Agility-robotics

Wired magazine predicts 2025 will be a significant year for humanoid robots moving into commercial factory and warehouse roles, citing upcoming deployments like Boston Dynamics' Atlas at Hyundai, alongside existing work by Agility Robotics and Figure. While AI advancements promise greater flexibility and faster learning, challenges concerning reliability, safety, and bridging the gap between demos and autonomous operation remain critical hurdles.

Corporate venture capital investment in robotics startups surged 183% YoY in Q1 2024, reaching $1.3 billion across 34 deals. Driven by AI advancements and manufacturing needs like onshoring, corporations are investing both to supply components for and deploy next‑generation robots, most notably humanoids.

Figure CEO Brett Adcock refuted a Fast Company claim that his company uses planetary roller screws, stating Figure relies on rotary actuators. The dispute highlights a key design debate in humanoid robotics: direct rotary drive versus linear actuators (which use screws) with linkages, as detailed by expert Scott Walter.

A Bain & Company analysis suggests humanoid robots are rapidly approaching cost parity with human labor, driven by advances in AI, dexterity, and easier training. Combined with labor shortages and reshoring trends, these factors could lead to significant adoption across industries within five years.

Planetary roller screws, a high-performance alternative to traditional ball screws, are becoming essential components in advanced humanoid robots due to their high load capacity and durability. Major developers like Tesla and Figure AI are adopting them, driving market growth, but high costs and complex manufacturing remain significant hurdles.