Humanoid robots 101

Humanoid robots have made huge developmental strides in recent years, driven by the surge of AI technology. What’s next?

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Vanessa Cook

April 2025

Key takeaways

  • Is the era of the humanoid robot upon us? Global tech giants have all begun to develop humanoid robots (HRs), and with such heavyweight support, BofA Global Research believes HRs are poised to move from proofs of concept to multi-industry adoption by the end of the decade.
  • How? Humanoid robot development may start to pick up speed up with the help of 1) robust AI development worldwide; 2) more advanced 3D perception and control technologies; and 3) a decline in the costs of computing power and robot components.
  • But before there are as many humanoid robots as there are cars, let's get to know the future robot next door — what makes them different than industrial robots, what components go into making them, what might they cost and what needs to happen to achieve mass adoption?

Read our full analysis for a more in-depth look at these trends.

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