Humanoid Robots Are Capturing Industry’s Attention

This year, GI 2026 featured more humanoid robots than ever before, capturing visitors’ attention as they moved through the exhibition aisles. While the visual impact is undeniable, the real question is whether these robots are capable of meeting the demanding standards of industry. Between the first pilot projects emerging in Germany, the cautious stance of scientific experts, and the growing economic stakes tied to reindustrialization, humanoid robots are becoming a major topic of discussion across the industrial world.

A Rapidly Expanding Market Still Facing Major Technical Challenges

One million humanoid robots by 2035 — investors are anticipating exponential market growth over the next ten to fifteen years. Although impressed by the pace of progress made in recent years, Abderrahmane Kheddar, CNRS Research Director and member of the French Academy of Technologies, recently highlighted the challenges that still need to be overcome in an interview with Les Echos. According to the researcher:

There is still a significant gap between the capabilities showcased on YouTube and real-world industrial requirements. Demonstrations featuring robots dancing or performing kung fu display enormous bursts of power over extremely short periods of time. But we are still far from machines capable of meeting industrial standards. These robots will need to prove exceptionally robust and reliable, capable of completing 20,000 cycles while operating around the clock without failure, all while maintaining a high degree of precision. 

Technical challenges therefore remain considerable. Nevertheless, the researcher believes that:

We can realistically expect truly operational humanoid robots in industrial environments by 2035. But progress could happen much faster — no one can make precise predictions. Technological breakthroughs are always possible and could significantly accelerate developments.

BMW Takes the Lead with a Humanoid Robot on the Production Line

Just one month ago, BMW announced the first deployment in Europe of a humanoid robot on an automotive production line. At its Leipzig plant, a robot named AEON is preparing to work alongside factory operators. In a press release, the Bavarian group outlined the pilot project developed with Hexagon’s robotics division, a long-standing partner specializing in sensors and software solutions.

This marks a European first for a major automotive manufacturer, and BMW is making no secret of its ambition: to position itself as a technological leader. For now, the rollout schedule remains highly structured, with each stage carefully planned. A new testing phase is currently underway, ahead of a fully operational pilot program set to launch this summer.

The goal is to integrate AEON into high-voltage battery assembly and body component manufacturing — two applications that require exceptional precision and repeatability.

Humanoid Robotics: A New Driver of Reindustrialization?

In France, André Loesekrug-Pietri, President of the Joint European Disruptive Initiative, Luca de Meo, CEO of Kering, Geoffroy Roux de Bézieux, President of Notus, and Alexandre Saubot, President of France Industrie, recently outlined several strategic perspectives in a joint opinion piece published in Les Echos. According to the authors:

Robotics could become a key industrial lever [...] first because artificial intelligence is transforming the sector: the humanoid robot is becoming a true industrial product. Tesla is converting its Fremont factory to produce Optimus, while Renault is partnering with Wandercraft…

Their argument goes even further. The authors believe that:

Robotics could provide the economic justification for reshoring entire component supply chains. Just as the automotive industry shaped manufacturing in the 20th century, robotics could shape the industry of the 21st century. It also addresses an urgent demographic challenge: by 2050, one in three people in France will be over the age of 60, four million seniors will have lost part of their independence, and 305,000 positions in home-care services will need to be filled. Japan and South Korea are already ahead. Europe still lacks a clear strategy.

What Future Lies Ahead for Humanoid Robots in Industry?

While fully operational humanoid robots are unlikely to become a reality in industrial settings before 2035, manufacturers remain cautious about their real-world capabilities under everyday production conditions. Nevertheless, it is already becoming essential to closely monitor innovation in this field of robotics — as well as the rapid decline in costs.

“Five years ago, a humanoid robot cost around one million euros. Today, the price is closer to €50,000, and very soon it will likely fall to between €10,000 and €20,000,” explains Abderrahmane Kheddar, CNRS Research Director.