A seismic shift is poised to reshape global industries as humanoid robots rapidly approach mass production, according to a recent analysis by management consultancy Horváth, reported by “Der Spiegel”. The firm predicts the commencement of serial production as early as 2026, with China and the United States spearheading this technological surge. Projections indicate the deployment of approximately one million humanoid robots in these two nations alone by 2030.
Andreas Brauchle, a partner at Horváth, asserts, “In just three years, humanoid robots will reliably assume tasks in logistics and production” signaling a potential disruption of traditional labor models. While broader applications, including household assistance and elder/patient care, are anticipated from 2035 onwards, the technology’s potential efficiency – estimated at 3.5 times that of human workers at a price point of around $55,000 per unit – presents significant economic implications. The market for humanoids in China and the US could surpass $1 trillion by 2050, according to the study.
However, the industry’s response remains cautiously restrained. A survey by Horváth of 76 companies in the automotive sector, predominantly within the German-speaking region, revealed that only 30 are planning substantial investments in humanoid robotics. This hesitancy is viewed critically by Brauchle, who urges swift action. “I advise all companies to urgently engage with this topic” he stated, emphasizing that the German automotive industry, in particular, risks losing its competitive edge if it delays adoption.
David Reger, CEO of German robotics hopeful Neura Robotics, echoes this sentiment, warning of “massive competitive disadvantages” for companies that adopt a wait-and-see approach. Reger anticipates even faster industry development than projected by Horváth’s study, with his firm aiming to deliver approximately five million cognitive and humanoid robots worldwide by 2030. “Europe mustn’t hesitate” he cautions.
Reger specifically envisions a leading role for Germany, citing the nation’s existing strengths: established engineering expertise, a robust industrial base, established production knowledge and globally respected brands. He argues that what’s lacking is not capability, but “speed and courage” to embrace this transformative technology, a deficiency that, if unaddressed, risks ceding global leadership to rivals in China and the United States. The reluctance to invest, some critics argue, reflects a deeper cultural conservatism within German industry that needs to be challenged to maintain competitiveness on the global stage.
