Discrete and Process Automation

Chinese firm introduces lifelike humanoid robot designed for receptionist roles

20 January 2026

A China-based startup has developed a new humanoid service robot described as a “professional scene all-rounder” for real-world settings.

Robotics startup Noetix has launched its Hobbs W1 humanoid robot for public facing roles. According to its developers, Noetix’s Hobbs W1 features a “female-styled” lifelike bionic head along with dexterous six-degree-of-freedom (6-DoF) hands and five-degree-of-freedom (5-DoF) robotic arms.

Source: NoetixSource: Noetix

The Hobbs W1 is capable of autonomously navigating as well as performing reception and guidance tasks while working alongside humans.

Noetix explained that its humanoid robot recognizes emotions, conducts natural conversations, synchronizes information in real time and interacts with ease across a variety of professional settings such as hospitality, retail, education and corporate environments.

Thanks to its 6-DoF hands and 5-DoF robotic arms, Hobbs W1 can gesture naturally, hand over items and perform light physical tasks. Likewise, Hobbs W1 can map and move through complex indoor environments autonomously, performing reception and guidance duties, and supporting daily operations with little human supervision.

For more on Hobbs W1, watch the accompanying video that appears courtesy of XroboHub.

To contact the author of this article, email mdonlon@globalspec.com


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