A new humanoid robot named Sprout was publicly introduced in January 2026 at a Manhattan office in New York. The robot was developed by Fauna Robotics, a United States startup that worked privately for two years before the launch. Sprout stands about one meter tall and has a soft, padded body designed to look safe and friendly. The launch comes at a time when rapid progress in artificial intelligence and robotics has brought the industry to a technological precipice. Unlike industrial robots used in factories, Sprout is intended for homes, schools, and research environments. The company aims to create a new paradigm in robotics by focusing on social interaction rather than physical strength. Sprout is sold mainly as a developer platform for universities and technology companies, with a reported price of about 50,000 dollars per unit.

Sprout moves using mapping and navigation systems that allow careful walking and safe movement around people and furniture. Engineers involved in the project reported that the robot can recover balance after small disturbances, showing physical resilience during testing. The robot can also perform light tasks, such as picking up small objects or traveling between rooms, using software that developers can adjust. Recent improvements in batteries and motors have made longer operation and smoother motion possible, supporting real-world deployment. Designers involved in the project stated that the robot avoids a threatening appearance and instead uses a friendly aesthetic. Experts suggest that this design choice may reduce fear and help social robots become more accepted. However, challenges remain, including high costs and uncertain demand. Even so, the launch highlights growing interest in robots designed to share everyday human spaces.