Robot dossier

Verified Apr 24, 2026

North

Release

Jun 1, 2026

Price

Price TBA

Connectivity

1

Status

Development

Humanoid Development

North

Sharpa North is a full-body humanoid robot debuted at CES 2026 for autonomous fine-manipulation research and future service work. Sharpa demonstrated North in live, unscripted sessions playing autonomous ping-pong, operating an instant camera, dealing cards, and assembling paper windmills in a more-than-30-step task using the company’s Wave dexterous hands and CraftNet vision-tactile-language-action model. The official North page emphasizes smooth whole-body control, real-time visual and language input, and end-to-end execution from perception to result, while Sharpa says the production version is expected in mid-2026. Pricing and core hardware specifications have not been disclosed.

Listed price

Price TBA

Not publicly announced. Sharpa says the production version of North is expected in mid-2026.

Release window

Jun 1, 2026

Current status

Development

Sharpa

Last verified

Apr 24, 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 North.

Technical Specifications

Height

Not officially disclosed

Weight

Not officially disclosed

Battery Life

Not officially disclosed

Charging Time

Not officially disclosed

Max Speed

Not officially disclosed

Operational profile

How this robot is configured

Capabilities

8

Connectivity

1

Key capabilities

Full-Body Humanoid Locomotion and ManipulationAutonomous Ping-Pong DemonstrationLong-Horizon Paper Windmill AssemblyInstant-Camera OperationCard Dealing and Game-State ReasoningDexterous Two-Handed ManipulationReal-Time Visual and Language ReasoningWhole-Body Control

Ecosystem fit

Sharpa Wave dexterous handsCraftNet VTLA model

About the North

3Sensors1Protocol8Capabilities

The North is a Humanoid robot built by Sharpa. Sharpa North is a full-body humanoid robot debuted at CES 2026 for autonomous fine-manipulation research and future service work. Sharpa demonstrated North in live, unscripted sessions playing autonomous ping-pong, operating an instant camera, dealing cards, and assembling paper windmills in a more-than-30-step task using the company’s Wave dexterous hands and CraftNet vision-tactile-language-action model. The official North page emphasizes smooth whole-body control, real-time visual and language input, and end-to-end execution from perception to result, while Sharpa says the production version is expected in mid-2026. Pricing and core hardware specifications have not been disclosed.

Pricing has not been publicly disclosed — typical for robots still in development. See all Sharpa robots on the Sharpa page.

Spec Breakdown

Detailed specifications for the North

Height

Not officially disclosed

At Not officially disclosed, the North is designed to operate in human-scale environments, allowing it to reach countertops, shelves, and interfaces designed for human height.

Weight

Not officially disclosed

Weighing Not officially disclosed, the North needs to balance mass for stability during bipedal locomotion while remaining light enough for safe human interaction.

Battery Life

Not officially disclosed

With a battery life of Not officially disclosed, the North 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 officially disclosed

A charging time of Not officially 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

Not officially disclosed

A top speed of Not officially disclosed approximates human walking pace, enabling the robot to keep up with people in shared environments.

The North uses CraftNet hierarchical vision-tactile-language-action model for fine manipulation, pairing an interaction layer for last-millimeter contact with a motion-control layer 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.

North Sensor Suite

The North integrates 3 sensor types, forming the perceptual foundation that enables autonomous operation.

This sensor configuration enables the North 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

North 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 North offers 8 distinct capabilities, each contributing to the robot's practical utility.

Full-Body Humanoid Locomotion and Manipulation
Autonomous Ping-Pong Demonstration
Long-Horizon Paper Windmill Assembly
Instant-Camera Operation
Card Dealing and Game-State Reasoning
Dexterous Two-Handed Manipulation
Real-Time Visual and Language Reasoning
Whole-Body Control

These capabilities work together with the robot's 3 onboard sensor types and CraftNet hierarchical vision-tactile-language-action model for fine manipulation, pairing an interaction layer for last-millimeter contact with a motion-control layer AI platform to deliver practical, real-world performance.

Ecosystem Integration

The North integrates with the following platforms and ecosystems, extending its utility beyond standalone operation.

Sharpa Wave dexterous hands CraftNet VTLA model

This ecosystem compatibility enables the North to work as part of a broader automation setup rather than operating in isolation.

North Capabilities

8

Capabilities

3

Sensor Types

AI

CraftNet hierarchical vision…

Full-Body Humanoid Locomotion and Manipulation
Autonomous Ping-Pong Demonstration
Long-Horizon Paper Windmill Assembly
Instant-Camera Operation
Card Dealing and Game-State Reasoning
Dexterous Two-Handed Manipulation
Real-Time Visual and Language Reasoning
Whole-Body Control

Connectivity & Integration

How the North communicates with your network, smart home devices, cloud services, and companion apps.

Network & Communication Protocols

Network protocols for device communication — enabling the North to participate in various networking scenarios.

North Technology Stack Overview

The North by Sharpa integrates 5 distinct technology components across sensing, connectivity, intelligence, and interaction layers. The physical platform features a height of Not officially disclosed, a weight of Not officially disclosed, a top speed of Not officially disclosed, providing the foundation on which this technology stack operates.

Perception — 3 Sensor Types

The perception layer is built on Vision input (exact camera suite not disclosed), Language input, Tactile sensing via Sharpa Wave dexterous hands. 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 North relies on Not officially disclosed. 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 — CraftNet hierarchical vision-tactile-language-action model for fine manipulation, pairing an interaction layer for last-millimeter contact with a motion-control layer

CraftNet hierarchical vision-tactile-language-action model for fine manipulation, pairing an interaction layer for last-millimeter contact with a motion-control layer 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 North?

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

North does not currently have publicly listed pricing. As the robot is still in development, pricing will likely be announced closer to market availability.

Availability

Development

The North is currently in active development. Follow Sharpa for updates on when the robot will become available for purchase or pre-order.

North: Strengths & Trade-offs

Engineering compromises and where this humanoid robot excels

What the North does well

Broad capability set

With 8 distinct capabilities, the North 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.

What to consider carefully

Undisclosed pricing

Sharpa has not published a public price for the North. 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.

Currently in development

The North is not yet available as a finished, shipping product. Specifications may change before commercial release, and timelines for availability are subject to revision. Early adopters should account for this uncertainty in their planning.

Note: This strengths and trade-offs assessment is based on the North'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 Sharpa 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 North by Sharpa incorporates many of these technology pillars. For a detailed look at the specific sensors and components used in the North, see the sensor analysis and connectivity sections above, or browse the complete components glossary for explanations of every technology used across the robotics industry.

North in the Humanoid Market

How this robot compares in the humanoid landscape

Sharpa has not publicly disclosed pricing for the North, which is typical for enterprise-focused robotics platforms that offer customized solutions and direct-sales relationships.

The North'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.

As a robot still in development, the North represents Sharpa's vision for where humanoid robotics is heading. Specifications may evolve before commercial release, and early performance demonstrations should be evaluated with this context in mind.

Head-to-Head Comparisons

Side-by-side specs, capability overlap analysis, and key differentiators.

For the full picture of Sharpa's portfolio and market strategy, visit the Sharpa manufacturer page.

Deployment Readiness and Procurement Signals for North

What the public profile tells you, and what still needs direct vendor confirmation

From a buying and rollout perspective, the North should be read as a humanoid platform aimed at human-scale workplaces and pilot automation programs. ui44 currently tracks 8 capability signals, 3 sensor inputs, and a last verification date of 2026-04-24. 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 Sharpa.

Commercial model

Pricing not public

Not publicly announced. Sharpa says the production version of North is expected in mid-2026.. That usually means the final commercial package depends on deployment scope, services, or negotiated terms.

Integration posture

1 connectivity option

The profile lists Not officially disclosed, plus CraftNet hierarchical vision-tactile-language-action model for fine manipulation, pairing an interaction layer for last-millimeter contact with a motion-control layer 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

0/7 core specs public

ui44 currently has 0 of 7 core physical and operating specs filled in for this model, leaving 7 gaps that matter for deployment planning. Missing runtime, charge, speed, or payload details can materially change staffing and site-readiness assumptions.

The current profile is useful for scouting, but it still leaves meaningful operational unknowns. If this robot is heading toward a pilot or purchase discussion, the next step should be a structured vendor Q&A that fills the remaining runtime, charging, payload, safety, or integration blanks before anyone builds ROI assumptions around it.

If you want a faster apples-to-apples read, compare the North 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 Sharpa profile helps anchor this robot inside the wider product lineup.

Before you sign off on a pilot, confirm these points

  • Ask for real shift runtime under the intended workload, not just standby endurance.
  • Confirm how the charging workflow works in practice, including charger count, swap options, and expected downtime.
  • Verify travel speed and cycle time if the robot must keep up with people, lines, or service windows.
  • Clarify usable payload or tool-load limits before planning material handling or mounted accessories.

Owning the North: 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 Sharpa-specific support resources and documentation, visit the Sharpa page on ui44 or check the manufacturer's official website at Sharpa's product page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the North?
The North is a Humanoid robot made by Sharpa. Sharpa North is a full-body humanoid robot debuted at CES 2026 for autonomous fine-manipulation research and future service work. Sharpa demonstrated North in live, unscripted sessions playing autonomous ping-pong, operating an instant camera, dealing cards, and assembling paper windmills in a more-than-30-step task using the company’s Wave dexterous hands and CraftNet vision-tactile-language-action model. The official North page emphasizes smooth whole-body control, real-time visual and language input, and end-to-end execution from perception to result, while Sharpa says the production version is expected in mid-2026. Pricing and core hardware specifications have not been disclosed. It features 3 sensor types, 1 connectivity protocols, and 8 distinct capabilities.
How much does the North cost?
Sharpa has not disclosed public pricing for the North. Pricing is typically announced closer to market release. Not publicly announced. Sharpa says the production version of North is expected in mid-2026.
Is the North available to buy?
The North is currently in active development and is not yet available for purchase. Follow Sharpa for release date announcements.
What sensors does the North have?
The North is equipped with 3 sensor types: Vision input (exact camera suite not disclosed), Language input, Tactile sensing via Sharpa Wave dexterous hands. 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 North battery last?
The North has a rated battery life of Not officially disclosed and charges in Not officially 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 North use?
The North is powered by CraftNet hierarchical vision-tactile-language-action model for fine manipulation, pairing an interaction layer for last-millimeter contact with a motion-control layer. 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 North compare to the DOBOT Atom?
The North and DOBOT Atom 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 North work with smart home systems?
Yes, the North is compatible with: Sharpa Wave dexterous hands, CraftNet VTLA model. 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 North data on ui44?
The North specifications on ui44 were last verified on 2026-04-24. All data is sourced from official Sharpa documentation, spec sheets, and press releases. If you notice any outdated information, please let us know.

Data Integrity

All North data on ui44 is verified against official Sharpa sources, including spec sheets, product pages, and press releases. Last verified: 2026-04-24. Official source: Sharpa product page. If you find outdated or incorrect information, please let us know — accuracy is our top priority.

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