Robotics Conference in Vienna Humanoid Robots Still Have a Lot to Learn

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Industrial and warehouse workers do not need to fear for their jobs because of humanoid robots yet. For deployment in factories, for example, the AI of humanoids still requires extensive training, as experts emphasized at the ICRA robotics conference in Vienna, Austria. In the medium term, however, they will become part of the working world.

The world's largest professional conference for robotics and automation, the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA), brought more than 8,000 experts from research and industry to Vienna, Austria from June 1 to 6, 2026. In addition to scientific lectures, over 140 companies and research institutes presented their latest developments. Manufacturers of humanoid robots showcased their newest models.

Rapid Market Development Expected by 2035

The consulting firm Roland Berger predicts "an industrial scaling" in the coming years. Thomas Kirschstein, a consultant at Roland Berger, recently told the APA that by 2035, the number of humanoid robots in use could rise to up to 50 million in an optimistic scenario.

During an APA conference tour at the Vienna Exhibition Center, it became apparent that numerous humanoid robots are still manually controlled by humans using a joystick. The major Chinese manufacturers Agibot and Unitree showcased their robots at the conference, which can operate autonomously and are equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI). In the USA and Europe, many prototypes are still under development, whereas in China, mass production is already ramping up. Agibot produced around 5,000 humanoid robots by the end of 2025, and by the end of March 2026, the number had already reached 10,000. The buyers of these robots, such as industrial corporations or research institutions, still need to extensively train their AI for the intended applications.

Agibot is focusing its first larger deliveries and deployments primarily on the Chinese market. Most of the robots delivered so far are being used for testing purposes in industrial manufacturing, logistics, or interactive services, according to Agibot in a statement to APA. Expansion in Europe is still at an early stage. "For Austria and the broader European market, we are actively seeking dialogue with potential industry partners and exploring possibilities together with them," said an Agibot spokesperson.

Robot Revolution or Expensive Hype?

Advancements in AI and robotics hardware could potentially enable humanoid systems to operate at operating costs of around two US dollars per hour, predicts the consultancy Roland Berger. "Currently, there are no productive humanoid robots in operation. Industrial companies are experimenting with isolated tasks, such as assembly or logistics," reports robotics expert Kirschstein. However, there are also critical voices warning of an expensive hype surrounding humanoid robots.

A "state-of-the-art" humanoid robot from China currently costs around 100,000 euros (approx. $107,000). In the coming years, the price for these models could drop to 20,000 to 30,000 euros (approx. $21,500 to $32,000). "We anticipate a business case for humanoid robots in factories by 2028," expects Kirschstein.

"Workmate" robot from Linz, Austria

In Europe, there are around 20 start-ups in the field of humanoid robotics, including the Linz-based start-up Iono Robotics. The domestic company sources some components from China, but the robot head and sensor suit are in-house developments. Currently, they are testing deployment, for example, with local industrial companies.

The robotics conference in Vienna, Austria addressed not only technological developments but also the question of what role robotics and automation will play in the economy and society in the future.

The companies that automate well and are innovative will endure in the long term.

Markus Vincze, Professor at TU Wien and General Chair of the ICRA Conference

For Europe, it will become increasingly important to keep production, know-how, and technological development within its own economic area, according to Prof. Markus Vincze of TU Wien, Austria. Fixed, classic industrial robots, such as those from ABB, Fanuc, or Kuka, perform clearly defined tasks. However, modern robotics systems use AI, and the robots can flexibly perform tasks.

Humanoid Robots and the Security Issue

"Especially when robots work alongside humans, additional safety mechanisms are needed," says Vincze. With AI alone, it is not yet possible to guarantee that a system will always operate within safe boundaries.

Outside of industrial companies, robotics is expected to eventually support people in their everyday lives. "I am convinced that in the next ten to fifteen years, we will see significantly more robotics in daily life," Vincze predicts. "Not as science fiction, but as practical assistance in everyday life."

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