Read our full analysis for a more in-depth look at these trends.
Physical AI, part 2: Humanoid robots
A new generation of humanoid robots, built to learn and act in the real world, is sparking the next era of physical AI.
March 2026
Key takeaways
- AI is redefining robotics, enabling a new generation of humanoid robots that can perceive, learn and act autonomously in the physical world. After decades of incremental progress, the field has reached a turning point, with breakthroughs in generative AI and large language models accelerating the rise of “embodied intelligence” and reshaping expectations for what service robots can accomplish.
- The humanoid robot population is poised for take-off. BofA Global Research projects that the number of humanoid units in operation could reach three billion by 2060, surpassing cars on a per‑capita basis. While industrial and service applications are expected to lead adoption in the near term, household humanoids are projected to accelerate quickly and ultimately account for the largest share — 62% — by 2060.
- In part 2 of our physical AI series, we outline what you need to know about humanoid robots — including how they work, how they're being used today and key challenges the industry faces as it moves toward large-scale deployment.
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