Humanoid robots — machines designed to look and move like people — are quickly moving from science fiction into reality. Advances in technology mean they could soon play a big role in our homes, workplaces, and the wider economy.
This piece reports on original analysis by Sam Korus, ARK Invest. It has been independently written and edited by InvestEngine. For ARK’s original content and disclosures, visit europe.ark-funds.com.
What’s the big idea?
Humanoid robots are designed to perform general tasks — not just one job on a factory line, but many of the everyday activities that humans do. They can walk, use tools, and even interact with people through speech.
The long-term vision is that these robots could help tackle labour shortages, boost productivity, and even take on tasks that people find dull, dangerous, or physically demanding.
How big could the opportunity be?
Research suggests humanoid robots could create nearly $24 trillion in value worldwide — split between household robots (such as home helpers) and manufacturing robots (working in factories).
In US manufacturing alone:
- About 12 million people work roughly 23 billion hours each year, producing goods worth $2.4 trillion.
- If humanoid robots could take on that work, it would take just under 6 million robots to match today’s output.
At an estimated cost of $16,000 per robot, they would only need to be slightly more productive than people for companies to see an economic benefit.
Why now?
Three main forces are pushing humanoid robots forward:
- Smarter artificial intelligence (AI) — AI gives robots the ability to understand language, recognise objects, and make decisions.
- Cheaper technology — The cost of sensors, motors, and chips has fallen, making advanced robots more affordable to build.
- Labour shortages — Many industries face difficulties finding workers. Robots that can perform a wide range of tasks could help fill the gap.
At the same time, humanoid robots may open up brand-new markets. For example, everyday chores such as cleaning or meal preparation are not counted in official measures of economic output today, but if robots start to do this work, it could add trillions to global GDP.
Who is leading the way?
- Teradyne, through its subsidiary Universal Robots, develops collaborative robots (“cobots”) that work safely alongside humans. These robots are already deployed in industries from electronics to healthcare, making automation more accessible and adaptable than traditional industrial machines.
- Intuitive Surgical has pioneered robotic-assisted surgery with its da Vinci systems, enabling doctors to perform minimally invasive procedures with enhanced precision. Its technology is used in hospitals worldwide and continues to expand the role of robotics in healthcare.
- Other companies — including AeroVironment and Symbotic — are also advancing robotics across defence, logistics, and industrial applications.
What might this mean for daily life?
- At home: Robots could handle chores, care for older people, or provide support for families.
- In factories: They could boost production, work long hours without breaks, and help smaller businesses automate tasks.
- In services: Robots might one day be seen in shops, hospitals, or warehouses, helping staff and improving efficiency.
The challenges ahead
Building humanoid robots that match human movement and skill is extremely difficult. Balancing, navigating crowded spaces, or carrying out fine finger movements remain big technical hurdles.
Early models are likely to be expensive and limited in capability. Over time, costs should fall and performance should improve, but progress will take years, not months.
There are also social and ethical questions: how robots should fit into workplaces, how to protect jobs, and how to ensure they are used safely and responsibly.
Looking to the future
Humanoid robots are still at an early stage, but the potential is huge. Over the next decade, they may gradually move from research labs and test factories into homes and workplaces.
If successful, they could boost productivity, help tackle ageing populations, and even create new types of jobs and industries. But like all new technologies, they bring both risks and opportunities — and their future will depend on how well they balance cost, safety, and usefulness.
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