HUMANOID robots are getting ready to leave research labs and start working in real factories. A new study from Roland Berger, Humanoid Robots 2026 – The Convergence Moment for a New Market, says this change is happening now. Thanks to fast progress in AI and robot parts, humanoid robots could soon cost only about $2 per hour to run.
At that price, robots become a powerful tool for countries where wages are high. They can help businesses stay competitive, create new industries, and deal with the growing lack of skilled workers.
A market as big as the car industry
The study looks at how big the humanoid robot market could become. It also studies the costs, the technology, and the rules needed for robots to grow at scale. The findings come from interviews with companies, data modeling, and Roland Berger’s own research. The study also checks which regions and industries will use humanoids first.
By 2035, companies that make robots could earn $300 billion. In a best-case situation, that number could reach $750 billion. In the long run, the market could grow to $4 trillion. That would make it as big as the global car industry.
“The key question is no longer whether humanoid robots will emerge as a viable technology, but how quickly they will scale and which companies position themselves early enough to capture the opportunity,” says Damien Dujacquier, managing partner Southeast Asia and Australia at Roland Berger.
More than just the robot
The study points out that the business opportunity goes far beyond building the robot itself. There is a whole supply chain involved. That includes motors, mechanical parts, sensors, electronics, and equipment to build the robots. Many of these parts can be made by companies that already supply other industries. This creates a multi-billion-dollar chance for suppliers who can meet the special needs of humanoid robots.
Hardware ready, software, rules not yet
The study says robot hardware is already advanced. But software, supply chains, and government rules are still developing. At first, humanoid robots will do simple, repeated jobs like unpacking boxes or moving items from one place to another. As the software gets better and costs go down, robots will be able to do more kinds of work.
Other big questions remain. The robots must be strong enough to work all day in tough factory settings. Safety is also a major issue. Current safety rules were made for old-style robots that stay behind fences. Humanoid robots will walk around and work next to people. That means new ways are needed to test and approve them. Countries will also need to agree on common rules and laws.
Why is this happening now
Roland Berger believes the shift from testing to real factory use has already started. Two things are coming together at the same time. First, technology is finally good enough. AI and robot parts have improved so much that robots can now do many jobs that people do. Second, the need is growing. Many countries do not have enough workers, and populations are getting older. So, there is more demand for automation.
In short, the ability to use humanoid robots and the need for them are lining up.
The study says companies will start by using robots for specific jobs in factories. Then, as the software improves, the robots will take on more tasks. The companies that win will be the ones that start using robots in the real world now. They can collect data, learn fast, and grow quickly.
“Humanoid robotics will not transform industry overnight. But the moment of convergence has clearly arrived,” the study states.
