Trends and developments in humanoid robotics worldwide

Vision, Reality and Future This is how the Trend Toward Humanoid Robots Looks...

2025-08-22 Source: IFR | Translated by AI 3 min Reading Time

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The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) has now released a position paper outlining the trends, limitations, and current state of humanoid robots.

Humanoid robots are currently a major topic. They could serve in industry, the social sector, and households. Not least, Honda introduced Asimo (shown here) 25 years ago. What has happened since and the global state of humanoids is revealed here by the IFR...(Image: Honda) — Humanoid robots are currently a major topic. They could serve in industry, the social sector, and households. Not least, Honda introduced Asimo (shown here) 25 years ago. What has happened since and the global state of humanoids is revealed here by the IFR...
(Image: Honda)

Humanoid robots are considered the next big innovation in robotics. And the world's largest market for industrial robots is China, where concrete plans for the mass production of humanoid robots have already been established, according to the IFR. At the same time, companies in the US and Europe have announced major investment plans in this area of robotics. The vision, therefore, is to create general-purpose robots based on human characteristics. "Futuristic humanoid robots that work in our homes, in businesses, and in public spaces fascinate people," admits Takayuki Ito, President of the IFR. And since the world we live in is tailored to the human body, the idea of a fast, universal helper that resembles us seems quite logical. However, it remains uncertain if and when humanoid machines will see widespread use. It is unlikely that humanoids will replace the robot types currently on the market. Instead, they are expected to complement and expand existing robotic systems and machinery.

This is What’s Happening Worldwide with Humanoid Robots in the USA:

In the United States, tech companies such as Nvidia, Amazon, and Tesla are heavily engaged in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics technologies. Besides funding from the military, this development is also supported by numerous private investments. This has led to a significant start-up scene specializing in humanoid robots. Interest in humanoids is particularly high in logistics and industrial manufacturing, as experts observe. Humanoid robots are seen less as social companions and more as tools designed to help increase productivity and efficiency in these sectors. Consequently, the focus is increasingly on practical applications rather than the integration of robots into daily social life.

China's Robotics Strategy Targets the Service Sector

In China, humanoids occupy a central position in the national robotics strategy, according to the IFR. The government aims to demonstrate competence and global competitiveness in this technological field. The focus of deployment lies in the service sector—for example, in customer support. The automation of production lines in manufacturing and the use of humanoids to reduce dependence on human labor appear to be secondary priorities. The core element of China's robotics strategy is therefore the development of a scalable supply chain for key components.

The Japanese Focus on Humanoid Robots in the Social Sector

Japan is famously a pioneer in the development of humanoid robots. A notable early example is Honda's Asimo, which was unveiled back in October 2000. However, in Japan, robots are seen more as companions than mere tools. Humanoid robots such as Pepper and Palro are therefore primarily designed as social robots. As a result, they are found in educational institutions, retail stores, and eldercare facilities. This orientation clearly reflects the demands of an aging society, which Japan is facing. A key focus of the projects is on robots that can coexist harmoniously with humans and be accepted as part of society. Leading companies like Kawasaki are also developing humanoid robots as a research platform.

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