Fauna Robotics has unveiled Sprout, a 3.5-foot-tall humanoid robot designed for safe interaction in shared human spaces. Priced at $50,000, Sprout offers a smaller, more affordable alternative to larger humanoids, targeting hotels, offices, entertainment venues, and upscale homes, bringing practical robotics into everyday environments.
Sprout weighs under 100 pounds and features rounded edges, soft-touch surfaces, and advanced sensors to operate safely around people. Its modular arms and hands can perform delicate tasks like carrying trays or opening doors, as well as more robust duties like moving luggage or guiding guests.
The robot also incorporates natural language processing for conversation, providing greetings, directions, or basic concierge support. Autonomous navigation is powered by LiDAR, cameras, and SLAM technology, allowing Sprout to avoid obstacles and maneuver through crowded areas. Batteries last six to eight hours, with quick-swap options for extended use, and remote monitoring lets humans intervene when necessary.
At a fraction of the cost of full-scale humanoid robots, Sprout is marketed as a practical solution for automating repetitive or labor-intensive guest-facing tasks. Businesses can deploy it in hotels, offices, museums, or events without the complexity or high price of larger robotic systems.
