Humanoid robots vs. industrial robots
This article compares humanoid and industrial robots in factories. Industrial robots remain more efficient for stable mass operations, while humanoids are beginning to be used for transporting parts, quality inspection, and working in environments designed for humans. According to the International Federation of Robotics, 542,000 industrial robots will be installed in factories in 2024, indicating their continuing popularity in manufacturing processes. The total number of robots in the industry worldwide has reached approximately 4.66 million.
New technologies and challenges
Among the new technologies being implemented in factories, it is worth noting the testing of the humanoid robot Apollo by Apptronik for Mercedes-Benz. This robot is used for moving components and conducting initial quality checks. The logistics company GXO has also signed a multi-year agreement with Agility Robotics for the use of the robot Digit. At one of GXO's facilities, the Digit robot moves containers from mobile robots and places them on conveyors, showcasing the new possibilities of humanoid technologies in industry.
However, despite the successes of humanoid robots, they have their technical limitations. In 2025, Agility Robotics stated that improvements had increased Digit's operational time to four hours. However, the two legs of humanoid robots require more energy and create a risk of falling. The initial tasks for humanoids in enterprises are predominantly repetitive and carried out in controlled conditions, underscoring their role in more complex and less standardized tasks.
In conclusion, stationary robots remain the best choice for production, while humanoid robots can be useful for transportation, quality inspection, and working in environments designed for humans. The capabilities of humanoids continue to evolve, yet their implementation in factories requires consideration of limitations related to energy efficiency and safety.
In the context of rapid technological development, it is important to understand that humanoid robots can complement traditional industrial solutions rather than replace them. The growing demand for automation in production and increased efficiency may stimulate further investment in research and development in this area, which in turn will lead to improvements in humanoid robot characteristics. This could change approaches to production organization in the future, opening new opportunities for integrating robotics into various aspects of manufacturing processes.
As the landscape of robotic technology evolves, understanding the core technologies behind humanoid robots becomes essential. These advancements not only highlight the potential for humanoids in various tasks but also illustrate the ongoing competition with traditional industrial robots, which maintain their dominance in mass production scenarios.