Humanoid Robot: What They Are, How They Work & Who Makes Them [2026]

What Is a Humanoid Robot?

A humanoid robot is a robot designed to resemble the human body in shape and movement. At its core, a humanoid robot has a head, torso, two arms, and two legs — mimicking the bipedal form that humans use to navigate the world. But the resemblance goes far beyond appearance: modern humanoid robots can walk, run, grasp objects, speak, recognize faces, and even learn new tasks by watching humans perform them.

What separates a humanoid robot from other types of robots — like industrial robotic arms, wheeled delivery bots, or collaborative robots (cobots) — is the deliberate choice to build a machine in our image. This isn't vanity. It's engineering pragmatism. Our entire built environment — doors, stairs, tools, workstations, vehicles — was designed for the human form. A robot that shares our shape can operate in human spaces without expensive infrastructure modifications.

The term "humanoid" comes from the Latin humanus (human) and the Greek suffix -oeides (resembling). In robotics, the definition encompasses everything from full-body bipedal robots like the Tesla Optimus to upper-body social robots like Engineered Arts' Ameca that focus on facial expressions and conversation rather than locomotion.

Key Characteristics of Humanoid Robots

• Bipedal locomotion — Walking on two legs, the defining physical trait
• Anthropomorphic design — Human-proportioned head, torso, arms, and legs
• Dexterous manipulation — Hands with multiple fingers capable of grasping objects
• Sensor-rich perception — Cameras, LiDAR, IMUs, and force-torque sensors that mimic human senses
• AI-powered autonomy — Machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing for decision-making
• Human-compatible workspace operation — Designed to work in environments built for people

Humanoid Robot vs. Robot: What's the Difference?

All humanoid robots are robots, but not all robots are humanoid. The broader category of "robot" includes everything from your Roomba vacuum to a 6-axis welding arm on a car assembly line. Humanoid robots are a specific subset defined by their human-like form factor. For a deeper dive into the distinction, see our guide on what is a humanoid robot and our comparison of cobots vs. robots.

The History and Evolution of Humanoid Robots

The dream of building machines in our own image stretches back millennia — from the golden handmaidens of Hephaestus in Greek mythology to Leonardo da Vinci's mechanical knight sketched in 1495. But the modern history of humanoid robots begins in earnest in the late 20th century.

Early Pioneers (1960s–1990s)

1967 — WABOT-1 (Waseda University, Japan): The world's first full-scale anthropomorphic robot. It could walk, grip objects, and even communicate in basic Japanese. WABOT-1 set the blueprint for decades of Japanese humanoid research.

1986 — Honda E-Series: Honda quietly began its humanoid program, iterating through prototypes (E0 through E6) that progressively improved bipedal walking. This work culminated in what became the world's most famous humanoid robot.

2000 — Honda ASIMO: ASIMO became the global face of humanoid robotics. Standing 130cm tall, it could walk, climb stairs, recognize faces, and respond to voice commands. ASIMO demonstrated that stable bipedal locomotion was achievable — even if practical applications remained elusive. Honda retired ASIMO in 2022 after 22 years.

The Research Era (2000s–2010s)

2004 — NASA Robonaut 2: Built for the International Space Station, Robonaut 2 demonstrated that humanoid robots could work alongside astronauts in microgravity environments.

2013 — Boston Dynamics Atlas (Hydraulic): Funded by DARPA, the original Atlas was a hydraulic beast built for disaster response scenarios. It could navigate rough terrain, open doors, and use power tools. Its viral videos of backflips and parkour made Boston Dynamics a household name.

2015 — DARPA Robotics Challenge: Teams competed with humanoid robots performing disaster-response tasks. South Korea's KAIST HUBO won — its creators later founded Rainbow Robotics, which now builds commercial humanoids.

For a deep dive into this timeline, read our full article on the evolution of humanoid robots from science fiction to reality.

The Commercial Revolution (2020s–Present)

Everything changed around 2022–2023. Three converging forces ignited the humanoid robot industry:

1. AI breakthroughs — Large language models, foundation models, and imitation learning gave robots the "brains" to match their bodies. AI became the accelerant that turned research projects into viable products.
2. Massive investment — Over $10 billion poured into humanoid robotics startups between 2023 and 2025. Figure AI alone reached a $39 billion valuation.
3. Corporate commitment — Tesla, BMW, Amazon, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, and other industrial giants committed to deploying humanoid robots at scale.

Today, in 2026, we've crossed a threshold: humanoid robots are no longer laboratory curiosities. They're working in factories, available for pre-order by consumers, and improving with every software update. The future of humanoid robots is arriving faster than almost anyone predicted.

How Humanoid Robots Work

Building a machine that walks, talks, and manipulates objects like a human is one of the hardest engineering challenges ever attempted. Here's how modern humanoid robots pull it off.

Actuators: The Muscles

Actuators are the motors and mechanisms that create movement. Modern humanoid robots primarily use three types:

• Electric servo motors — The dominant choice in 2026. Virtually every major humanoid (Tesla Optimus, Figure 02, Unitree G1/H1, Apptronik Apollo) uses high-torque electric actuators. They're efficient, precise, and reliable.
• Hydraulic actuators — Used in the original Boston Dynamics Atlas. Powerful but heavy, noisy, and prone to leaks. The industry has largely moved away from hydraulics — even Boston Dynamics' new electric Atlas abandoned them.
• Synthetic muscles — An emerging approach used by Clone Robotics, which builds humanoids with artificial muscles that mimic human anatomy. Still experimental, but potentially revolutionary for natural movement.

The Unitree G1 packs 43 degrees of freedom (DOF) into a 127cm frame — meaning 43 independent axes of movement across its body. The Xpeng Iron pushes this even further with a staggering 200 DOF, including 22 DOF per hand alone.

Sensors: The Senses

Humanoid robots perceive the world through an array of sensors that parallel (and sometimes exceed) human senses:

• Cameras (vision) — Stereo cameras and depth cameras provide 3D vision. Tesla Optimus uses camera-only perception derived from its Full Self-Driving AI stack.
• LiDAR (spatial awareness) — 3D laser scanning for precise distance measurement. The Unitree G1 and H1 both feature 3D LiDAR for navigation.
• IMU (balance) — Inertial measurement units provide orientation and acceleration data, essential for maintaining balance during walking.
• Force-torque sensors (touch) — Mounted at joints and in hands, these sensors measure the forces being applied, enabling gentle manipulation of delicate objects.
• Tactile sensors — Advanced touch sensing in fingertips, used by robots like Sanctuary AI Phoenix for fine manipulation tasks.
• Microphones (hearing) — For voice interaction and environmental awareness.

AI and Software: The Brain

The AI revolution is what's making humanoid robots practical. Key technologies include:

• Foundation models — Figure 02's Helix AI can learn new tasks by observing demonstrations. These generalist AI models allow one robot to perform hundreds of different tasks.
• Reinforcement learning — Robots learn locomotion and manipulation through millions of simulated trials. Unitree's robots use this extensively for walking and running.
• Imitation learning — Humans demonstrate a task (via teleoperation or video), and the robot learns to replicate it. 1X NEO uses human-in-the-loop teleoperation to gradually build autonomous capabilities.
• Computer vision — Object recognition, scene understanding, and navigation planning from camera feeds.
• Natural language processing — Enabling robots to understand and respond to spoken commands.

Locomotion: The Walk

Bipedal walking is arguably the single hardest problem in humanoid robotics. A walking human is constantly falling forward and catching themselves — replicating this controlled instability in a machine requires extraordinary engineering.

The Unitree H1 holds the record for the fastest bipedal humanoid, reaching speeds of 13 km/h (about 8 mph). The 1X NEO can run at 12 km/h. Tesla Optimus is targeting 8 km/h running speed.

Some humanoids take a pragmatic approach: the HMND 01 Alpha from UK-based Humanoid Ltd. offers both wheeled and bipedal variants, recognizing that wheels are simply more efficient for flat surfaces.

Power: The Energy Challenge

Battery life remains the Achilles' heel of humanoid robots. Most operate for just 2–5 hours on a single charge. Italy's Oversonic RoBee leads the pack with an 8-hour battery life, while the Xpeng Iron experiments with solid-state batteries for improved energy density. The Figure 02 achieves a respectable 5 hours, and the 1X NEO offers 4 hours — enough for meaningful work shifts or home assistance.

Types of Humanoid Robots

Not all humanoid robots are built for the same purpose. The market has segmented into distinct categories, each targeting different use cases and buyers. For a comprehensive look at every application, see our guide on applications of humanoid robots across 12 industries.

Industrial Humanoid Robots

Designed for factories, warehouses, and manufacturing lines. These are the workhorses — built for payload capacity, durability, and repetitive task performance.

• Figure 02 — BMW factory deployment, Helix AI
• Boston Dynamics Atlas (Electric) — Premium industrial, Hyundai-backed
• Agility Robotics Digit — Amazon warehouse partner
• Apptronik Apollo — Mercedes-Benz partnership, 25kg payload
• UBTECH Walker S — NIO EV factory, multi-robot collaboration

Consumer Humanoid Robots

The newest and most exciting category — humanoid robots designed for your home. See our dedicated guide: humanoid robots for home use.

• 1X NEO — First consumer humanoid with real pre-orders ($20,000 or $499/month)
• Unitree R1 — Ultra-affordable at $5,900
• Tesla Optimus — Consumer target late 2027, under $30,000
• Fauna Sprout — Home humanoid at $50,000

Research and Education Humanoid Robots

Platforms for universities, AI labs, and developers to experiment with embodied AI.

• Unitree G1 — Most accessible at $16,000, 43 DOF, ROS2 compatible
• Unitree H1 — Full-size locomotion research at $90,000
• Fourier GR-1 — Healthcare research, 44 DOF, 50kg payload

Service and Companion Humanoid Robots

Built for social interaction, hospitality, and entertainment. Read about robots in these industries: hospitality, retail, and healthcare.

• Engineered Arts Ameca — World's most expressive robot face
• Hanson Robotics Sophia — Famous social humanoid
• SoftBank Pepper — Retail and hospitality assistant
• Macco Kime — AI bartender robot, deployed commercially
• AgiBot A2 — 962+ units in mass production for service roles

Every Major Humanoid Robot in 2026

This is the most comprehensive database of humanoid robots available anywhere — compiled from our marketplace data, manufacturer specifications, and industry research. We track every significant humanoid robot currently in development or available for purchase.

Robot	Manufacturer	Height	Weight	DOF	Price	Status	Use Case	Country
Unitree G1	Unitree Robotics	127 cm	35 kg	43	$13,500–$16,000	Available	Research	China
Unitree H1	Unitree Robotics	180 cm	47 kg	26	$90,000	Available	Research	China
Unitree R1	Unitree Robotics	110 cm	25 kg	—	$4,900–$5,900	Pre-order	Consumer	China
Tesla Optimus Gen 2/3	Tesla	173 cm	57 kg	28	$20,000–$30,000 (target)	Announced	Industrial/Consumer	USA
Figure 02	Figure AI	168 cm	70 kg	—	$30,000–$150,000 (est.)	Pre-order	Industrial	USA
1X NEO	1X Technologies	167 cm	30 kg	—	$20,000 / $499/mo	Pre-order	Consumer	Norway
Boston Dynamics Atlas	Boston Dynamics	150 cm	89 kg	—	~$420,000	Pre-order	Industrial	USA
Agility Digit	Agility Robotics	175 cm	65 kg	—	~$250,000	Available	Warehouse	USA
Apptronik Apollo	Apptronik	173 cm	73 kg	—	Sub-$50,000 (target)	Pre-order	Industrial	USA
Fourier GR-1	Fourier Intelligence	165 cm	55 kg	44	$150,000–$170,000	Available	Healthcare	China
Ameca	Engineered Arts	180 cm	—	—	$100,000–$140,000	Available	Entertainment	UK
UBTECH Walker S	UBTECH Robotics	170 cm	77 kg	41	Contact sales	Available	Industrial	China
Sanctuary Phoenix	Sanctuary AI	170 cm	70 kg	—	Not disclosed	Prototype	Industrial	Canada
Xiaomi CyberOne	Xiaomi	177 cm	52 kg	21	~$104,000 (est. cost)	Prototype	Research	China
AgiBot A2	AgiBot	—	—	—	Contact sales	Available	Service	China
LimX Oli	LimX Dynamics	165 cm	55 kg	—	From $22,730	Pre-order	Research/Industrial	China
Xpeng Iron	Xpeng Robotics	—	—	200	Not disclosed	Prototype	Industrial	China
HMND 01 Alpha	Humanoid Ltd.	220 cm	—	29	Contact sales	Available	Industrial	UK
Oversonic RoBee	Oversonic Robotics	—	—	—	Contact sales	Available	Healthcare	Italy
Fauna Sprout	Fauna Robotics	—	—	—	$50,000	Available	Consumer/Dev	USA
Richtech Dex	Richtech Robotics	—	—	—	Contact sales	Announced	Industrial	USA
Clone Protoclone	Clone Robotics	—	—	—	N/A	Prototype	Research	Poland
Rainbow RB-Y1	Rainbow Robotics	—	—	—	Contact sales	Available	Research	South Korea
EngineAI SE01	EngineAI	—	—	—	Contact sales	Available	Research	China
IntBot Nylo	IntBot	—	—	—	Not disclosed	Prototype	Service	South Korea
Macco Kime	Macco Robotics	—	—	—	Contact sales	Available	Hospitality	Spain

For our expert-ranked breakdown of these models, see: The 28 Best Humanoid Robots of 2026. Want to know which ones you can actually buy today? Check out the most advanced humanoid robots you can buy.

Major Humanoid Robot Companies and Manufacturers

The humanoid robot industry has attracted some of the biggest names in tech and manufacturing, alongside well-funded startups racing to market. Here's every major humanoid robot company you need to know in 2026.

Tesla (USA)

The world's most valuable automaker entered humanoid robotics with Optimus in 2022. In February 2026, Tesla confirmed its production-ready 3rd-generation Optimus is imminent, with the Fremont factory repurposed from Model S/X production. Mass production target: before end of 2026. Consumer availability: late 2027. Target price: under $30,000. CEO Elon Musk has called Optimus "the most valuable product Tesla will ever make." See also: Tesla Optimus alternatives and competitors.

Figure AI (USA)

Valued at $39 billion, Figure AI is the most well-funded pure-play humanoid robotics company. Their Figure 02 is powered by the Helix foundation model and deployed at BMW factories. Read our Figure 01 review and Figure 02 review. Also see: Figure release date news and Figure 01 vs Tesla Optimus.

Boston Dynamics (USA)

The godfather of humanoid robotics, now owned by Hyundai. The new all-electric Atlas ships in 2026 at ~$420,000 — premium pricing for the most advanced locomotion platform in the world. Google DeepMind AI partnership adds cutting-edge intelligence. See: Atlas release date and news.

Unitree Robotics (China)

The price disruptor. Unitree makes the most affordable humanoid robots available today: the G1 ($16,000), H1 ($90,000), and the upcoming R1 ($5,900). Also known for their Go2 robot dog (review). Comparisons: G1 vs Atlas, H1 vs Atlas, Optimus vs G1, Figure 01 vs G1.

1X Technologies (Norway)

OpenAI-backed, 1X is bringing the first consumer humanoid robot to market with NEO — $20,000 purchase or $499/month subscription. US deliveries in 2026.

Agility Robotics (USA)

Built the first humanoid robot factory (RoboFab) in Salem, Oregon. Their Digit works in Amazon warehouses. See: Digit release date and news.

Apptronik (USA)

NASA-rooted, with Mercedes-Benz and Google partnerships. Apollo targets sub-$50,000 for mass industrial deployment with a class-leading 25kg payload. Comparisons: Optimus vs Apollo.

Other Notable Manufacturers

• Fourier Intelligence (China) — Healthcare-focused GR-1, mass production in 2026
• Engineered Arts (UK) — Ameca, world's most expressive humanoid face
• UBTECH Robotics (China) — Publicly traded (HKG: 9880), Walker S in NIO factories
• Sanctuary AI (Canada) — Phoenix with Carbon AI, Magna automotive partnership
• Xiaomi (China) — CyberOne, backed by massive consumer electronics ecosystem
• LimX Dynamics (China) — $200M funded, Oli from $22,730
• Xpeng Robotics (China) — Iron, 200 DOF, solid-state battery
• Humanoid Ltd. (UK) — HMND 01 Alpha, 220cm tall
• AgiBot (China) — A2, 962+ units in mass production
• Oversonic Robotics (Italy) — RoBee, 8-hour battery, healthcare deployment
• Rainbow Robotics (South Korea) — HUBO legacy, Samsung-backed

For the complete breakdown, visit our humanoid robot companies guide. Also read: Nvidia's role in robotics and OpenAI's humanoid ambitions.

Applications and Use Cases for Humanoid Robots

Humanoid robots are moving from demos to deployments across virtually every industry. Here's where they're making an impact in 2026. We've written in-depth guides on many of these sectors — linked below.

Manufacturing and Automotive

This is the largest deployment sector today. Figure 02 works on BMW assembly lines. UBTECH Walker S operates in NIO EV factories with multi-robot collaboration. Apptronik Apollo is testing with Mercedes-Benz. Sanctuary AI Phoenix pilots with Magna International. The ROI of humanoid robots in manufacturing is approaching viability — Agility targets under 2-year payback versus $30/hour human workers.

Warehouse and Logistics

Amazon's partnership with Agility Robotics to deploy Digit in its fulfillment centers signals where this market is heading. Humanoid robots handle bin picking, material transport, and palletizing — tasks that are repetitive, physically demanding, and hard to staff.

Healthcare

Fourier GR-1 leads in rehabilitation and patient assistance. Oversonic RoBee is deployed in hospitals for operational support. Read our full guide: humanoid robots in healthcare. Also see: humanoid robots in elderly care.

Home and Consumer

The frontier market. 1X NEO, Unitree R1, and Fauna Sprout are the first humanoid robots targeting home buyers. Tasks include household chores, elderly assistance, companionship, and home security. Full guide: humanoid robots for home use. Also read: will owning a humanoid be as common as owning a smartphone?

Research and Education

Universities and AI labs use humanoid robots as platforms for embodied AI research. The Unitree G1 ($16,000) has become the go-to affordable research platform with its ROS2 compatibility and 43 DOF. See our guide on humanoid robots in education.

Other Sectors

• Retail — Customer service, inventory management
• Hospitality — Hotel concierge, bartending (Macco Kime)
• Agriculture — Harvesting, monitoring, precision farming
• Military and defense — Reconnaissance, logistics, EOD
• Disaster response — Search and rescue operations
• Entertainment — Exhibitions, theme parks, events (Ameca excels here)
• Workplace productivity — Office and facility operations

How Much Do Humanoid Robots Cost?

Humanoid robot prices in 2026 span an enormous range — from under $6,000 to over $400,000. The price depends primarily on the robot's capabilities, target market, and production volume. For our complete pricing analysis, see: humanoid robot price guide and how much does a humanoid robot cost.

Humanoid Robot Price Tiers

Tier	Price Range	Examples	Target Buyer
Active-Level	Under $10,000	Unitree R1 ($5,900)	Consumers, students, hobbyists
Pre-order	$10,000–$30,000	Unitree G1 ($16,000), 1X NEO ($20,000), LimX Oli ($22,730)	Home users, researchers, developers
🟠 Mid-Range	$30,000–$100,000	Tesla Optimus (target), Apptronik Apollo (target), Fauna Sprout ($50,000), Unitree H1 ($90,000)	Small businesses, research labs
Inactive	$100,000–$200,000	Fourier GR-1 ($150,000), Ameca ($120,000), Figure 02 (est.)	Enterprises, hospitals, institutions
⚫ Enterprise	$200,000+	Agility Digit ($250,000), Boston Dynamics Atlas ($420,000)	Large corporations, factory deployments

For budget-conscious buyers, see our guide to the cheapest humanoid robots in 2026 and our comprehensive humanoid robot pricing guide. Curious about the business case? Read: ROI of humanoid robots and the economics of humanoid robot production.

How to Buy a Humanoid Robot

Buying a humanoid robot in 2026 is possible — but the process varies dramatically by model and budget. Here's your step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Define Your Use Case

Are you a researcher, manufacturer, educator, or consumer? This determines which robots are relevant and what you'll spend. Refer to the Comparison by Application table above.

Step 2: Set Your Budget

Step 3: Browse and Compare

Robozaps.com is the world's largest humanoid robot marketplace. You can browse every available model, compare specs side-by-side, read verified reviews, and purchase or request quotes directly. Every robot listed in this guide is available on Robozaps.

Step 4: Purchase or Request Quote

• Consumer robots (R1, NEO, G1): Direct purchase through Robozaps.com/shop
• Enterprise robots (Digit, Atlas, Apollo): Request a quote through the product page. Most offer pilot programs.
• Subscription models: 1X NEO offers $499/month — the first humanoid subscription.

Step 5: Consider Total Cost of Ownership

The purchase price is just the beginning. Factor in:

• Software updates and licensing — Some robots require ongoing subscriptions
• Maintenance — Annual costs of 5-15% of purchase price
• Training — Staff training to operate and program the robot
• Insurance — Liability coverage for robot operations
• Power — Electricity for charging (minimal cost)

For ROI analysis: ROI of Humanoid Robots: Payback Periods & Calculator.

👉 Start shopping now: Robozaps Humanoid Robot Marketplace →

The Future of Humanoid Robots

The humanoid robot market is projected to grow from approximately $2.1 billion in 2025 to over $38 billion by 2035, according to Goldman Sachs research. Our detailed analysis: humanoid robot market size and growth forecasts.

What's Coming Next

• 2026: Tesla Optimus Gen 3 mass production begins. Boston Dynamics Atlas starts shipping. Multiple consumer humanoids reach buyers' homes.
• 2027: Tesla targets consumer Optimus sales. Prices continue falling. AI capabilities expand rapidly through foundation models.
• 2028–2030: Goldman Sachs projects 1.2 million humanoid robot shipments by 2030. Sub-$10,000 full-size humanoids become realistic.
• 2030–2035: Humanoid robots become commonplace in manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. Consumer adoption follows smartphone-like trajectory.

Key Trends

1. Prices are plummeting. The Unitree R1 at $5,900 would have been unthinkable two years ago. Tesla's $20,000–$30,000 target will compress the market further.
2. AI is the differentiator. Hardware is converging. The robots that win will have the best AI — foundation models, imitation learning, and autonomous task planning.
3. China is leading on volume. Chinese manufacturers (Unitree, UBTECH, AgiBot, Fourier, LimX, Xpeng) are producing more humanoid robots at lower prices than Western competitors. Read: China's AI robot revolution.
4. Subscription models will drive adoption. The 1X NEO $499/month model removes the barrier of large upfront costs.
5. The auto industry is all in. Tesla, Hyundai, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, NIO, and Xpeng are all investing heavily. See: automakers and the humanoid robot revolution.

Read our full analysis: the future of humanoid robots. Also: are we ready to coexist with humanoid robots? and the job market impact.

Frequently Asked Questions About Humanoid Robots

What is a humanoid robot?

A humanoid robot is a robot designed to resemble the human body, typically featuring a head, torso, two arms, and two legs. They are built in human form so they can operate in environments designed for people — using human tools, navigating stairs, and interacting naturally with humans. Learn more in our complete guide to humanoid robots.

Are humanoid robots real?

Yes, humanoid robots are very real in 2026. Over a dozen companies manufacture them, and several models are available for purchase today. Agility Digit works in Amazon warehouses, UBTECH Walker S operates in NIO factories, and AgiBot has produced over 962 units. You can buy a Unitree G1 right now for $16,000.

Can you buy a humanoid robot?

Absolutely. You can purchase humanoid robots ranging from $5,900 (Unitree R1) to $420,000 (Boston Dynamics Atlas). Consumer models like the 1X NEO ($20,000 or $499/month subscription) and Unitree G1 ($16,000) are available for order. Visit Robozaps.com to browse available models, or read our complete buying guide.

How much is a humanoid robot?

Humanoid robot prices range from $5,900 for the entry-level Unitree R1 to over $420,000 for the Boston Dynamics Atlas. Consumer models typically cost $16,000–$50,000, while industrial models range from $50,000–$250,000. The 1X NEO also offers a $499/month subscription option. See our detailed humanoid robot price guide.

How much does a humanoid robot cost to maintain?

Annual maintenance costs typically range from 5–15% of the purchase price, covering software updates, battery replacement, joint servicing, and repairs. A $16,000 Unitree G1 might cost $800–$2,400/year to maintain. Enterprise robots like Atlas may include maintenance in their service agreements. See our economics of humanoid robot production guide.

What is the most advanced humanoid robot?

As of 2026, the most advanced humanoid robots are the Boston Dynamics Atlas (Electric) for locomotion and physical capability, Figure 02 for AI-powered generalist intelligence (Helix foundation model), and Tesla Optimus Gen 3 for its FSD-derived vision system. Each leads in different areas. See our full ranking: most advanced humanoid robots you can buy.

What is the cheapest humanoid robot?

The cheapest full humanoid robot in 2026 is the Unitree R1 at $5,900. The cheapest currently shipping model is the Unitree G1 at $13,500–$16,000. For subscription-based access, the 1X NEO starts at $499/month. Full list: cheapest humanoid robots.

What is the best humanoid robot?

The "best" depends on your use case. For research: Unitree G1 (best value) or Unitree H1 (best locomotion). For industry: Figure 02 (best AI) or Apptronik Apollo (best payload). For home: 1X NEO (first consumer-ready option). For entertainment: Ameca (most expressive). See our expert rankings: best humanoid robots of 2026.

How do humanoid robots work?

Humanoid robots combine electric actuators (motors) for movement, sensors (cameras, LiDAR, IMUs, force-torque sensors) for perception, and AI software (foundation models, reinforcement learning, computer vision) for decision-making. They maintain balance through sophisticated control algorithms that process sensor data hundreds of times per second.

What can humanoid robots do?

Modern humanoid robots can walk, run (up to 13 km/h), climb stairs, pick up and manipulate objects, have conversations, recognize faces and objects, navigate autonomously, and learn new tasks through imitation. Specific capabilities vary by model — see our applications guide.

Will humanoid robots replace human workers?

Humanoid robots are initially targeting tasks that are dangerous, repetitive, or understaffed — not wholesale job replacement. However, significant workforce disruption is expected. Goldman Sachs projects humanoid robots could perform up to 4% of US labor tasks by 2035. Read our analysis: economic impact on the job market.

What is the Tesla humanoid robot called?

Tesla's humanoid robot is called Optimus (also known as Tesla Bot). The current generation is Gen 2, with Gen 3 debuting in early 2026. Read our Tesla Optimus Gen 2 review.

When will Tesla Optimus be available to buy?

Tesla targets consumer sales for late 2027, with mass production at the Fremont factory beginning before the end of 2026. Initial deployments will be in Tesla's own factories. Price target: under $30,000. No pre-orders are open yet.

Is Figure 02 available for purchase?

Figure 02 is in pre-order for enterprise customers (factories, warehouses). It's not available for consumer purchase. Contact Figure AI's sales team for pilot program details. Read our Figure 02 review.

What is the Figure robot?

Figure AI makes general-purpose humanoid robots. The Figure 01 was their first prototype. The Figure 02 is their current model, powered by the Helix AI foundation model, deployed at BMW factories. The company is valued at $39 billion. See: Figure 02 release date news.

What is Boston Dynamics Atlas?

Atlas is Boston Dynamics' flagship humanoid robot. The original hydraulic Atlas (2013–2023) was famous for backflips and parkour. The new electric Atlas (2024–present) is a complete redesign for commercial industrial applications, priced at approximately $420,000. It's backed by Hyundai and uses Google DeepMind AI.

How tall are humanoid robots?

Most humanoid robots stand between 150–180 cm (5'0"–5'11"), roughly matching human proportions. The tallest is HMND 01 Alpha at 220 cm (7'3"). The smallest full humanoids are around 110–130 cm, like the Unitree R1 (110 cm) and G1 (127 cm).

How fast can humanoid robots run?

The fastest humanoid robot is the Unitree H1 at 13 km/h (8.1 mph). The 1X NEO can reach 12 km/h. Tesla Optimus targets 8 km/h. For context, average human walking speed is about 5 km/h, and jogging is 8–10 km/h.

How long do humanoid robot batteries last?

Most humanoid robots have 2–5 hours of battery life. The leader is Oversonic RoBee with 8 hours. Figure 02 offers 5 hours. The 1X NEO and Apptronik Apollo get 4 hours. The Unitree G1, H1, and Fourier GR-1 get about 2 hours.

What is the humanoid robot market size?

The global humanoid robot market was valued at approximately $2.1 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $38 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 33–38%. Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Citi have all published bullish forecasts. See our full analysis: humanoid robot market size.

Are humanoid robots safe?

Modern humanoid robots are designed with extensive safety features: force-limiting actuators, emergency stop buttons, padded exteriors, and collision-detection algorithms. The new Boston Dynamics Atlas features "safety-focused design with padding and minimal pinch points." However, as an emerging technology, safety standards are still evolving. Read: challenges in humanoid robotics.

What companies make humanoid robots?

Major humanoid robot manufacturers include Tesla, Figure AI, Boston Dynamics, Unitree Robotics, 1X Technologies, Agility Robotics, Apptronik, UBTECH, Fourier Intelligence, Sanctuary AI, Xiaomi, Engineered Arts, LimX Dynamics, AgiBot, Rainbow Robotics, and many more. Full list: humanoid robot companies.

What is the Unitree G1?

The Unitree G1 is a compact (127 cm), affordable ($13,500–$16,000) humanoid robot designed for research and development. With 43 degrees of freedom, ROS2 compatibility, and imitation learning capabilities, it's the most accessible full humanoid robot for AI research. Read our Unitree G1 review.

What is the 1X NEO robot?

The 1X NEO is the world's first consumer-ready humanoid robot with real pre-orders and delivery dates. Priced at $20,000 (or $499/month subscription), it's designed for home assistance, elderly care, and household tasks. US deliveries began in 2026. See: 1X NEO release date and news.

What's the difference between a humanoid robot and an android?

All androids are humanoid robots, but not all humanoid robots are androids. An android specifically aims to look as human-like as possible — realistic skin, facial features, and expressions. Most humanoid robots (Optimus, Atlas, Digit) look clearly robotic. Ameca and Sophia blur the line with realistic faces on robotic bodies.

Can humanoid robots think?

Humanoid robots don't "think" like humans, but they use sophisticated AI to perceive their environment, make decisions, and adapt to new situations. Foundation models like Figure's Helix allow robots to generalize from demonstrations. However, they lack consciousness, emotions, and true understanding. Read: the role of AI in humanoid robots.

What is the uncanny valley in robotics?

The uncanny valley is the psychological phenomenon where robots that look almost human trigger feelings of unease or revulsion. Most humanoid robot companies deliberately design their robots to look clearly robotic to avoid this effect. Engineered Arts' Ameca is one of the few that successfully navigates the uncanny valley with hyper-realistic expressions. Read our deep dive: navigating the uncanny valley.

Will humanoid robots be in homes?

Yes — it's already happening. The 1X NEO is delivering to US homes in 2026. Unitree R1 targets home buyers at $5,900. Tesla projects consumer Optimus sales by late 2027. Analysts predict home humanoid robots will follow a trajectory similar to personal computers in the 1980s. Read: humanoid robots for home use.

What is the ROI of a humanoid robot for business?

Agility Robotics targets under 2-year ROI for Digit versus $30/hour human workers. For a $250,000 robot working 20 hours/day, payback occurs in approximately 18–24 months if it replaces 2+ full-time workers. Read: ROI of humanoid robots.

How are humanoid robots different from industrial robot arms?

Industrial robot arms are fixed in place, perform one specific task, and operate in caged environments. Humanoid robots are mobile, versatile, and designed to work alongside humans in unstructured environments. A robot arm can weld car frames; a humanoid robot can navigate a factory floor, pick up different tools, and adapt to new tasks.

Do humanoid robots use artificial intelligence?

Yes, AI is essential to modern humanoid robots. They use computer vision (seeing), natural language processing (speaking/understanding), reinforcement learning (learning movement), and foundation models (generalizing to new tasks). Tesla Optimus leverages the same AI stack as Full Self-Driving. Figure 02 uses the Helix foundation model.

What country makes the most humanoid robots?

China and the United States lead humanoid robot production. China has more manufacturers (Unitree, UBTECH, Fourier, AgiBot, LimX, Xpeng, Xiaomi, EngineAI) and produces more units. The US leads in valuation and investment (Tesla, Figure AI, Boston Dynamics, Agility, Apptronik). See: China's AI robot revolution.

What is the Astribot S1?

The Astribot S1 is a highly dexterous upper-body humanoid robot from China, known for its remarkable speed and precision in manipulation tasks. See our Astribot S1 review and Optimus vs Astribot S1 comparison.

Where can I see humanoid robots in person?

CES (Las Vegas, January), IREX (Tokyo), Automate (various US cities), and various robotics conferences feature humanoid robot demonstrations. Ameca regularly appears at exhibitions worldwide. Boston Dynamics and Figure AI occasionally host demos. Robozaps.com maintains a list of upcoming events.