Introduction
From pouring craft beer and boxing with precision to stacking shelves and playing mahjong—humanoid robots took center stage like never before. These demonstrations unfolded at the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, where over 150 humanoid robots weren’t just being displayed—they were offering a real glimpse into how machines might soon operate in our daily lives. No longer confined to labs or science fiction, these robots showed they are ready to work, serve, and even entertain alongside us.
This rapid advancement reflects more than a fascination with human-like design—it signals a shift in function. Humanoid robots are engineered to operate in spaces built for people. With bipedal mobility, articulated limbs, and AI-powered perception, they can navigate offices, homes, and factories without special infrastructure. Combined with progress in AI in robotics, machine learning for robotics, and robotics automation, these machines are moving beyond repetition to contextual interaction and collaboration.
Adoption is also gaining speed. Experts forecast that by 2035, over 13 million humanoid robots may be deployed in the United States alone. This surge points to a broader shift toward smart manufacturing, factory automation, and robot-assisted services in logistics, healthcare, and education.
As this blog explores what humanoid robots can do, how they’re built, and the challenges they face, one thing is clear: they’re not just on the way—they’re already becoming part of the human world.
Why Are Humanoid Robots Gaining Popularity?
The rise of the humanoid robot is not a passing trend—it’s a strategic response to global pressures and shifting workforce needs. Their increasing popularity can be traced to a combination of demographic changes, technological progress, and a renewed focus on robotics automation as a long-term solution to persistent labor and efficiency challenges.
Addressing Global Labor Shortages
Many countries, especially those with aging populations like Japan, South Korea, Germany, and even parts of the United States, are experiencing labor shortages across essential industries. Roles in logistics, healthcare, factory automation, and even customer service are becoming harder to fill—not just because of aging demographics, but also because fewer people are willing to take on repetitive, physically demanding, or lower-paying jobs.
This is where humanoid robots offer a compelling solution. Designed with human-like mobility and proportions, these robots can work in existing environments—using the same elevators, doorways, and tools humans already use. Unlike traditional industrial machines that require tailored infrastructure, humanoid robots are ready to plug into human workflows without extensive retrofitting. This makes them ideal for fast deployment across warehouses, hospitals, and even retail environments.
Built for Dirty, Dull, and Dangerous Tasks
In robotics, the “Three D’s” still hold true: dirty, dull, and dangerous tasks are often the first to be automated. Humanoid robots excel in environments that are either unsafe for humans—like disaster recovery, high-temperature areas, or chemical exposure—or too monotonous to keep a human engaged. These robots can tirelessly repeat tasks like packaging, sorting, and inspection, helping reduce workplace injuries and fatigue.
In disaster zones, for instance, human-like form factors are advantageous. They can navigate debris, climb stairs, and manipulate tools the same way a human would—making them especially useful in emergency response or hazardous maintenance work.
Designed to Collaborate, Not Just Replace
As robotics technology rapidly advances, the role of humanoid robots is evolving from replacement tools to collaborative partners. These machines are no longer built just to take over human jobs, but to work alongside people in dynamic, shared environments. Increasingly, they’re being deployed as cobots (collaborative robots)—equipped with safety features, intuitive interfaces, and adaptable behavior that allows them to support human workers.
In summary, humanoid robots are gaining traction because they seamlessly integrate into the world we've already built. Designed to navigate spaces made for humans, they offer practical solutions to challenges in labor, safety, and productivity—without the need for expensive, large-scale infrastructure changes. Their adaptability makes them a natural fit for the evolving landscape of robotics automation and human-machine collaboration.
But the real question is: what are they actually doing today? As interest in AI in robotics and smart manufacturing continues to grow, these machines are no longer confined to research labs or trade show demos. Across industries, humanoid robots are stepping into real roles—with real responsibilities. From warehouses and classrooms to hotels and hazardous zones, they’re already showing how human-like design can translate into real-world function.
What Can Humanoid Robots Do in 2025?
In our previous blog, Star Wars Day: Celebrating the Force and Robots in 2025, we introduced major innovators like Boston Dynamics, Tesla, along with their iconic robots such as Atlas and Optimus. So in this section, we shift focus from the headline-makers to highlight featured robots already performing specific, high-impact roles—demonstrating how their human-like form brings unique advantages to a variety of industries.
Factory and Logistics: One of the standout examples in factory automation is the UBTech Walker S2. This robot doesn't just mimic human motion—it brings practical innovations to the floor. The Walker S2 can swap its own battery, enabling near-continuous 24/7 operation without human assistance. This kind of autonomy hints at the future of predictive maintenance with AI, where robots can detect wear, manage energy needs, and resolve issues before failure happens. It’s a powerful example of machine learning for robotics being used not just for smart decisions—but for efficient action.
In the world of warehouse logistics, Digit—developed by Agility Robotics and deployed at Amazon—represents the new class of industrial robots built for dynamic, human-designed spaces. Digit is a two-legged robot that can walk through warehouse aisles, lift and carry tote bins, and collaborate with human workers. Its bipedal design allows it to operate in existing warehouse layouts without needing a redesign, making it a strong fit for companies seeking to scale up robotics automation with minimal disruption.
Rescue and Hazard Response: Robots aren't only here to make work easier—they're also being built to do what humans can't. After the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011, various types of robots were deployed to survey and clean radioactive zones. While the initial wave of robots faced serious technical limitations, the incident exposed the critical need for humanoid robots capable of navigating debris, climbing stairs, and using tools in highly hazardous conditions.
Fast forward to 2025, and we now have iRonCub, a jet-powered flying humanoid robot developed by the Italian Institute of Technology. At just over three feet tall, iRonCub combines walking and jet-assisted flight—allowing it to reach inaccessible or dangerous areas, such as collapsed buildings or chemical spill sites. It’s currently being tested for disaster response, where its unique mobility could one day help rescue victims or transport medical supplies into unsafe zones.
Service and Hospitality: Humanoid robots are finding their way into hospitality and service roles—especially where a human-like appearance and approachable behavior can make guests feel comfortable. For example, robots like Zerith H1 are specifically designed for hotel housekeeping. They autonomously navigate corridors, clean and vacuum rooms, and restock amenities—tasks traditionally done by human staff—with precision and consistency. Another well-known example is Pepper, used as a reception robot at hotels, airports, and commercial venues worldwide. Pepper can greet guests, answer basic questions, and assist with directions—bridging robotics automation and customer engagement.
These robots demonstrate how AI in robotics and service automation can streamline operations. The hospitality sector benefits by reallocating staff to more complex tasks that require empathy or judgment, while robots handle repetitive or physically demanding chores.
Education and Home Learning: Humanoid robots are becoming increasingly useful in classrooms—not just as interactive tools, but as AI-powered teaching assistants. One standout example is the WhalesBot H7 (Linktree: https://linktr.ee/WhalesBot), a humanoid robot designed with embodied intelligence and responsive movement. In school settings, H7 can assist teachers by interacting with students, guiding them through activities, and answering basic questions, helping to create a more engaging and supportive learning environment.
From warehouses and classrooms to disaster zones and hospitality venues, humanoid robots in 2025 are stepping into a wide range of real-world roles. Their ability to walk, communicate, and work in spaces built for humans is no longer theoretical—it’s happening. But while their functions are expanding, these robots are still far from perfect. Behind each impressive demo lies a complex web of technical and practical hurdles. In the next section, we’ll explore the biggest challenges that still stand between today’s promising prototypes and tomorrow’s fully capable humanoid workforce.
What Are the Main Challenges Facing Humanoid Robots?
Even with major breakthroughs in AI and engineering, humanoid robots still face a number of real-world barriers—especially when it comes to scalability, cost, and integration into human environments.
Affordability and Durability
Cost remains one of the biggest hurdles. High-performance models like Boston Dynamics’ Atlas can cost upwards of $500,000, while Tesla’s Optimus is targeting around $30,000. Though cheaper, it still struggles with reliability and task complexity. These robots require high-end components—custom actuators, large batteries, durable materials—and balancing strength, weight, and energy efficiency remains technically challenging.
While tools like the digital twin in manufacturing allow engineers to simulate and refine robot design before production, hardware limitations (especially batteries) still restrict uptime, mobility, and physical strength.
Functional Performance and Productivity
Compared to task-specific industrial robots or fast, precise SCARA robots, most humanoids are still slow and limited in function. Robots like Optimus and Digit can walk and carry light loads but can’t yet match human productivity on complex or fast-paced jobs.
For humanoids to truly function in factory automation or logistics, they need better perception, real-time decision-making, and mechanical dexterity. These demands require advances in machine learning for robotics and more efficient actuation systems that mimic human-level responsiveness.
Safety in Shared Spaces
Unlike stationary industrial robots, humanoids move freely through human spaces—which raises new safety concerns. A robot like Digit, which weighs over 100 pounds, could cause injury if it trips or falls. In public or shared workspaces, engineers must build in fall-prevention systems, compliant materials, and emergency stop protocols.
The robotics field is now pushing for humanoid-specific safety standards, similar to those that govern collaborative robots (cobots) used in smart factories.
Impact on Employment
The effect of robotics automation on employment is a complex and ongoing discussion—and one we've explored in detail in our recent blog on What Are Industrial Robots and Why Are They the Backbone of Smart Manufacturing. With humanoid robots, the conversation becomes even more nuanced. These machines are being introduced to help address labor shortages in sectors like logistics, eldercare, and food service—where jobs are often physically demanding, repetitive, or difficult to staff. However, they also raise new concerns about replacing human workers, particularly in low-wage or routine roles where automation could be more cost-effective than hiring.
Some companies position humanoids as tools that augment human labor, supporting workers by taking over repetitive tasks and improving workplace safety. Others caution that, without clear regulation and reskilling pathways, these robots could accelerate job displacement in vulnerable sectors. The real impact will depend on how businesses deploy humanoid robots, and how governments and institutions prepare the workforce for the shift—with a strong focus on retraining, education, and inclusive technology policy.
Social Acceptance and Trust
Even the best technology won’t succeed without public trust. Some people are eager to embrace robot assistants. Others experience discomfort or even robophobia, especially when robots appear almost human but behave unpredictably—what’s known as the “uncanny valley” effect.
For humanoid robots to be accepted in homes, hospitals, and customer-facing roles, designers must focus on user-friendly behavior, emotional cues, and clear communication. Building confidence and transparency will be as important as mechanical performance.
Conclusion:
As humanoid robots transition from research labs into real-world environments, their potential roles are expanding rapidly—supporting tasks in factory automation, assisting in healthcare, teaching in education, and more. But with this growth comes a deeper question: how should humanity guide the rise of intelligent machines?
Speaking at WAIC 2025, AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton called on the global community to approach AI and robotics development with both urgency and cooperation. “We are entering a period where digital intelligence will compete with biological intelligence,” Hinton said. “How this plays out depends on choices made by governments, researchers, and the public.”
For now, the aim is not to replace people, but to build safe, socially responsible, and human-aligned systems. The future of AI in robotics will require shared ethical frameworks, robust regulation, and open collaboration across borders and disciplines. With continued advances in smart manufacturing, robotics automation, and human-centered design, humanoid robots are poised to become more than machines. They may soon be trusted teammates, helping shape a future where digital intelligence and human intelligence grow together—not apart. As we move forward, the question isn’t just what robots can do. It’s what kind of future we want to build—with them, and for ourselves.
