Humanoid robots set for widespread use in 2025

According to a recent article, New Scientist unveils that experts discuss the rapid progress of humanoid robots and their potential to revolutionize industries from automotive manufacturing to household chores. 

Humanoid robots are set to become a more common presence in warehouses, automotive factories, and even some homes by 2025—though whether they will truly become mainstream is still uncertain. Unlike the robots currently in use, which are mostly solitary arms performing repetitive tasks on assembly lines or wheeled bots moving through warehouses, these new humanoid robots will have two arms and legs. This design is intended to allow them to integrate more easily into spaces built for humans, but achieving this will require significant advancements in artificial intelligence to navigate unpredictable environments. The hope is that recent developments in AI can be harnessed to make this vision a reality.

"There is a lot of optimism that ChatGPT-level models for robotics will soon be upon us," says Ed Colgate, a professor at Northwestern University in Illinois.

In both the US and China, numerous companies are planning to roll out humanoid robots by 2025. "While humanoids have been around for a long time, we’ve never seen anything like this," Colgate adds. 

One of the first areas where humanoid robots are expected to be deployed is in car factories, where robotic arms are already widely used. California-based startup Figure, backed by OpenAI, Microsoft, and Nvidia, tested its humanoid robots at a BMW factory this year, with plans for larger-scale deployment in 2025. Similarly, Texas-based Apptronik has been trialing its Apollo robot at Mercedes-Benz facilities, aiming to commercialize the robot by the end of 2025. Meanwhile, Elon Musk has stated that Tesla will begin producing its Optimus robot for internal use before the end of next year.

Warehouses, too, could soon be filled with humanoid robots. Agility Robotics, based in Oregon, has already trialed its Digit humanoid robot at Amazon facilities and has units in operation with GXO Logistics. In 2025, the company plans to produce hundreds more robots, with the goal of eventually scaling up to 10,000 units per year.

By Naila Huseynova