The race to build humanoid robots has never been more crowded—or more consequential. From Tesla and Boston Dynamics to relative newcomers like Figure AI and Unitree, at least 18 companies are now developing general-purpose humanoid machines that could transform industries from manufacturing to elder care. This convergence of advanced AI, cheaper sensors, and massive investment is turning science fiction into a near-term commercial reality.
*Who is building what, why now, and what it means for the future of work.*
Humanoid robots—machines designed to mimic the human form and movement—have long been a holy grail of robotics. For decades, progress was slow: clunky hydraulics, limited autonomy, and astronomical costs kept them in research labs. That changed around 2022, when breakthroughs in large language models and reinforcement learning gave robots the ability to perceive, plan, and act in unstructured environments. At the same time, component costs dropped dramatically, making bipedal locomotion and dexterous manipulation more affordable.
Today, the field is exploding. Tesla’s Optimus, unveiled in prototype form in 2022, aims to handle repetitive factory tasks and eventually domestic chores. Boston Dynamics, now owned by Hyundai, continues to refine its electric Atlas after retiring the hydraulic version—focusing on strength, agility, and safety. Figure AI, a young startup backed by OpenAI, Microsoft, and NVIDIA, has already deployed its Figure 02 in a BMW plant for logistics. Chinese firms like Unitree (known for the H1 humanoid) and UBTech (Walker series) are scaling production rapidly, while Norwegian startup 1X (backed by OpenAI) targets home assistance with its wheeled Eve and bipedal NEO.
Other notable players include Agility Robotics (Digit, focused on warehouse tasks), Sanctuary AI (general-purpose humanoids with human-like hands), and Apptronik (Apollo, designed for manufacturing). The total number has grown to 18, according to Forbes’ analysis, with many more emerging in Asia and Europe. Investment in humanoid robotics exceeded $1.5 billion in 2025 alone, with major automakers and logistics firms signing early pilot agreements.
The implications are profound. If humanoid robots can reliably perform tasks that currently require human dexterity and mobility, they could reshape labor markets, supply chains, and even social care. At the same time, concerns about job displacement, safety, and ethical governance are intensifying. Regulators in the EU and US are beginning to draft standards for autonomous machines that interact with people.
Looking ahead, the next 12–18 months will be critical. Tesla aims to begin limited production of Optimus in 2026; Figure expects to deploy hundreds of units across multiple manufacturers; and Boston Dynamics plans to commercialize its electric Atlas for industrial use. The company that cracks the combination of reliability, affordability, and utility will likely define the next wave of automation.
For now, the race is wide open—and the world is watching.
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Humanoid Robots: 18 Companies Racing To Build The Next Big Thing In AI
From Tesla and Boston Dynamics to Figure AI, Unitree, UBTech and 1X, these are the companies shaping one of the most exciting new frontiers in robotics.
Bernard Marr, Contributor
Forbes
3 min read
8/10
Key Takeaways
- At least 18 companies, including Tesla, Boston Dynamics, Figure AI, and Unitree, are actively developing humanoid robots for commercial use.
- Investment in humanoid robotics surpassed $1.5 billion in 2025, driven by breakthroughs in AI and falling component costs.
- Figure AI deployed its Figure 02 humanoid in a BMW assembly plant in 2024, marking one of the first real-world industrial applications.
- Tesla’s Optimus is expected to enter limited production by 2026, targeting repetitive tasks in factories and eventually homes.
- Chinese robotics firm Unitree has demonstrated its H1 humanoid running and performing backflips, highlighting rapid progress in dynamic locomotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Humanoid robots are machines designed to resemble the human body in shape and movement, typically with a torso, arms, legs, and a head. They are built to operate in human environments and perform tasks that require human-like dexterity and mobility, such as lifting objects, walking up stairs, or using tools.
At least 18 companies are actively developing humanoid robots, including Tesla (Optimus), Boston Dynamics (Atlas), Figure AI (Figure 02), Unitree (H1), UBTech (Walker), 1X (Eve and NEO), Agility Robotics (Digit), Sanctuary AI, and Apptronik (Apollo). The field is growing rapidly, with many startups and established tech firms entering the race.
Mass-market availability is likely several years away, but limited commercial deployments are already underway. Figure AI’s humanoid is working in a BMW plant, and Tesla plans to begin limited production of Optimus by 2026. Experts predict significant scaling between 2027 and 2030, with prices potentially dropping below $20,000 per unit as production ramps up.
Current humanoid robots can perform tasks like lifting boxes, assembling parts, navigating uneven terrain, and opening doors. More advanced models are being trained for precision tasks such as wiring, soldering, and using hand tools. Research robots can also run, jump, and even do backflips, though commercial reliability remains a work in progress.
Safety is a top priority for developers. Modern humanoids use sensors, cameras, and force-torque feedback to detect and avoid collisions, and many operate at slower speeds around people. However, full safety standards are still being developed by regulators. Companies typically deploy humanoids in controlled environments first, with human oversight.
Prices vary widely. Early commercial models like Agility’s Digit are quoted around $250,000 per unit, while Tesla aims to eventually produce Optimus for under $20,000. As with most technology, costs are expected to drop dramatically as manufacturing scales and competition increases.
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