Artificial intelligence-powered humanoid robots designed to resemble humans in appearance and movement are at the forefront of significant technological advancements this year. Industry professionals believe that a “ChatGPT moment” for these robots is on the horizon, with mass production and widespread adoption expected.
Key players like Tesla’s Optimus and Chinese start-ups Unitree, Galbot, Agibot, and UBtech Robotics have made significant strides in developing their products. Companies are already using humanoid robots in factories, technology conferences, and sporting events, showcasing their capabilities.
However, experts caution that mass public adoption will not occur overnight. Analysts estimate that the first uses of humanoids will be in low-stakes tasks with high failure tolerance, and manufacturing timelines and costs will hinder widespread adoption compared to generative AI.
Despite these challenges, the market opportunity for humanoid robots is enormous, contingent on the performance of their AI. With improvements in motion control, generative AI, and autonomy, the potential impact on labor processes worldwide is significant.
Industry experts predict that global humanoid robot shipments will reach 18,000 units by 2025 and a “robot population” of 3 billion by 2060. While hurdles remain, including ethical considerations and regulations, investment in this sector is expected to continue as long as the autonomy of these robots improves.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/15/is-the-humanoid-robot-industry-ready-for-its-chat-gpt-moment.html