Gartner report predicts that humanoid robots will largely remain at pilot scale through 2028, with fewer than 100 companies moving proofs of concept beyond experimentation and under 20 deploying them in production for supply chain and manufacturing.
Image created on Gemini AI
Despite their human-like design and AI capabilities, these robots face technological, integration, cost, and energy limitations that hinder large-scale adoption. In contrast, polyfunctional robots — featuring alternative designs like wheels or versatile sensors — are expected to outperform humanoids in warehouse operations, offering higher adaptability, throughput, and cost-effectiveness. Supply chain leaders are advised to carefully evaluate humanoid robot readiness before investing.
Leading Global Humanoid Robot Companies
Tesla (Optimus) is developing the Optimus humanoid robot aimed at performing factory and repetitive tasks with autonomous capabilities. The robot is designed to help in Tesla’s own manufacturing operations and eventually assist in broader applications.
UBtech Robotics, a Chinese robotics manufacturer, is producing humanoid robots such as the Walker S series for industrial and logistics applications; has secured major orders and plans expanded deployment.
Boston Dynamics (Atlas), part of Hyundai Motor Group, is the creator of the Atlas humanoid robot focused on dynamic mobility and industrial assistance tasks, with plans for mass production by 2028.
Figure AI is the US-based humanoid robotics startup developing Figure 01 and Figure 02, general-purpose robots for industrial, warehouse, and logistics tasks; partnered with major investors and industrial pilots.
1X Technologies is a Norwegian-American company building humanoid robots like NEO and earlier EVE, designed for domestic and commercial use, with an AI-driven learning approach.
Agility Robotics (Digit) develops Digit, a humanoid-format robot for logistics and warehouse chores, capable of walking, sensing, and carrying loads alongside humans.
Apptronik (Apollo) is a US robotics firm producing Apollo, a humanoid intended for industrial and logistics jobs; piloting robots with partners like Mercedes-Benz.
Hanson Robotics is a Hong Kong-based company known for expressive humanoids like Sophia, used in research, demonstrations, and human interaction studies.
AgiBot is a Shanghai-based robotics company developing humanoid robots such as the A2 model, aimed at industrial and service roles, with significant production milestones.
Neura Robotics is a German robotics company specializing in cognitive and collaborative humanoid robots for manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare.
Polyfunctional robots
Polyfunctional robots, designed for task flexibility rather than human-like form, are proving more efficient and cost-effective for dynamic supply chain operations than humanoid robots. Equipped with features like wheels, telescopic arms, and sensors, these robots can move boxes, pick cases, scan inventory, and perform inspections with higher uptime and lower energy consumption.
Gartner advises companies to pursue pilot programs, collaborate with emerging providers, monitor performance continuously, and focus on outcome-driven automation. While humanoid robots may appeal to firms with high risk tolerance and innovation focus, polyfunctional robots are expected to deliver superior throughput-per-dollar for most organizations.
Amazon Robotics – Vulcan & Mobile Fleet Systems
Vulcan warehouse robot uses advanced tactile sensing to pick and stow about 75 percent of items in fulfillment centers, improving automation in complex bin environments. It’s operational in facilities in the US and Europe and expected to expand further. Amazon’s fleet of autonomous mobile robots operates at massive scale, coordinating inventory movement and fulfillment workflows across hundreds of sites.
Boston Dynamics – Stretch
Stretch is a mobile warehouse robot designed to unload trailers and handle cases continuously with a flexible robotic arm and suction grippers. It’s being deployed by logistics partners (e.g., DHL facilities) to increase throughput and reduce manual labor. Stretch’s modular, mobile platform exemplifies polyfunctional capabilities in unloading, transporting, and manipulating goods.
Brightpick
Brightpick is developing and deploying Autopicker 2.0 and related mobile manipulator robots that autonomously navigate warehouses and pick inventory items from shelves. Giraffe and Retriever robots extend functionality into vertical storage retrieval and goods‑to‑person workflows.
Vecna Robotics
Vecna Robotics provides a suite of autonomous material handling robots (pallet trucks, tuggers, tote retrieval systems) that navigate warehouses and support hybrid fulfillment operations. Its systems are integrated with AI software to optimize workflows and handle movement tasks traditionally performed by human operators.
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) & Goods‑to‑Person Systems (General)
AMRs from various vendors (including those evolved from Amazon’s Kiva systems) move inventory on the warehouse floor, transport goods, and support dynamic fulfillment needs. Goods‑to‑person robots (like the Autopicker and similar solutions) combine navigation with arm‑based picking, enabling multi‑task operations without fixed infrastructure.
RAJANI BABURAJAN
