The robotics landscape is undergoing a major transformation as 2024 comes to a close. Autonomous mobile robots are revolutionizing warehouse operations, drone delivery networks are expanding across the UK's skies, and collaborative robots are becoming more common on factory floors. Despite these advances, the UK still lags behind its G7 peers in robotics adoption, with just 119 robots per 10,000 manufacturing employees—less than half the density of comparable European economies.

Figure 1. Humanoid Robots Poised to Enter Factories and Homes in 2025.

This gap between potential and reality makes 2025 a pivotal year. While emerging technologies like AI open up new possibilities for robotics across industries, numerous technical and practical challenges remain. Figure 1 shows Humanoid Robots Poised to Enter Factories and Homes in 2025

Looking ahead, several key developments are set to accelerate the integration of robots into our workplaces, homes, and public services.

Breakthroughs in Humanoid Dexterity

To achieve mass adoption of humanoid robots in industry and society, they must be able to perform a broader range of complex tasks beyond simple pick-and-place operations. Advances in humanoid dexterity are expected in 2025, with platforms like Figure 3 showcasing “advanced dexterity” for high-rate manufacturing. Over 100 humanoid robot models have already been developed globally, and the real test will come when they are deployed at scale by the end of next year. Agility Robotics' partnership with Schaeffler AG is a key example of how humanoid technology is being integrated into global operations.

AI-Powered Educational Robotics Go Mainstream

In 2025, educational robots powered by Large Language Models (LLMs) will move from pilot projects to widespread use. We’re already seeing robots like AV1 in the UK helping children who struggle with school attendance, improving local attendance rates. These robots offer emotional support, maintain vital school connections, and can even help children with medical needs stay integrated in education, showing the transformative potential of this technology.

Task-Specific AI Models Enhance Robot Performance

In 2025, robots will become more efficient through the use of task-specific AI models. Unlike general-purpose AI, which requires extensive retraining, task-specific models will allow robots to adapt quickly to their environments, reducing time and cost. This will make robots more accurate and efficient, paving the way for broader adoption.

Privacy-First Design Takes Center Stage

As robots become more common in homes and workplaces, the focus on privacy-conscious design will intensify in 2025. Ethical design will be critical, especially as robots collect and process sensitive personal data. Designers will need to balance privacy concerns with the need to create systems that provide useful assistance without compromising trust, particularly in areas like home monitoring systems.

Standardization Becomes Key for Scaling

For robotics to scale effectively, clear industry standards and frameworks will be essential in 2025. Initiatives like the UK’s Health and Safety Executive collaboration with the British Standards Institution and global efforts from organizations like the IEEE will create standards for robot safety, human-robot interaction, and interoperability. These efforts will help ensure that robots can be deployed safely and efficiently on a larger scale.

Looking Ahead

Although there have been previous false starts in robotics, 2025 could mark a turning point in human-robot interaction. With the convergence of specialized AI, advanced manipulation capabilities, and increasing market demand, the conditions are right for significant progress. The challenge will be integrating these technologies into society while addressing privacy and safety concerns, but the potential rewards—both economic and societal—make this a worthwhile endeavor.

Source: New Scientist

Cite this article:

Priyadharshini S (2024), “Humanoid Robots Set to Enter Factories and Homes In 2025”,AnaTechmaz, pp. 292