Are Humanoid Robots About to Enter Mass Production?

"Men in Metal" Are Humanoid Robots About to Enter Mass Production?

2025-05-23 From Manuel Christa | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

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The Automatica 2025 shows: Humanoid robots are on the rise. Manufacturers from the USA, China, and Germany present models that can grip, walk, and navigate independently. A global race has begun.

The humanoid Atlas from Boston Dynamics is among the most technologically advanced robots.(Image: Messe München GmbH) — The humanoid Atlas from Boston Dynamics is among the most technologically advanced robots.
(Image: Messe München GmbH)

Recently in Beijing, 20 humanoid robots ran in the half marathon against humans. The message: China is taking the race seriously. By 2028, the country aims to become the market leader. Development is also accelerating in the USA.

Technology Leader USA

Agility Robotics introduces a bipedal robot named Digit into warehouses. "Bipedal robots are designed for coexistence with humans and offer versatility and mobility beyond what wheel-based drives can achieve," says Jonathan Hurst, Chief Robot Officer. Apptronik is taking similar steps with Apollo and is collaborating with NASA, Nvidia, and Mercedes-Benz. "We are developing the most advanced and capable humanoid robots in the world to support people in meaningful and revolutionary ways," says CEO Jeff Cardenas.

German Perspectives are Promising

Germany is also making its presence felt. Igus introduces an affordable humanoid named Iggy Rob, which utilizes its own components like ReBeL cobots. The DLR presents new research approaches and collaborates with Siemens. "Close collaboration with leading German industrial partners like Siemens is essential to securing the competitiveness of European robotics in the future," says Institute Director Alin Albu-Schäffer.

Growth market with pressure

Tesla is planning robots for the household, Goldman Sachs estimates the market at $38 billion in 2035. China wants humanoids to perform five percent of all jobs—that would be 35 million units. Unitree is launching a model called the G1 for $18,200 USD. "There are already orders from home and abroad," says marketing manager Qian Yuqi.

At Automatica, research and industry converge. Melonee Wise from Agility and Carolin Richter from BMW report from practice. One thing is clear: the introduction of humanoid robots is no longer a question of if, but when. (mc)

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Date: 08.12.2025

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