#AI horizons 25-02 – humanoid robots

Innovation, Investments, and Industry Impact

Humanoid robots, once a staple of science fiction, are now on the verge of real-world adoption. With major tech giants and AI startups making strides in robotics, we are witnessing a significant shift in automation, where robots are being developed for factories, supply chains, and even household tasks. Recent reports indicate Apple is secretly developing both humanoid and non-humanoid robots, while companies like Figure AI, Apptronik, and Unitree are pushing forward with humanoid robots designed for real-world applications. Investment in the sector is at an all-time high, with Figure AI raising $1.5 billion at a staggering $39 billion valuation and other players securing major funding. This article explores the latest developments in humanoid robotics, key players in the industry, and the implications of this rapid advancement for businesses and consumers.

Apple’s Secret Robotics Ambitions

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed that Apple is expanding its robotics division to develop both humanoid and non-humanoid robots. While these efforts are still at the proof-of-concept (POC) stage, mass production is not expected before 2028. Apple is reportedly using lessons from its Apple Car project to develop tabletop and home robotics devices. The company is focused on perception-building in robots, using advanced sensing hardware to measure environmental changes, such as temperature and lighting. Apple’s first robot might be a tabletop assistant with an iPad-style display and a robotic arm, expected around 2026-2027. However, Apple faces significant challenges, including hiring engineers quickly enough to scale production. Similar challenges led to delays in their Apple Car project, raising concerns about whether their robotics ambitions will progress beyond the experimental stage.

Figure AI’s $39 Billion Bet on Humanoid Robots

One of the most exciting developments in humanoid robotics comes from Figure AI, a Silicon Valley startup, which differentiates itself with a unique Vision-Language-Action (VLA) model that allows humanoid robots to understand voice commands, recognize objects, and adapt to real-world environments. Figure AI is setting itself apart with a unique combination of cutting-edge AI, practical industrial use cases, and real revenue generation. Bloomberg reported that Figure AI is raising $1.5 billion, valuing the company at $39 billion, which is 15x higher than its last valuation just months ago. Unlike many robotics startups that focus on futuristic promises, Figure’s robots are already deployed in real factories. Figure recently introduced Helix, a Vision-Language-Action (VLA) model, which allows humanoid robots to understand and execute voice commands, recognize and manipulate objects of various shapes, colors, and materials, and adapt to dynamic household environments. This breakthrough could make household humanoid robots more viable, overcoming previous limitations that made them too complex and expensive to deploy.

Pivot Away from OpenAI

Interestingly, Figure recently ended its collaboration with OpenAI to develop AI models in-house, signaling a shift in its strategy. Initially, Figure focused on industrial robots for companies like BMW, but now it is advancing towards multi-purpose humanoid robots that can operate in both commercial and household settings.

Other Key Players in the Humanoid Robotics Race with significant news

Apptronik – Supply Chain-Focused Humanoid Robot Apptronik secured $350 million from Alphabet and B Capital to fund its Apollo robot. It focuses on humanoid robots for warehouses and logistics, partnering with Google DeepMind, Mercedes-Benz, and logistics firm GXO. Its focus is on industrial use cases rather than household robotics.

Meta – AI for Humanoid Robotics Meta announced a new robotics division within Reality Labs, led by former Cruise executive Marc Whitten. Instead of building its own robots, Meta aims to develop the AI, sensors, and software for other manufacturers, much like how Android powers various smartphone brands. The company is currently in discussions with Unitree and Figure AI for potential partnerships and plans to leverage existing tech from Quest VR and Ray-Ban smart glasses to advance AI-assisted robotics.

Unitree – Agility-Focused Humanoid Robots Unitree recently unveiled an “agile upgrade” to its G1 humanoid robot, demonstrating improved mobility, including navigating tough inclines and jogging over rough terrain. It claims to have developed the “smoothest humanoid robot yet,” positioning itself as an attractive partner for companies like Meta.

Amazon – Digit Warehouse Robot Amazon is also in the race with Digit, a humanoid robot designed for warehouse automation. The company believes warehouse automation could save $10 billion annually by 2030, reinforcing the financial benefits of deploying humanoid robots at scale.

The Economic Potential of Humanoid Robots

Elon Musk recently claimed that humanoid robots could create “quasi-infinite products and services,” potentially making money meaningless. While that statement may be exaggerated, analysts predict a massive financial opportunity. Figure AI has already secured deals with BMW and plans to ship 100,000 robots in the next four years. Goldman Sachs Research estimates that the humanoid robot market could be worth $38 trillion by 2035. Investments in robotics are accelerating, with billions flowing into AI-powered automation.

Challenges and Open Questions

While the progress in humanoid robotics is impressive, there are still major hurdles to overcome. The cost of development remains high, and mass production is a significant challenge, even for well-funded companies like Apple and Figure AI. Human-robot interaction is another concern, as robots must operate safely and efficiently in real-world settings, adapting to unpredictable environments. Additionally, regulatory and ethical issues surrounding liability, job displacement, and data privacy must be addressed.

Why It Matters

Humanoid robots are no longer just a futuristic dream—they are on the verge of real-world deployment across industries. With Apple, Figure AI, Meta, Apptronik, Unitree, and Amazon all making moves, 2025 could be the year these robots transition from sci-fi concepts to mainstream adoption. For businesses, this revolution presents both opportunities and risks. Increased efficiency, automation of repetitive tasks, and potential cost savings stand as major advantages. However, the high initial investment, ethical concerns, and the challenge of integrating robots into human environments pose significant risks. The next few years will determine which companies can successfully commercialize humanoid robots and which will fall behind in the race to define the future of AI-driven automation.