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The increasing presence of humanoid robots, exemplified by figures like Digit, alongside human workers is prompting calls for updated safety regulations. Existing safety protocols designed for stationary industrial robots are proving inadequate for these dynamic and actively controlled machines.

Recognizing the unique hazards posed by humanoids, such as potential falls or malfunctions, the IEEE Humanoid Study Group is pushing for novel standards encompassing physical and psychological risks. These standards would also address crucial considerations such as data privacy and security.

A key focus is enabling robots to effectively communicate their actions and intelligently adapt to human behavior. Researchers are investigating innovative solutions like gradual deceleration mechanisms to prevent dangerous toppling incidents.

Despite progress, significant hurdles remain. Defining a universal definition of a ‘humanoid robot’ and establishing widely accepted standards that don’t stifle design innovation are ongoing challenges. As humanoids expand their roles beyond factories and into sensitive environments like hospitals and homes, guaranteeing their safety, reliability, and trustworthiness becomes paramount.