Humanoid Robot KOID Captivates New York City with Marketing Stunt

A humanoid robot named KOID made a striking debut in Midtown Manhattan, captivating onlookers during a promotional event for KraneShares. The marketing stunt, which took place last week, aimed to promote the firm’s new Global Humanoid and Embodied Intelligence Index ETF, launched in June 2023. Priced at approximately $100,000, the robot was designed by Chinese company Unitree and operates using Stanford University’s OpenMind software.

As KOID walked along Fifth Avenue, it attracted an array of reactions from pedestrians. The robot was seen engaging in various activities, including purchasing a hot dog, posing for selfies, and even trying on sneakers at a local Hoka store, much to the surprise of the staff. The event was shared widely on social media, showcasing the robot’s interactive capabilities.

The public’s response varied widely. A blind man praised the technology, highlighting its potential benefits for individuals who might be unable to use traditional guide dogs due to allergies or other concerns. Another onlooker expressed a playful desire for such technology to assist with household chores. Yet, not all feedback was positive. One man expressed strong disapproval, stating, “To mess with humanity . . . y’all gotta stop. Satan, I rebuke you to hell.”

Technology Meets Marketing

The KOID robot previously marked its presence by ringing the opening bell at the Nasdaq. The marketing initiative reflects KraneShares’ ambition to capitalize on the growing interest in humanoid robotics. Joseph Dube, KraneShares’ marketing head, indicated that the firm has already garnered $28 million in assets under management since launching the ETF. He noted, “At some point these robots will be so common that it’s not going to have the wow factor that it currently has. We’re definitely taking advantage of a moment in time.”

The KOID robot was operated remotely during the Midtown event but is fully programmable and currently utilized in research labs and universities. This aligns with broader trends in the industry, as the Morgan Stanley Global Humanoid Model predicts that the humanoid robotics market could expand to 1 billion units by 2050, with the potential to generate $5 trillion in annual revenue.

The increasing integration of robotics into everyday life raises questions about the future of automation and its implications for society. As technology continues to evolve, public sentiment will likely play a crucial role in shaping the acceptance and use of humanoid robots. While many see the potential for innovative applications, others remain skeptical about the impact on human interaction and labor.

In this rapidly changing landscape, the spectacle of KOID in New York City serves as a vivid illustration of the intersection between technology and marketing, capturing both the imagination and concerns of the public.