Humanoids: From Science Fiction to Commercial Reality
Humanoid robots are transitioning from science fiction to commercial reality, with forecasts predicting one robot for every human within the next 25 years.
What is a Humanoid?
Merriam-Webster defines a humanoid as “a nonhuman creature or being with characteristics (such as the ability to walk upright) resembling those of a human.” While humanoids are still in the early stages of development, experts believethey are “at the precipice of a ChatGPT-like spike in investment and popularity”.
Investment
Investment is surging. Venture capitalists invested approximately $2.5 billion in humanoid robotics in 2024. Tesla has set a production goal of 5,000 Optimus robots for 2025. According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Optimus “has the potential to be more significant than the [company’s] vehicle business over time.” Meta has also set high expectations for the humanoid market, as the company seeks to power third-party robotics. Andrew Bosworth, Meta's chief technology officer, notes the company’s Superintelligence AI lab is partnering with the company's robotics division to develop a model capable of performing the software simulations needed to control a dexterous robotic hand.
China is ramping up efforts to lead the humanoid race through “robot boot camps”. The South China Morning Postreports China is establishing large-scale training facilities throughout the country, where robots are tested in a range of scenarios to accelerate product innovation. Leading Chinese companies such as Unitree, UBTech, and Dobot are driving development, positioning China as the dominant player in the humanoid industry.
Market Predictions
The humanoid robot market is expected to reach $5 trillion by 2050, according to Morgan Stanley. Experts expect adoption to remain modest until the mid-2030s, with faster growth in the late 2030s and 2040s.
Bad news for those holding out for a humanoid housekeeper; the overwhelming majority of humanoids are expected to be used for industrial and commercial purposes. To many investors, humanoids are seen as a solution to workforce shortages, productivity challenges, unsafe working conditions, and repetitive tasks. These robots that resemble and act like humans are considered ideal solutions for repetitive assembly tasks in manufacturing, quality inspection and control, and logistics and material handling, such as loading and unloading trucks and containers. Nurabot, an AI-powered nursing robot developed by Foxconn, seeks to assist nurses by handling repetitive or strenuous activities, including medication delivery and patient escorting. In the education space, humanoid robots are being used to supportchildren with disabilities in Serbia. The humanoids help teachers “bridge the gap between exclusion and participation” by breaking down physical, cognitive, and social barriers.
Conclusion
Fueled by fierce global competition and billions in investment, rapid progress in AI and robotics is preparing humanoid machines to reshape how industries function.