Aalto University Foundation sr ("Aalto University") is conducting a market dialogue regarding a potential future procurement. The envisaged subject of the procurement is the acquisition of one (1) or two (2) bipedal humanoid robots with dexterous hands for research and educational use. The preliminary scope comprises the supply of robots, documentation, software, commissioning support, training, warranty and maintenance options, and associated integration services. The market dialogue concerns complete humanoid robot systems rather than components alone. Through a potential competitive tendering procedure, Aalto University seeks a supplier capable of delivering the systems to a high standard and in the most economically advantageous manner. This notice is not an invitation to tender. The purpose of the market dialogue is to determine the appropriate scope of the procurement and the capabilities of potential tenderers. Registering companies are expected to have comprehensive expertise in humanoid robotics and a full-service offering covering delivery, integration, software support, and after-sales services, preferably with broad experience in selling and servicing bipedal humanoid platforms. All information herein is preliminary and indicative only. Responding or not does not prevent participation in any subsequent procurement procedure. The market dialogue does not oblige Aalto University to carry out a procurement procedure. Participants will not be compensated. Preliminary technical scope and capabilities (subject to refinement). Aalto University anticipates the humanoid robot(s) will meet or exceed the following baseline characteristics: Software and middleware - ROS 2 compatible (e.g., Humble or newer), with actively maintained and documented ROS 2 drivers, wrappers, and example packages for all major subsystems (locomotion interface, perception sensors, manipulation, diagnostics, logging). - Access to SDKs, APIs, and developer documentation, with sample code and simulation assets (e.g., Gazebo/Isaac Sim or equivalent). Mechatronics and form factor - Main body with at least 23 controllable degrees of freedom (DoF). - Height of at least 1.2 m. - Onboard battery life of at least two (2) hours while performing mobile manipulation tasks (combined locomotion and arm/hand use). - Preprogrammed and validated walking/locomotion behaviors (e.g., standing balance, starting/stopping, turning, obstacle avoidance on level indoor terrain). - Minimum single-arm payload of 3 kg under standard operating conditions. Sensing and computing - 3D LiDAR for environment mapping/perception. - One or more RGB-D cameras suitable for manipulation and navigation. - One or more microphones and speakers to support audiovisual interaction. - Onboard high-performance computing module with GPU acceleration suitable for real-time perception and control workloads. Hands and end effectors - Detachable hands (tool-free or documented swap procedure), enabling replacement or upgrades. - Each hand to include at least three articulated fingers. - Integrated tactile sensing on fingers/palm for grasp feedback. - Minimum grasp/lift payload of 1 kg per hand under standard operating conditions. Compliance and safety - Compliance with applicable safety standards and CE/UKCA or equivalent marking as relevant, with risk assessment and user safety documentation. - Remote E-stop and onboard E-stop functionality; diagnostics and fault reporting. MARKET DIALOGUE: Registered companies will be provided with procurement-related documentation for comment. Aalto University reserves the right to arrange individual Teams meetings with registered companies on Aalto University's needs and the company's observations on the procurement, including but not limited to: - Technical readiness relative to the preliminary scope above. - Roadmaps for ROS 2 support, perception and locomotion updates, and hand options. - Lead times, installation and commissioning, training, warranty, and maintenance/service models. - Data, cybersecurity, and software licensing terms. Aalto University will contact registered companies to agree on meeting times, possibly before the registration period has closed. REGISTRATION FOR THE MARKET DIALOGUE: Interested companies should submit their contact details (company name and Business ID, contact person's details) by email to francesco.verdoja@aalto.fi, subject line "Registration - Bipedal humanoid robots with dexterous hands". Registration closes on 24 November 2026 at 12:00 Finnish time.