Kawada's NEXTAGE Fillie Debuts at CES 2026

CES Spotlight Stealer

Kawada Robotics captivated attendees at CES 2026 in Las Vegas by unveiling the NEXTAGE Fillie, the latest evolution in their humanoid collaborative robot lineup. This compact powerhouse, designed for seamless human partnership, drew crowds with live demos showcasing its dexterity in assembly and interaction tasks. Unlike bulkier predecessors, Fillie emphasizes approachable design and reliability, signaling a shift toward robots that blend into everyday workspaces. Industry experts hailed it as a game-changer for factories seeking flexible automation without overhauling production lines. The reveal underscores Kawada's push into human-centric robotics amid rising demand for collaborative systems.

Interaction Redefined

Fillie stands out with its human-like posture and expressive movements, enabling natural conversations during tasks like package handling or precision inspections. Its dual arms mimic human reach, allowing it to navigate tight spaces where traditional robots falter. Developers praised the robot's ability to adapt on the fly, using visual cues to respond to worker gestures or environmental shifts. This fluidity transforms rigid assembly lines into dynamic collaborations, boosting efficiency while minimizing downtime. Kawada engineers highlighted how Fillie's "cute yet capable" aesthetic fosters trust, encouraging workers to integrate it effortlessly into teams.

Engineering Leaps Forward

At its core, Fillie integrates advanced stereo cameras in the head for 3D environmental mapping, paired with optional hand cameras for pinpoint accuracy down to 0.05mm repeatability. Low-power motors cap at 80 watts, prioritizing safety in shared spaces through force-limiting joints and collision-aware programming. The QNX real-time operating system ensures split-second responses, compatible with ROS for custom applications in C++. These advances build on Kawada's HRP heritage, delivering a platform that learns from visual markers to self-localize without complex setups. Such innovations make Fillie a benchmark for safe, intuitive humanoid tech.

Factory Transformations Ahead

Fillie excels in real-world scenarios, from automotive part inspections to electronics assembly, where it handles tools or delicate instruments alongside humans. In demos, it sorted components via marker-based navigation on a wheeled trolley, freeing operators for complex decisions. Reception tasks at events showcased its people skills, greeting visitors with smooth head tilts and arm waves. For factories, this means scalable deployment in stationary or mobile modes, cutting repetitive strain injuries and accelerating output. Kawada positions Fillie for broader adoption in logistics and service sectors, where human-robot synergy drives productivity gains.

Dexterity Enablers Unveiled

Fillie's skill architecture empowers fluid human interactions through its 71.4 x 59.7 x 27 cm frame and 29 kg weight, allowing easy repositioning for collaborative sessions. Stereo head cameras and hand sensors deliver dexterous grasping of packages or instruments, while IMU and force feedback enable gentle people contacts. Axis speeds like 300 deg/s wrist rotation support natural gestures, with a 3-5 year memory battery sustaining long-term learning. Fixed-base or trolley navigation via visual markers ensures precise positioning, activating safety modes like collision detection and emergency stops for uninterrupted teamwork.

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