MotionActuators and joints
Electric motors with gearing act as the robot's muscles. The number of degrees of freedom determines how smoothly and flexibly it can move.
PerceptionSensors
Cameras, depth sensors, sometimes lidar, and force and touch sensors tell the robot about its surroundings and what it's touching.
IntelligenceAI and control
Control software keeps the robot balanced. AI models turn what it sees and hears into actions, increasingly through models that combine language, vision and motion.
EnergyBattery and efficiency
Battery capacity and energy use determine how long a robot can work on its own. The industry is making fast progress here.
The hand is the hardest challenge.
Walking is largely solved. Reliably grasping everyday objects in changing conditions is not, yet. Modern robot hands combine many joints with touch sensors, and AI that learns from examples.
For practical use at home and at work, this is one of the most important developments to watch.
From programming to demonstration.
Industrial robots have traditionally been programmed task by task. New systems increasingly learn from demonstrations, simulation and large datasets, which makes new tasks deployable faster.
It also calls for clear agreements on safety, testing and accountability.
Working safely alongside people.
A robot that moves among people has to meet strict requirements. In Europe these include machinery and product safety rules, and where applicable the AI Act.
Design
Limiting force and speed, and guarding pinch points.
Perception
Detecting people and obstacles, and slowing down or stopping automatically.
Oversight
Emergency stop, human oversight and clear instructions for use.
Conformity
Technical documentation, risk assessment and CE marking before a product reaches the market.
Deeper dives into technology and market.
Humanoid robots in brief.
What is a humanoid robot?
A robot whose body resembles a human's: a torso, two arms, usually two legs (sometimes wheels) and a head with cameras. This lets it work in spaces designed for people.
Can I buy a humanoid robot in Europe today?
To a limited extent. Some models, such as the Unitree G1, are sold through European resellers, mainly for research, education and development. A general-purpose household robot that does chores on its own is not yet commonly available in Europe.
How much does a humanoid robot cost?
Prices vary widely. Unitree lists the G1 from US$13,500 (excluding tax and shipping). The 1X NEO home robot costs US$20,000 in the US, or US$499 per month. Industrial models are usually sold on quotation.
Can a humanoid robot do my housework?
Not independently and reliably yet. The first home robots partly rely on remote help from a human operator. The International Federation of Robotics does not expect mass adoption as universal household helpers in the near or medium term.
Why do so many humanoid robots come from China?
China has made humanoid robots a national priority, has a large and low-cost supply chain for motors, reducers and batteries, and has installed more industrial robots than any other country for years. According to Omdia, the three largest suppliers in 2025 were Chinese.
Does a humanoid robot need CE marking?
Yes. To be sold in the EU, it must meet the applicable EU product legislation, such as the Machinery Directive (the Machinery Regulation from 20 January 2027), the Radio Equipment Directive and EMC rules, and carry the CE marking.
What does the EU AI Act mean for humanoid robots?
AI that serves as a safety component of a regulated product, such as machinery, can be classed as high-risk. After the Digital Omnibus, those obligations for embedded AI apply from 2 August 2028. Transparency rules apply earlier.
Are humanoid robots safe around people?
It depends on the design, the application and the risk assessment. There is no finished ISO standard yet specifically for dynamically balancing robots such as humanoids (ISO 25785-1 is in development). In industry they currently work mostly in fenced or controlled zones.
What can a humanoid robot do in a business today?
Mostly well-defined, repetitive tasks in pilots: moving totes and crates, handing over parts, simple inspection. Companies such as GXO, BMW, Hyundai and Airbus are testing or using humanoids in logistics and manufacturing.
When will humanoid robots become common?
Forecasts vary widely. Fraunhofer IPA expects around 500,000 units shipped worldwide in 2030; other analysts are more cautious. Most sources do not expect broad household use before 2030.
Where can I see humanoid robots in practice in the Netherlands?
Since July 2026, the Humanoid Application Centre at the Mechatronics Innovation Campus in Schiedam offers companies demonstrations, training and pilot projects.
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