If you think the only place you’ll be able to see humanoid robot examples in action is in the industrial sector – think again. While it’s true that world-leading manufacturing plants and automotive companies were some of the first to adopt AI-powered humanoid robot assistants, demand for this technology is growing across sectors.
In healthcare, humanoid robots support medical staff, perform diagnostic checks, and advance research. In retail, these robots optimize customer service and streamline operations. Some vendors, like Meta, are even experimenting with humanoid robots designed to complete hospitality tasks and household chores.
While there’s still a way to go before every office and home has its own CP-3O-style bot, we’re entering an era of rapid innovation, leading to more humanoid robot examples popping up worldwide. Here’s your guide to how these sci-fi bots are revolutionizing industries.
Humanoid Robots: Examples Across Industries
As mentioned above, humanoid robot examples are particularly common in some industries – like the manufacturing sector, where companies need machines capable of using complex machinery and lifting heavy objects. In fact, BMW was one of the first companies to invest in cutting-edge humanoid robots created by the revolutionary startup, Figure.
But now, more vendors are exploring the space. Google is experimenting with Gemini Robotics, Meta has claimed 2025 will be a major year for its robotics initiatives, and even OpenAI appears to be quietly building its own robot army behind the scenes.
Meanwhile, new startups like Agility Robotics, Unitree, and Softbank are introducing new use cases for humanoid bots. Let’s take a look at some examples of humanoid robots in action.
Humanoid Robots in Manufacturing and Logistics
Let’s start with the most obvious environment to explore for anyone interested in humanoid robotic examples – the industrial sector. In manufacturing and logistics, humanoid robots are handling everything from assembling parts, to monitoring supply chains.
Tesla’s Optimus robots, equipped with AI capabilities for human interaction and computer recognition, can lift heavy objects, operate machinery, and even help with product design. The “Digit” robot, designed by Agility Robotics, is an excellent example of a humanoid robot enhancing logistics tasks. In partnership with Amazon Robotics, Agility deployed these bots in a warehouse, using them for tasks like carrying containers and completing pick-and-pack processes.
Elsewhere, Figure, one of the most exciting vendors in the robotics space, recently unveiled its new “03” robot, specifically focused on enhancing manufacturing tasks. This robot can build parts that once took over a week to make with CNC machines in just 20 seconds. Plus, with the Helix AI system, the bots can reason through multi-stage problems just like humans, improving safety and reducing risks and errors in industrial settings.
Humanoid Robot Examples in Healthcare
Healthcare is another sector that is introducing the world to a range of humanoid robot examples. Bots with human features, and AI components, are helping healthcare providers with rehabilitation processes, mental health treatments, and even diagnostic processes.
An early example, SoftBank’s Pepper robot, is used extensively throughout elderly care facilities and medical environments to provide patients with personalized, emotional support.
A more recent example comes from the Cera Care team in the UK. They’re currently deploying humanoid robots to patients nationwide, giving vulnerable adults access to an always-on assistant that can remind them to take medication or talk them through treatment plans.
This initiative is intended to help local authorities with tackling workforce and resource shortages, while also providing healthcare teams with access to valuable data. Cera says it aims to use its robots to reduce the cost of care for the NHS by 80%. Plus, they’re tackling major health challenges – like helping patients with dementia continue to live independently outside of hospital.
The robots can even monitor patient wellness signals and let care staff know how they’re doing without the need for physical and virtual check-ins.
Humanoid Bots in Retail and Hospitality
You’re probably already familiar with retail and hospitality robots, helping streamline self-service tasks. Humanoid robots, powered by AI, take these systems’ abilities to the next level while also bringing a more “human touch” to customer service interactions.
As an example, the socially intelligent humanoid robot, Nadine, built by Nanyang Technological University, has appeared in various settings across the hospitality and retail sector, acting as a customer service agent, a Bingo caller, and more. This bot can greet visitors, remember previous interactions, and even recommend relevant products.
Elsewhere in the retail space, future bots may be able to assist shoppers with tracking down products, trying on items, or carrying goods to a checkout.
In the hospitality space, humanoid robots can even act as waitresses or servers. For instance, the Macco Robotics KIME robot serves beer, wine, coffee, snacks, and salads with greater speed and efficiency than the standard human worker. Plus, the bot can also recognize regular customers, and adapt to their preferences.
Humanoid Robot Examples in Security and Surveillance
Another great place to look for inspirational humanoid robot examples is in the security and surveillance sector. Now that these AI-powered tools possess more advanced computer vision capabilities, they can help security teams with various tasks.
Police departments in certain cities (like Shenzhen in China) are augmenting their patrol teams with humanoid robots that can answer questions and assist in arrests. Some of these bots can even assist with disaster response tasks. The Kaleido humanoid robot, created by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, for instance, can lift an injured person and carry them safely in dangerous situations.
Elsewhere, the “Promobot” service robot gives organizations a customizable humanoid that can work in a variety of security-focused roles. It can issue keycards, scan and fill documents, and integrate with a building’s security system. The bot can even recognize the faces of a building’s residents, contributing to secure access strategies.
Humanoid Bots in Education and Research
Finally, in educational environments, humanoid robots are enhancing student education and streamlining teacher productivity. A great example is the Iris robot, created by Makerlabs Edutech in India. This bot can speak multiple languages, answer complex questions for students, and even personalize educational initiatives for different students.
Similarly, the Captcha robot, created by Hidoba Research, can react to its environment and teach students about the capabilities of artificial intelligence. Even companies like Tesla are exploring the benefits of humanoid robot examples in education.
According to Elon Musk, the “Optimus” robots the company is working on today will offer schools an affordable assistant they can program from any use case, from tutoring, to grading papers.
In the research sector, humanoid robots are helping organizations gather valuable data. For instance, the NASA Robonaut 2 bot can operate tools, collect data, and automate hazardous tasks for researchers, boosting efficiency and safety on space missions.
Humanoid Robot Examples: The Start of a New Era
AI-powered humanoid robots might still seem like a futuristic concept, but we’re quickly discovering new ways to embed these tools into the modern workplace. Tomorrow’s robots, created by the latest tech pioneers, could act as everything from concierge assistants to care providers in healthcare, supporting human teams and improving business efficiency.
Although there are challenges to overcome before we reach a stage of “mass adoption,” the age of AI-powered humanoid robots appearing in countless workspaces and offices may not be as far away as we initially thought.
