BERLIN
Humanoid robots once confined to science fiction are moving closer to everyday life, with advocates hailing them as a solution to worker shortages and critics warning of security, privacy and ethical risks.
Analysts project that millions of humanoid robots could be integrated into workplaces and homes by 2035, with Morgan Stanley estimating their numbers may approach 1 billion by 2050 – around one for every 10 humans. The global humanoid market, including manufacturing and related services, could exceed $5 trillion.
Supporters argue these intelligent machines will help address labor shortages, provide care for an aging population and take over routine household tasks. Skeptics, however, caution that rapid deployment of human-like robots raises unresolved concerns over privacy, safety and the potential replacement of human workers.
Neura Robotics founder and CEO David Reger, whose Germany-based company has developed humanoid prototypes, says the technology will become essential for aging societies, providing reliable solutions to challenges in manufacturing, health care and home environments.
Reger says humanoids can handle repetitive or risky chores – from carrying garbage to operating dishwashers – freeing people to spend more time on creative or personal pursuits.
“It’s mainly doing tasks we humans would not like to do … So, it means having more time for drawing pictures, creative stuff like making music or writing books, new stories. I think that’s what humans love to do,” Reger said.
Founded in 2019, Neura Robotics has developed MiPA, a household assistant, and is testing its humanoid 4NE1, which combines 360-degree perception with lifelike movements for both factory and home use.
Demand for these robots has been rapidly increasing, he said.
Can we trust humanoids?
As humanoid robots are designed to learn, adapt and even operate independently, the question of whether they can be trusted continues to divide opinion.
Fictional depictions – from Terminator to Ex Machina – have fueled public fears that machines could one day turn against their creators.
While scientists caution that such scenarios remain firmly in the realm of science fiction, ethicists warn that growing reliance on autonomous robots in sensitive roles like security, childcare and health care raises real questions of accountability.
Who is responsible if a humanoid malfunctions while caring for an elderly patient, or makes a poor decision in a sensitive workplace? Legal frameworks to govern these issues will have to be developed alongside the industry’s growth.
Industry executives, however, dismiss the idea that robots could act with malice.
“Humans have a soul, so they’re good or bad. They have aims like getting rich or powerful or whatever. Robots and artificial intelligence don’t have this,” Reger said, adding that his daily work with robots has further increased his confidence and trust in humanoids.
“I believe there are no bad robots,” he added.
Yet, critics note that even without intent, poorly designed or hacked systems could cause harm. Researchers argue that security standards, transparency requirements, privacy clarifications and clear liability rules should be in place before humanoids are widely adopted.
Industry divides
The global robotics market has experienced remarkable expansion in recent years, with notable divergences in development strategies. Most intelligent robots currently serve industrial and commercial functions, with companies like Tesla and Boston Dynamics prioritizing strength, mechanical durability and mobility capabilities.
California-based Realbotix, however, has focused on human-centric design, creating humanoids with realistic facial expressions and conversational AI. Its robots are marketed for use in entertainment venues, museums, hospitals and homes.
“I could never imagine a robot that looks a little bit like a vacuum cleaner dealing with an ill person at a hospital or at a school. Our robots are not meant for physical tasks, but they’re meant more for emotional and intellectual tasks,” CEO Andrew Kiguel told Anadolu, noting their use of lifelike silicone skin.
Realbotix’s humanoid assistant Aria, modeled as a young blonde woman, for instance, can recognize faces, interpret emotions and respond. She assists customers in shopping malls and staffs hotel reception desks while communicating in any language.
While she is clearly distinguishable from a real human, developers say progress is rapid.
“In our next iteration, they’ll be able to look at you, tell you a joke, smile. They’ll be able to analyze what they’re seeing. Are you happy? Are you sad? Are you angry? And react to you according to how you’re doing,” Kiguel said.
Addressing loneliness and elderly care
Kiguel envisions humanoids supporting overburdened healthcare systems, particularly in elderly care. They could remind patients to take medication, alert caregivers in emergencies and help reduce loneliness.
“Imagine if you have a parent who’s in a home and they’re not able to feed themselves. A nurse can’t be with them all the time. There’s a shortage of nurses,” he said. “The robots can be there with you. They can talk. They can help you call a loved one. They can call them for medical attention. They can be your friend – and that’s needed.”
Kiguel noted that their models are customizable, unlike many other robotics companies, allowing customers to personalize the appearance and create fully custom designs.
“Loneliness is a global epidemic. It leads to depression. It can lead to cancer, strokes. This is an assistive tool. Our robots have a memory. They remember you. Your conversation from yesterday. And they can be programmed to become your friend. That’s something that’s very useful in society today,” he said.
Still, experts stress that companionship provided by machines cannot fully substitute human interaction. The widespread use of chatbots powered by artificial intelligence has already exposed problems, particularly around mental health. Cases have emerged of AI allegedly encouraging harmful behaviors or reinforcing delusional thinking patterns.
For now, humanoid robots remain costly. Prices for Realbotix robots start at $175,000, according to its website.
Yet Morgan Stanley predicts prices could fall to around $150,000 by 2028 and as low as $50,000 globally by 2050. Countries with access to more affordable Chinese supply chains could even see prices drop to $15,000 by 2050.
Such projections suggest humanoids may soon move from futuristic prototypes to everyday products. But as costs fall and capabilities advance, the larger debate – promise or peril – is only just beginning.
