Evaluate the manufacturer's update track record — frequent, well-documented updates indicate active development and long-term commitment. Be aware that major software updates may require recalibration or retraining of custom behaviors.
Maximizing Longevity
To maximize the useful life of a humanoid robot, avoid operating beyond specified payload limits, maintain a controlled environment (temperature, humidity), keep sensors clean and unobstructed, and address any unusual sounds or behaviors promptly. Battery longevity is improved by avoiding deep discharges and extreme temperatures during charging. Investing in a service contract with the manufacturer or a certified partner provides access to replacement parts and expertise that can extend the robot's productive life significantly beyond the standard warranty period.
For Italian Institute of Technology-specific support resources and documentation, visit the Italian Institute of Technology page on ui44 or check the manufacturer's official website at Italian Institute of Technology's product page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ergoCub?
The ergoCub is a Humanoid robot made by Italian Institute of Technology. ergoCub is IIT’s ergonomics-focused humanoid robot developed with INAIL for physical collaboration tasks in industrial and healthcare settings. Built as an evolution of iCub, ergoCub is designed to reduce workers’ biomechanical risk during lifting by combining humanoid mobility, force-aware interaction, and AI-based planning. IIT reports a human-scale body (1.5 m, 55.7 kg), an approximate 10 kg collaborative load capability, depth+LiDAR perception, and onboard NVIDIA Jetson/Intel compute for navigation and manipulation in warehouse-like environments. It features 3 sensor types, 1 connectivity protocols, and 7 distinct capabilities.
How much does the ergoCub cost?
Italian Institute of Technology has not disclosed public pricing for the ergoCub. Contact the manufacturer directly for pricing information. Research project platform — not commercially sold
Is the ergoCub available to buy?
The ergoCub currently has a status of Active. Check with Italian Institute of Technology for the latest availability.
What sensors does the ergoCub have?
The ergoCub is equipped with 3 sensor types: Intel RealSense depth camera, LiDAR, Force/torque sensors. These sensors work together through sensor fusion to provide comprehensive environmental awareness for autonomous operation. See the sensor analysis section for details.
How long does the ergoCub battery last?
The ergoCub has a rated battery life of Not publicly disclosed and charges in Not publicly disclosed. Actual battery performance may vary based on usage intensity, ambient temperature, and specific tasks being performed. Heavy workloads like continuous navigation and sensor processing will consume battery faster than idle or standby modes.
What AI does the ergoCub use?
The ergoCub is powered by AI-based control, planning, and estimation for collaborative lifting, navigation, and intention-aware interaction. This AI platform handles the robot's perception processing, decision-making, and autonomous behavior. The sophistication of the AI directly impacts how well the robot handles unexpected situations, learns from its environment, and improves over time.
How does the ergoCub compare to the FF Master?
The ergoCub and FF Master are both humanoid robots, but they differ in key specifications, pricing, and manufacturer approach. Use the side-by-side comparison tool to see detailed differences in specs, sensors, and capabilities. You can also browse other similar robots below.
Does the ergoCub work with smart home systems?
Yes, the ergoCub is compatible with: IIT/INAIL research workflows, Industrial and healthcare pilot scenarios. This ecosystem integration allows the robot to work alongside your existing smart home devices and platforms rather than operating as an isolated system.
How current is the ergoCub data on ui44?
The ergoCub specifications on ui44 were last verified on 2026-03-12. All data is sourced from official Italian Institute of Technology documentation, spec sheets, and press releases. If you notice any outdated information, please let us know.
Data Integrity
All ergoCub data on ui44 is verified against official Italian Institute of Technology sources, including spec sheets, product pages, and press releases. Last verified: 2026-03-12. Official source: Italian Institute of Technology product page. If you find outdated or incorrect information, please let us know — accuracy is our top priority.
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