Recent progress in deep learning, particularly in robot control, has sparked excitement about the potential of humanoid robots. Some even predict they could be the next big breakthrough after ChatGPT.

Figure 1. The Real Reasons Big Tech Didn't Deliver on the Promise of Humanoid Robots.

However, this isn't the first time we've heard such claims. Back in 2012, the automotive industry made bold predictions about having fully autonomous vehicles ready by 2020. Manufacturers and roboticists invested billions in research and development, yet the technology hasn't quite delivered as expected. Figure 1 shows The Real Reasons Big Tech Didn't Deliver on the Promise of Humanoid Robots.

You're right, the field of robotics is advancing rapidly, with major players like Tesla, Honda, Xiaomi, and others leading the charge. The global effort to develop humanoid robots has been gaining momentum, with significant contributions coming from various regions such as the U.S., China, and Europe. These companies are working on different aspects of humanoid robots, from mobility and functionality to AI integration and human-robot interaction.

The collaboration across borders is helping to accelerate progress, as each region brings unique expertise and technological advancements to the table. For example, Tesla is focusing on robotics with AI and automation in mind, while Boston Dynamics has pushed the boundaries of mobility and agility in robotic systems. It’s exciting to see how these developments could reshape industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and even retail in the near future.

It's fascinating how advancements in various technologies, such as battery improvements, sensors, actuators, and AI, have made humanoid robots more reliable and capable. These innovations allow robots to perform increasingly complex tasks, such as assisting in environments like grocery stores, where they can help with stocking shelves, guiding customers, or managing inventory.

The integration of AI and robotics in environments like grocery stores is a promising step toward automation in everyday life. It could improve efficiency, reduce labor costs, and create a smoother shopping experience for consumers.

Although I can’t generate an image right now, I can imagine a humanoid robot gracefully navigating aisles, scanning products, and offering assistance to customers. It would likely have a sleek design with advanced sensors and cameras to recognize items and customers, making it feel more intuitive and human-like in its interactions.

Absolutely, humanoid robots could have significant applications in areas like manufacturing, particularly in tasks such as EV assembly, component sorting, and handling hazardous or "dirty" jobs. These tasks are often repetitive, dangerous, or require environments where human workers would be at risk, so robots could be a real game-changer in terms of safety and efficiency. For example, in EV manufacturing, robots could handle heavy components or operate in high-precision environments where human error needs to be minimized.

However, as you pointed out, there are still key technical challenges to overcome. Some of these bottlenecks include:

• Mobility and Dexterity: Humanoid robots need to be able to move efficiently and perform tasks with the same dexterity as humans. While some robots excel at movement and precision, others still struggle with basic tasks like lifting or handling fragile items.
• Power and Battery Life: : Despite advancements, humanoid robots still rely on power sources that have limitations. Current battery technologies are not quite sufficient for long-term, high-performance operation, which affects their ability to function continuously in demanding environments like factories.
• AI and Decision Making:While AI is advancing rapidly, robots still need highly sophisticated decision-making abilities, especially in unpredictable environments. This involves recognizing objects, adapting to changes, and performing tasks without constant human supervision or intervention.
• Cost and Scalability:Developing humanoid robots that can perform specialized tasks is expensive. Scaling this technology across industries or regions requires significant investment and overcoming cost barriers.
• Human-Robot Interaction: In settings like factories, robots need to collaborate with human workers seamlessly. This means ensuring safe, effective communication and coordination between humans and robots, which presents its own set of challenges.

These technical hurdles intersect with each other, creating a complex web that requires multidisciplinary solutions. While progress is being made, we might still be a few years away from seeing humanoid robots in widespread use in these fields.

The future of humanoid robotics indeed looks promising, despite the remaining technical and supply chain hurdles. The rapid advancements in AI and robotics are driving optimism about the potential of humanoid robots across industries. Goldman Sachs' revised projections—predicting the global market for humanoid robots to reach $38 billion by 2035—highlight how quickly the field is evolving. This sharp increase from an earlier estimate of $6 billion underscores the significant impact AI has had on the development of humanoid robots over the past few years.

The trend toward decreasing costs is another encouraging sign. The bill of materials for a humanoid robot has already dropped by 40%, going from $250,000 to $150,000 in just one year. With the wider availability of components and improvements in the supply chain, costs are expected to continue falling, making robots more accessible for a variety of applications. This could set the stage for mass adoption in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare.

Looking ahead, the projection that 1 million humanoid robots could be shipped out by 2031 is a significant leap forward, especially given that these units would be deployed in diverse settings. The technological progress, along with the increasing demand for automation, could fuel a major shift in how businesses and industries operate. As AI continues to advance and integrates further into robotic systems, it's likely that the capabilities of humanoid robots will grow, pushing them toward a wider range of tasks and roles.

Reference:

1. https://www.sciencefocus.com/future-technology/will-humanoid-robots-ever-be-mass-produced
2. https://www.eetimes.com/technology-bottlenecks-stunt-humanoid-robot-development/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Cite this article:

Priyadharshini S (2025),”The True Reason Why Big Tech Didn't Fulfill the Promise of Humanoid Robots" , AnaTechmaz, pp.129