Humanoid robots with character
By Oliver Schmalzl · Written: · Archive discovery date:
11 October 2026
When I think of humanoid robots, I quickly picture machines with two legs, a smooth face and as much resemblance to humans as possible. But browsing Humanoid.guide shows that it can be much more playful.
I especially like the models from Belgium and France. Some look more like characters from an animated film. Others look as if they have just asked a rather unusual question.
Steve from Belgium
Steve is the Belgian candidate in this selection. I already like his name: other robots are named like a model number. This one is simply called Steve.
Humanoid.guide presents him as a robot character for events and encounters with an audience. In the portfolio of his designer he is listed as "Steve: Cinema Hero". To me, that sounds like a fitting role: Steve has the lead, we watch.
What I like about him is the idea of designing a robot as a character in its own right. He does not have to look like a human to be interesting.
Miroki and Miroka from France
Miroki and Miroka belong to the Mirokaï family by Enchanted Tools from Paris. The company develops their design together with animation experts. The characters even have their own invented world and backstory.
You can see that. To me, they look like visitors from an animated film who suddenly stand in a real room. Their faces and their striking ears make them the most likeable candidates in this selection for me.
Enchanted Tools describes the Mirokaï as social robots, among other things for encounters with people and for service tasks. Still, my first reaction is: I would wave to these two first.
The profile on Humanoid.guide also shows the family. If you want to get to know the characters, you will find their story and presentations on the manufacturer's site.
Reachy 2 from France
Reachy 2 comes from Pollen Robotics in Bordeaux. Behind its friendly design is an open-source platform for robotics and AI. It can be controlled with Python or operated remotely via VR.
I like that: a robot that looks playful and is also meant for experimenting. The entry on Humanoid.guide is a good starting point for browsing further.
Bonus: Reachy Mini
Reachy Mini is not a complete two-legged humanoid. As a small companion robot, it still fits into this group for me.
The manufacturer's site has movement examples such as dancing, laughing and looking around curiously. It is exactly these small reactions that make him funny to me. A robot on the desk that moves its head curiously already has quite a bit of charm.
My favourites
Steve for his name and his appearance. Miroki and Miroka for their design. Reachy Mini as a little desk buddy.
I like robots where someone has also thought about the character. Technology may well look a bit quirky. That is exactly when it sticks in my memory.
Browse further
If, after the likeable candidates, you want to explore the wider robotics landscape, here are more starting points:
- Wikipedia: Humanoid robot — an overview of the term, its history and different designs.
- Humanoid — the website of a robot manufacturer; not a general robot directory.
- Humanoid Robots Database — a way into a collection of robots and manufacturers.
- The database's list of robots — straight to the individual models.
- Humanoid Robotics Technology: A Complete Guide — a longer overview of the topic.
- Forbes: What Are Humanoid Robots? — a journalistic introduction.
- GitHub: list-ai-humanoid-robots — a curated list of links for further research.
The selection refers to the linked presentations. I have not tested the robots myself. Sources as of 11 October 2026.