Humanoid robots are approaching a breakthrough moment that could trigger a surge in investment and interest similar to the rise of ChatGPT.
These AI-powered machines, designed to mimic human form and movement, are set for widespread use in industrial and commercial sectors. After years of development away from public view, experts say the technology is now ready for mass deployment.
At a recent panel in Singapore, Xiong Youjun of the Beijing Innovation Center for Humanoid Robotics and UBTech Robotics said, “There is a consensus in our industry that the ChatGPT moment for humanoid robots has arrived.” He called 2025 “the first year of mass production of humanoid robots,” noting rapid progress in both mechanics and AI control systems.
The term “ChatGPT moment” refers to late 2022, when OpenAI’s generative AI chatbot popularised large language models globally.
Tesla, led by Elon Musk, is a key player, with plans to produce around 5,000 Optimus robots this year and ambitions for robots to become a major part of its business.
China is also advancing quickly, with start-ups like Galbot and UBTech deploying hundreds of humanoid robots in sectors such as manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. Generative AI improvements now enable these robots to learn on the job, increasing their versatility.
Robots have been showcased at events like China’s World Humanoid Robotics Game, where Galbot won a gold medal, and in sporting environments to demonstrate enhanced motion control.
Despite industry enthusiasm, experts caution that widespread adoption will be gradual. Analyst Reyk Knuhtsen from SemiAnalysis said, “Humanoids won’t arrive all at once in a ChatGPT moment, but slowly enter more and more positions as their capabilities increase,” with early tasks being low-risk and failure-tolerant.
High costs, long production times, and regulatory challenges also remain significant barriers.
Still, investment is likely to continue as robot autonomy improves. While humanoid robotics trails generative AI in adoption, its accelerating development suggests it could transform automation and human-robot collaboration within the next decade.