But why is there so much interest in human-shaped robots? What are they good for, apart from showcases such as Beijing\u2019s World Humanoid Robot Games<\/a> or funky<\/a> dance<\/a> routine videos<\/a>?<\/p>\n<\/p>\n A machine just like us<\/p>\n A robot vacuum is a single-purpose machine. The promise of humanoid robots is they might work as general-purpose platforms, doing multiple tasks in various environments.<\/p>\n That\u2019s because robots similar in shape to humans can potentially better fit into human environments \u2013 ones already designed for bodies and physical capabilities such as ours.<\/p>\n A robot vacuum \u2013 or any other machine with wheels \u2013 can\u2019t climb the stairs. In principle, humanoids would be much more mobile in busy human environments, able to climb stairs, use doors, navigate and reach diverse spaces not just at home, but our workplaces, streets and the outdoors.<\/p>\n Maschinenmensch, the humanoid robot in silent film Metropolis (1927). Humanoid robots existed in entertainment long before humans actually built one. From Maschinenmensch<\/a> in Fritz Lang\u2019s 1927 film Metropolis to C-3PO in Star Wars, they\u2019ve influenced our imagination. Of course, these were costumed actors \u2013 real humanoid robots didn\u2019t start walking until WABOT-1 in 1972<\/a>, built in Japan.<\/p>\n A lucrative industry?<\/p>\n Developers, manufacturers and investors have been betting big on humanoid robots and believe they will have an enormous impact on society.<\/p>\n Last year, a Goldman Sachs report<\/a> estimated the global market for humanoid robots would be US$38 billion by 2035 (A$58 billion), with between 3 million and 27 million humanoid robots installed worldwide. They could be \u201cparticularly appealing\u201d for dangerous tasks, potentially saving the lives of human workers who could delegate hazardous jobs to robots.<\/p>\n A 2025 Bank of America<\/a> report estimates there will be 1 million humanoid robots sold annually by 2030, and a staggering 3 billion humanoid robots in service by 2060 \u2013 that\u2019s almost one humanoid for every three humans. <\/p>\n Even conservative estimates of the future number of humanoid robots signal a significant shift across nearly all aspects of society.<\/p>\n However, to achieve this impact humanoids would truly need to be everywhere, including entertainment, care, home, services and hospitality.<\/p>\n In reality, the path to a multi-talented, general-purpose robot is still a fair way off.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Footage released by Chinese state video news agency CCTV shows humanoid robots join human dancers at the 2025 Spring Festival Gala.<\/p>\n We\u2019re not yet living in the future<\/p>\n Building a machine that can move like a human is notoriously difficult<\/a>.<\/p>\n In recent years, humanoid robots have vastly improved thanks in large part to artificial intelligence (AI) learning algorithms<\/a> that are augmenting and even replacing previous<\/a> robot programming methods<\/a>.<\/p>\n AI methods such as reinforcement learning are generating more robust walking, running and high-level skills that adjust better<\/a> to uneven terrain and external challenges like being pushed or bumped.<\/p>\n But machines like those these robot kick-boxers<\/a> are still under human control when deciding which moves to do, although they can autonomously keep balance even when doing complex kicks and punches.<\/p>\n General logic, situational and socially appropriate awareness are also still rather basic. Robots need help from humans to act appropriately. For example, humanoid robots don\u2019t understand the physical, social and cultural differences in how to appropriately engage with a baby, a child, an adult or an older person.<\/p>\n The game-changer that could give us truly general-purpose humanoid robots would have to be an ability to draw on human knowledge and skills directly. For example, you could show a robot how to wash the dishes and it would then copy your behaviour.<\/p>\n To do so, however, robots also need to become more adaptable to different environments \u2013 not just the lab they were trained in.<\/p>\n Recently, AI learning techniques<\/a> such as imitation learning or learning from demonstration<\/a> and deep reinforcement learning<\/a> that uses powerful algorithms have been showing great results in speeding up how robots pick up new, complex skills from examples<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Footage from ten years of Boston Dynamics (Hyundai) videos show how the walking robots have progressed in this time.<\/p>\n The next smartphone?<\/p>\n Current predictions for when humanoids will be in your home vary widely. While some robots are already tested in home environments, others suggest consumer applications could be five to ten years away<\/a>.<\/p>\n Companies such as Boston Dynamics (Hyundai), Tesla, Unitree, Figure AI, Agility, UBTech and many more are now vying for a place in a future market they think could be as big as the car industry and \u201cas ubiquitous as smartphones<\/a>\u201d.<\/p>\n![\"Black](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/file-20250818-56-domy8v.jpg\")
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