The global landscape for humanoid robotics is rapidly evolving, as demonstrated by two major events in August 2025: the 2025 World Humanoid Robot Sports Games and the 2025 World Robot Conference. These gatherings have not only showcased significant technological advancements but have also highlighted a clear shift toward practical, real-world applications for humanoid robots. The focus is no longer solely on industrial manufacturing; instead, humanoid robots are penetrating diverse sectors, from household services to public safety, signaling a new era of integration and utility. This expansion underscores the critical need for differentiation and targeted application development to ensure that humanoid robots can truly fulfill their potential in various niches.
- Accelerating Toward Practical Utility: The Expansion of Application Scenarios
Unlike previous demonstrations that often featured stationary or limited displays, humanoid robots are now advancing rapidly into actual operational environments. At the 2025 World Robot Conference, it was evident that the application spectrum for humanoid robots has broadened considerably. Traditionally confined to industrial settings, these machines are now being deployed in home assistance, healthcare and rehabilitation, commercial retail, and public security domains. This diversification reflects a growing maturity in the technology, as developers prioritize finding suitable roles where humanoid robots can deliver tangible benefits.
According to industry experts, the value of a humanoid robot lies not just in its design but in its application—how well it can adapt to specific tasks and environments. For instance, EX Robot’s co-founder and president emphasized that while many similar products have emerged, the real breakthrough comes from identifying and optimizing for the right scenarios. This sentiment is echoed in the “Top Ten Potential Application Scenarios for Humanoid Robots” report released at the conference, which outlines areas such as general industrial operations like loading and unloading, power plant operations in the energy sector, and daily life assistance and companionship in home settings. These scenarios represent a concerted effort to move beyond theoretical capabilities to hands-on, problem-solving roles for humanoid robots.
One standout example from the conference was the “multi-arm apple-picking robot” developed by a team from Northwest A&F University. This humanoid-inspired machine, equipped with two to six arms and a tracked chassis, operates efficiently in orchard environments, outperforming experienced human pickers in speed and accuracy. Its key innovation lies in advanced vision systems that enable precise, non-destructive harvesting—a critical challenge in agriculture. Already deployed in apple bases in Gansu and Shaanxi provinces, this humanoid robot exemplifies how targeted applications can drive industry-specific improvements, such as enhancing yield and quality in fruit production.
As noted by analysts, the application trends for humanoid robots are characterized by two main shifts: the deepening of existing scenarios and the exploration of new ones. In recent years, humanoid robots have entered fields with lower demands for precision and reliability, such as educational development, commercial performances, and sorting tasks. Now, they are poised to advance into more complex areas like manufacturing assembly, pharmaceutical packaging, reception services, cleaning, agricultural operations, and specialized tasks. This progression is fueled by upgrades in skills, including high-precision manipulation, adaptability in dynamic environments, collaborative swarm operations, and natural human-robot interaction. The continuous improvement in these areas ensures that humanoid robots can handle a wider range of duties, making them more versatile and indispensable.
- Identifying Key Pathways for ‘Brain’ and ‘Cerebellum’ Development
The advancement of humanoid robots hinges on the sophisticated integration of cognitive and motor control systems, often referred to as the “brain” and “cerebellum.” The brain handles decision-making, perception, and high-level planning, while the cerebellum manages balance, movement, and real-time motion control. At the 2025 World Humanoid Robot Sports Games, this synergy was on full display, with robots achieving remarkable feats that underscore the importance of these systems. For example, the Tian Gong Ultra, developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, won the 100-meter sprint with a time of 21.50 seconds, utilizing a domestically produced visual autonomous navigation system. Similarly, the Yu Shu G1 triumphed in the 100-meter obstacle race, navigating 10 consecutive hurdles in 33.71 seconds thanks to advanced dynamic balance algorithms.
These performances highlight the critical role of the cerebellum in enabling humanoid robots to adapt to complex terrains and unpredictable conditions. As explained by the center’s general manager, such events test the environmental generalization capabilities of the cerebellum—specifically, how well algorithms can be trained in virtual simulations to handle real-world variability. This requires robust control systems that can process sensory data and adjust movements on the fly, ensuring stability and efficiency in diverse settings.
Meanwhile, the brain component is evolving through innovations in artificial intelligence, such as large language models (LLMs), visual foundation models (VFMs), and vision-language-action models (VLAs). The interplay between the brain and cerebellum is essential for overall performance: the brain interprets environmental inputs and issues commands, while the cerebellum executes precise actions and provides feedback for continuous adjustment. Companies are focusing on unified software architectures and communication protocols to facilitate this data exchange, creating a seamless loop that enhances the humanoid robot’s ability to learn and operate autonomously.
To capitalize on these developments, businesses must align their strategies with their core strengths. For those with extensive resources and expertise, a full-stack approach—developing the brain, cerebellum, and physical components in-house—may be feasible. Startups and tech giants specializing in embodied intelligence can concentrate on refining AI models and offering model-as-a-service (MaaS) solutions to integrators. Traditional robotics firms might leverage their experience in hardware, such as joint modules or dexterous hands, to build standardized motion libraries. Meanwhile, companies from adjacent sectors like automotive or home appliances can contribute by applying their domain knowledge to curate high-quality datasets and tailor humanoid robot solutions to specific use cases. This strategic diversification ensures that the ecosystem for humanoid robots remains dynamic and innovative.
- Transforming Technological Advantages into Product Competitiveness
As the foundational technologies for humanoid robots mature, the next challenge lies in converting these advances into market-ready products that offer clear competitive edges. This involves not only refining technical specifications but also addressing cost, reliability, and user acceptance. At the 2025 World Robot Conference, the emergence of robot “4S stores”—where various models are priced and sold directly to consumers—signals a shift toward broader accessibility. Store managers note that 2025 marks the first year of mass production for humanoid robots, with companies establishing production lines that are expected to drive down prices as orders increase.
Data from IDC reinforces this trend, showing that Chinese manufacturers dominate the global commercial service robot market, accounting for 84.7% of shipments. This scale advantage positions humanoid robots for faster adoption, but several hurdles remain. Foremost among them is the need to enhance practical operational capabilities in real-world settings. While humanoid robots have made strides in mobility, their ability to perform complex tasks reliably—such as precise manipulations or sustained workloads—still falls short of employer expectations. Increasing investment in skill-based research is crucial to boost intelligence, accuracy, and load-bearing capacity, enabling humanoid robots to meet the demands of more challenging environments.
Additionally, product cost, reliability, and stability require ongoing optimization. Although costs have decreased over the past two years, the total expense of acquiring and maintaining a humanoid robot often exceeds what most users are willing to pay. Similarly, issues like mean time between failures and susceptibility to interference need attention through iterative design improvements. Beyond technical aspects, the establishment of a comprehensive governance framework is urgent. This includes developing industry standards, ethical guidelines, and legal frameworks tailored to humanoid robot characteristics. Standardized data collection and management practices, along with lifecycle safety monitoring and testing platforms, will foster trust and facilitate wider deployment.
In this competitive landscape, differentiation is key to success. Companies can focus on three main areas: scenario-specific niches, product design variations, and intelligent architecture innovations. By targeting细分 segments within applications—such as particular industrial processes or service roles—firms can build specialized datasets and address unique pain points. Design-wise, options range from futuristic or anthropomorphic aesthetics to different mobility forms like bipedal, wheeled, or multi-legged configurations, as well as end-effector choices such as five-fingered dexterous hands or three-fingered grippers. Structurally, humanoid robots can be optimized for high precision, dynamic performance, or safety in hazardous environments. On the intelligence front, exploring diverse architectures like LLM+VFM, VLM, VLA, or emerging alternatives allows for customization that aligns with specific operational needs, ensuring that each humanoid robot offers distinct value propositions.
- Challenges and Strategies for Large-Scale Commercialization of Humanoid Robots
The path to widespread adoption of humanoid robots is fraught with obstacles that must be overcome to achieve sustainable growth. Analysts point to three primary constraints: limited real-world task performance, high costs coupled with reliability issues, and the absence of a robust industrial governance system. To address the first, humanoid robot developers must prioritize enhancing their machines’ “work” abilities—this means not only advancing physical dexterity but also improving cognitive functions like problem-solving and adaptation. By identifying low-demand scenarios for initial breakthroughs, such as simple assembly or routine inspections, companies can gradually build credibility and expand into more complex roles.
Cost reduction is another critical factor. As production scales, economies of scale should lead to more affordable humanoid robots, but this must be paired with increased durability and stability. Efforts to extend mean time between failures and enhance resistance to environmental disruptions will make humanoid robots more appealing to a broader audience, from small businesses to individual consumers. Simultaneously, the industry must collaborate on standard-setting initiatives, creating uniform testing methods, ethical codes, and data management protocols. Public-private partnerships can accelerate the development of inspection and certification services, ensuring that humanoid robots meet safety and performance benchmarks across different jurisdictions.
Looking ahead, the differentiation strategies outlined—focusing on specific scenarios, innovative designs, and intelligent systems—will be instrumental in carving out market share. As competition intensifies, companies that leverage their unique strengths to deliver tailored solutions will likely lead the charge. For instance, firms with deep domain knowledge in healthcare might develop humanoid robots for patient monitoring or rehabilitation, while those in retail could create models for customer service or inventory management. By continuously refining technology and aligning with user needs, the humanoid robot industry can transition from experimental showcases to integral components of everyday life, ultimately fulfilling the promise of these versatile machines.
In summary, the recent events in Beijing have underscored a pivotal moment for humanoid robots. With applications expanding beyond traditional boundaries and technological foundations strengthening, the focus is now on practical implementation and differentiation. As the market evolves, stakeholders must navigate challenges related to performance, cost, and regulation while seizing opportunities in niche areas. The journey toward ubiquitous humanoid robot adoption is well underway, driven by innovation and a clear-eyed assessment of what it takes to succeed in a dynamic global landscape.
The ongoing developments in humanoid robotics suggest a future where these machines become commonplace in various sectors, from factories to homes. However, achieving this vision requires a concerted effort to bridge the gap between laboratory prototypes and reliable, affordable products. By emphasizing differentiation—through customized applications, distinct designs, and advanced intelligence—companies can ensure that humanoid robots not only find their “niche” but also deliver lasting value. As the industry continues to mature, collaboration among developers, regulators, and end-users will be essential to overcome barriers and unlock the full potential of humanoid robots in transforming how we work and live.