The humanoid robotics industry has gained traction. What once seemed confined to science fiction is rapidly becoming an everyday reality. By 2026, we may see humanoid robots entering private homes to handle everyday tasks like laundry and dishes. By 2040, the global population of these robots could reach 10 billion, with their labor potentially costing as little as $10 per day.
Living organisms tend to perpetuate their species, and humans—among the most prolific—have now gone beyond biology to replicate our form in machines. Humanoid robots, both as physical constructs and concepts, have existed for centuries. From the Jewish tradition of golems to Leonardo da Vinci’s 1495 design for a humanoid automaton resembling a knight in armor, our fascination with creating human-like machines runs deep in our cultural history.
Atlas humanoid robot performing industrial tasks. Image credit: Boston Dynamics
Modern humanoid robots are evolving rapidly, with 2024 potentially being remembered as the year these machines proliferated to the point of inevitability. The humanoid robot market, valued at US$2.1 billion in 2020, is projected to reach US$7.9 billion by 2025 according to BCC Research, with other estimates suggesting growth to approximately $13.25 billion by 2029.
“If you lease it like you lease a car, a $30,000 car, your price point per month is 300 bucks,” explains Peter Diamandis, renowned futurist and investor. “And that translates amazingly to $10 a day and 40 cents an hour. So you’ve got labor that’s waiting for whatever your wish is.”
This transformation represents one of the most significant shifts in human economic activity. While analysts differ on potential market size—Goldman Sachs projects $38 billion by 2035, while Ark Invest suggests the resulting economic value could reach $24 trillion—the implications are clear: humanoid robots are poised to revolutionize multiple sectors.
Global Leaders in Humanoid Robotics
The race to develop effective humanoid robots is intensifying, with profound implications for economic power, labor costs, and societal structures. Let’s examine the 16 leading manufacturers shaping this emerging industry.
1. Tesla (USA) – Optimus
Tesla’s entry into humanoid robotics demonstrates the company’s continued expansion beyond electric vehicles. Unveiled in 2021, Optimus is designed for general-purpose tasks deemed “dangerous, repetitive, and boring.” Tesla aims to begin low-volume production by 2025, targeting a price between $20,000 and $30,000.
Leveraging its achievements in Full Self-Driving chip technology and autonomous algorithms, Tesla’s Artificial Intelligence & Autopilot Division is developing Optimus as an all-around servant. The robot has been deliberately scaled down in size and strength to address safety concerns.
2. Figure AI (USA) – Figure 02
Founded in 2022, Figure AI has quickly established itself as a major player in humanoid robotics. The company’s initial robot, Figure 01, set the foundation for their more advanced Figure 02, which features highly flexible, human-like fingers and can interpret voice commands through integration with OpenAI.
In 2024, Figure AI secured an impressive $675 million in funding from investors including OpenAI, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Jeff Bezos, valuing the company at $2.6 billion. Figure 02 robots are currently being tested in BMW’s manufacturing facilities.
3. Agility Robotics (USA) – Digit
Founded in 2015, Agility Robotics has developed Digit, a bipedal robot designed primarily for logistics and warehouse applications. Digit can walk, run, climb stairs, sense its environment, and manually carry loads, making it ideal as a warehouse assistant. Its all-weather capabilities also allow it to serve outdoors.
Digit has already been deployed in facilities such as Spanx warehouses and is being tested by Amazon for distribution and fulfillment tasks. Agility has raised approximately $28.8 million over three funding rounds, attracting investors like Playground Global and ITIC.
4. Boston Dynamics (USA) – Atlas
As one of the most established players in the field, Boston Dynamics developed Atlas, their humanoid robot, in 2013. Standing five feet tall and weighing around 190 pounds, Atlas has become known for its remarkable agility, performing parkour, dancing, and acrobatics.
Founded in 1992 as a spinoff from MIT, Boston Dynamics focuses on building machines that reduce work-related risks and difficulties. The company works with NASA, the US Army, and Sony Corporation to develop advanced robots for complex challenges. South Korean conglomerate Hyundai Motor Group holds an 80% stake in the company, with Japan’s SoftBank holding the remaining 20%.
5. Unitree (China) – G1
Unitree Robotics is preparing to mass-produce the G1 humanoid robot at a price point of $16,000. The G1 features 23 degrees of freedom, enabling it to walk, climb stairs, and manipulate objects with its three-fingered hands. Initially targeted at robotics research, the G1 is expected to be commercially available soon.
Unitree also offers the H1, another humanoid model in their growing portfolio, positioning the company as a significant player in making humanoid robotics more accessible.
6. 1X Technologies (USA/Norway) – NEO
Formerly known as Halodi Robotics, 1X is a Norwegian robotics company with offices in Oslo and San Francisco, developing humanoid robots to assist humans in everyday tasks. Their focus on safety and affordability sets them apart, with their robot EVE designed for roles in security, healthcare, and other service-oriented industries.
More recently, 1X released NEO Beta, a humanoid robot specifically designed for home use. The company prioritizes safety in its home robots and has used a biologically inspired design. Currently being tested in homes, NEO represents 1X’s vision for consumer-friendly humanoid robotics.
What distinguishes 1X is their emphasis on developing robots that can work safely around people without extensive safety barriers—a crucial factor for practical adoption in everyday environments. In 2023, 1X secured a $23.5 million Series A-1 funding round with participation from OpenAI, signaling strong investor confidence in their approach to safe, practical humanoid robotics.
7. AgiBot (China) – Yuanzheng A2
AgiBot launched its first “general purpose” humanoid robot last year, targeting the industrial space. The company’s Yuanzheng A2 model represents their push into the humanoid market, while also maintaining a presence in traditional robotic arms, potentially easing the transition for customers considering humanoid solutions.
8. Apptronik (USA) – Apollo
Based in Austin, Texas, Apptronik has developed Apollo, a versatile humanoid robot designed for industrial and commercial applications. Apollo is built to perform collaborative tasks alongside humans in dynamic environments, from logistics and manufacturing to healthcare and hospitality.
Formed in 2016 with roots in the NASA Johnson Space Center, Apptronik has recently announced a partnership with Amazon to develop and test humanoid robots in the e-commerce giant’s warehouses, potentially revolutionizing logistics operations.
9. Beijing HRIC (China) – Tiangong
Beijing HRIC has developed Tiangong, adding to China’s growing presence in the humanoid robotics field. As China continues to invest heavily in robotics and automation, companies like Beijing HRIC are aiming to play significant roles in the global market.
10. EngineAI (China) – PM01/SE01
EngineAI’s PM01 is a lifelike humanoid robot featuring exceptional acrobatic skills and an unusual “owl-like” waist capable of rotating 320 degrees. Designed for flexibility and speed, PM01 targets businesses, researchers, and developers, with commercial availability expected in early 2025.
The company also offers the SE01 model, further expanding their portfolio of advanced humanoid solutions. EngineAI’s rapid development trajectory illustrates the accelerating pace of innovation in the Chinese humanoid robotics sector.
11. Engineered Arts (UK) – Ameca
UK-based Engineered Arts specializes in ultra-realistic humanoid robots for entertainment, research, and public engagement. Their signature product, Ameca, is renowned for its stunningly lifelike facial expressions and interactive capabilities, making it popular for exhibitions, research labs, and media productions. Ameca combines cutting-edge AI with precise engineering to create an engaging humanoid robot capable of real-time conversations and activities.
Founded in 2005, Engineered Arts has established itself by pushing the boundaries of human-like movement and communication. The company also produces Mesmer robots, which are designed to be highly expressive and anatomically accurate, providing realistic human-like movements and expressions. Their robots are frequently used for educational demonstrations, marketing events, and public performances, blurring the line between machine and human interaction.
12. Fourier Intelligence (China) – GR-2
Fourier Intelligence specializes in developing intelligent humanoid robots for medical rehabilitation. Their GR-2 model exemplifies their focus on healthcare applications. With products deployed in over 2,000 clients across more than 40 countries, Fourier Intelligence is providing high-performance rehabilitation solutions globally.
13. Kepler (China) – Forerunner K2
Kepler’s Forerunner K2 humanoid robot adds to China’s significant presence in the humanoid robotics industry. As China continues to invest in automation technologies, companies like Kepler are poised to play important roles in the global market’s development.
14. Robot Era (China) – Star 1
Robot Era’s Star 1 is a full-length humanoid robot, complementing the company’s broader portfolio, which includes half-body robots (from the waist up) and wheeled humanoids. This diverse approach allows Robot Era to address various market needs and applications.
15. Sanctuary AI (Canada) – Phoenix
Sanctuary AI, based in Canada, focuses on creating humanoid robots with human-like intelligence to assist in various work environments. Their Phoenix robot is designed as a general-purpose robot capable of performing a wide range of tasks across different industries, enhancing safety and efficiency in the workplace.
16. Xpeng (China)
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng has entered the humanoid robotics field, leveraging their expertise in autonomous systems and electric propulsion. Their entry further illustrates how automotive companies are diversifying into robotics, recognizing potential synergies between autonomous vehicles and humanoid robots.
Additional Notable Players in the Humanoid Robotics Space
While the 16 companies above represent the primary manufacturers highlighted in industry analyses, several other significant players deserve mention:
Hanson Robotics (Hong Kong)
Renowned for developing ultra-realistic humanoid robots with lifelike appearances and expressions, Hanson Robotics gained global attention with Sophia, the first robot granted citizenship (by Saudi Arabia). Named as a UN Development Programme champion, Sophia has appeared on numerous talk shows including Good Morning Britain and The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. In 2022, the company launched Grace, a healthcare-focused robot designed to assist medical workers, particularly in elder care.
PAL Robotics (Spain)
Founded in Barcelona in 2004, PAL Robotics introduced Europe’s first fully autonomous humanoid robot. The company creates precision-engineered machines designed for human collaboration in both domestic and industrial settings. Their portfolio includes TALOS (a 1.75-meter tall bipedal robot capable of walking, running, and carrying tools up to 6kg), ARI (a wheeled AI-enabled humanoid), and TIAGo (featuring an articulated arm and gripper for industrial environments).
Shadow Robot Company (UK)
Established in 1987, London-based Shadow Robot Company specializes in highly articulated robotic hands modeled after human physiology. Their Tactile Telerobot—the world’s first haptic telerobotic hand—enables remote operators to manipulate distant objects with surgical precision while receiving realistic touch feedback. Their specialized focus on dexterity fills a crucial niche in robotics.
Toyota Research Institute (Japan)
While not exclusively focused on humanoid robots, Toyota’s research arm has developed the T-HR3, a remote-controlled humanoid designed for space travel. Using 5G technology, T-HR3 can be controlled from distances up to 10km, featuring a sensor-equipped head and fully articulated limbs. This builds on Toyota’s earlier robotics work, including the musical Toyota Partner Robots showcased in 2005.
The Geographic Distribution of Innovation
The development of humanoid robots is largely concentrated in two countries: the United States and China. Of the 16 leading manufacturers, six are based in the United States, eight in China, one in the United Kingdom, and one in Canada. Notably absent are major initiatives from the European Union, South America, and Africa, though companies like PAL Robotics represent European contributions to the field.
This concentration raises important questions about which countries will dominate the future of robotics technology and, by extension, global economic power. Nations that successfully develop effective and efficient humanoid robots will gain advantages in labor force costs and size—crucial factors for global economic influence, particularly for countries with aging populations.
Applications and Market Potential
Humanoid robots, both wheeled and bipedal, offer businesses, institutions, and consumers a full range of applications across numerous sectors:
Education and Research
Educational institutions are adopting humanoid platforms to teach robotics, AI, and human-machine interaction. These robots provide valuable platforms for research in mobility, dexterity, and autonomous operation.
Healthcare and Eldercare
With aging populations in many developed countries, humanoid robots show promise for assisting medical professionals and providing care support. Hanson Robotics’ Grace exemplifies this focus, designed specifically for healthcare settings. The UN predicts that by 2030, the United States will have a dependency ratio of 25%—25 people over 70 years old for each 100 people aged 24 to 69—creating urgent demand for eldercare solutions.
Industrial and Warehouse Operations
Companies like Amazon and BMW are already testing humanoid robots for logistics, manufacturing, and warehouse operations. These robots can perform repetitive, dangerous tasks while working alongside human employees.
Public Relations and Customer Service
Robots like SoftBank’s Pepper (discontinued in 2021 but widely deployed) demonstrated the potential for humanoid platforms in customer-facing roles as guides, concierges, and information providers.
High-Risk Environments
Humanoids can be deployed in dangerous settings like disaster areas, nuclear facilities, or space exploration, reducing human exposure to hazardous conditions.
Economic Transformation
The potential impact of humanoid robots extends far beyond these specific applications. As Peter Diamandis suggests, they could fundamentally reshape global economics:
“What made China successful over the last 40-odd years is their low labor rate,” Diamandis explains. “They had a lot of humans at very low cost that could manufacture almost anything… but the cost of living has been going up in China, so the labor rate per hour is going up.”
This dynamic is playing out globally: “California minimum wage is 20 bucks an hour. How do you ever not put a robot in that spot at 40 cents an hour? Which works 24/7, no drug testing, no fights with her girlfriend or boyfriend, no sick days. I mean, it gets pretty compelling.”
The discrepancy in market valuation projections—from Goldman Sachs’ $38 billion estimate to Ark Invest’s $24 trillion—stems from differing views on which jobs humanoid robots will ultimately perform. Brett Adcock, CEO of Figure AI, notes that “50% of Global Domestic Product (GDP) is paying humans to do work every day, in other words human labor. That amounts to a marketplace of $40 trillion a year. It’s ten times bigger than all of transportation combined.”
Technical Breakthroughs Enabling Humanoid Robot Evolution
Several key technological advances have accelerated humanoid robot development in recent years:
Computing Power
One of the main constraints in developing humanoid robotics has historically been computing limitations. Recent quantum leaps in processing power—both within single microprocessors and in aggregate systems—have removed these barriers. NVIDIA’s recently announced Jetson Thor, a specialized computing system for humanoid robots, exemplifies this trend, creating a well-formed ecosystem in which these machines can thrive.
AI and Machine Learning
Integration of advanced AI, particularly large language models and computer vision systems, has dramatically improved robots’ ability to understand environments, recognize objects, and interact naturally with humans.
Materials Science
Developments in lightweight yet strong materials, improved actuators, and better battery technology have enabled more capable physical designs that can operate longer with less power.
Military Applications
The Russia-Ukraine war has demonstrated how autonomous and semi-autonomous systems are increasingly dominating modern warfare. Companies like Anduril have announced billion-dollar investments into hyper-scale factories to produce autonomous systems and weapons for the United States and its allies, further driving innovation.
Conclusion: Building a Post-Labor Society
As humanoid robots become increasingly integrated into our economy and society, we face important questions about the world we want to build. Ideally, this technology would fulfill the vision expressed by Indian thinker Sadhguru: “Technology is the means by which humanity takes a vacation from basic survival.”
However, the path forward contains both opportunities and challenges. Beyond the economic implications, nations or geopolitical groupings that solve autonomous humanoid robots will have the opportunity to remake their communities in a world where labor costs approach zero.
If you are interested in this topic, we suggest you check our articles:
- Humanoid Robots Arrive – Elon Musk’s Vision for The Near Future
- What Are the Top AI Predictions for 2025 According to Experts?
- Nvidia’s Isaac GR00T N1: Coming Forward with the Age of Generalist Robotics
Sources: Forbes, Ross Dawson,
Written by Alius Noreika
