Yogi: New humanoid robot capable of ‘genuine human connection’ could take over homes
Cartwheel Robotics is developing a humanoid robot called “Yogi”, which is designed to move naturally, perform household tasks, and bring a friendly presence to homes.
Humanoid Global Holdings Corp., a publicly traded investment issuer, has provided an update on the humanoid robot, as Cartwheel is one of its portfolio companies.
Unlike the majority of major humanoid robotics firms, Cartwheel Robotics has its sights set on building home, rather than factory, robots. Several high-profile firms are looking to kickstart a new era of humanoid robots, predominantly for factories. Some, like Elon Musk’s Tesla, have hit roadblocks this year.
Meet Cartwheel Robotics’ Yogi
Cartwheel Robotics’ Yogi will be built using medical-grade silicone and protective soft materials, making it safe and comfortable to interact with.
The humanoid robot will feature a modular, swappable battery, allowing for reliable long-term operation throughout the day. According to Cartwheel, the robot also includes precision-engineered high-torque actuators with overload protection.
“Cartwheel Robotics is developing humanoids designed for genuine human connection,” Shahab Samimi, CEO of Humanoid Global, explained in a press statement.
“By emphasizing trust, functionality, and usability, they’re helping advance the field from mechanical experimentation toward practical human interaction,” Samimi continued. “With a team that has contributed to several generations of humanoid systems, we believe that Cartwheel Robotics is well positioned to help shape the next generation – bringing robotics into homes, workplaces, and entertainment.”
In its latest update, Humanoid Global Holdings Corp. explained that Cartwheel Robotics has developed a proprietary full-stack humanoid platform. This integrates custom hardware, AI models, motion systems, and software.
The company is also expanding its operations to Reno, Nevada, with its new Oddie facility in the location expected to open in January 2026.
Building robots that respond in a ‘genuinely human way’
Cartwheel Robotics is looking to make sci-fi reality by putting cute humanoid robots in our homes. Its Yogi robot somewhat resembles the robot Baymax from the animated movie ‘Big Hero 6’.
Yogi isn’t designed mainly performance and functionality in mind – like Tesla’s factory humanoid robot, Optimus. Cartwheel’s designers claim the robot was built to resemble an emotionally intelligent companion that can help around the home.
“We believe the best way to bring humanoid technology into everyday life is by building robots that move, respond, and connect in a genuinely human way,” Scott LaValley, CEO of Cartwheel Robotics, explained in the same statement.
“Yogi is being developed not only as a companion but also as a capable assistant for light tasks in homes and workplaces, designed to remain intuitive, approachable, and reliable,” he continued. “This approach supports broader adoption and reflects our goal of creating humanoid AI that enhances how people live, work, and care for one another.”
Cartwheel Robotics is also looking at potential healthcare applications for Yogi. The company has held preliminary discussions with a leading North American medical institution regarding a potential pilot project.
According to Cartwheel, it has also received great interest from universities for potential research applications. Cartweel Robotics aims to debut its full-body walking Yogi prototype at the Humanoids Summit held in Silicon Valley this December.
Are we on the verge of a humanoid robotics revolution?
In June, Tesla CEO Elon Musk claimed that the company would have 1,000 of its humanoid Optimus robots working in its electric vehicle factories by the end of the year.
With 2025 coming to a close, this increasingly looks like a new addition to the long list of Musk’s overly ambitious claims.
According to a Business Insider report last month, Optimus production has been affected by supply chain issues in China. Chris Walti, the former team lead for Tesla’s robot, also suggested to Business Insider that Tesla may be reassessing the use of humanoid robots for factories.
“It’s not a useful form factor,” Walti explained. “Most of the work that has to be done in industry is highly repetitive tasks where velocity is key.”
All of this is to say that Cartwheel Robotics may be onto something. Tesla could still make robots work in its factories, but humanoid robots may be better suited as house helpers and companions.
Source: Interesting Engineering
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Yogi: New humanoid robot capable of ‘genuine human connection’ could take over homes