Humanoids Take Over: U.S. Factories and Hospitals Welcome the Next Wave of AI Robots

The Rise of Humanoid Robots in America

Did you know that 2025 is being called the year of the humanoid robot in the U.S.? From the assembly lines of BMW to the corridors of major hospitals, humanoid robots are no longer just a sci-fi dream. American startups like Figure AI, Agility Robotics, and Apptronik are leading the charge, rapidly advancing R&D and rolling out robots that can work alongside humans. Figure AI’s Figure 02, for instance, is already being tested in BMW’s manufacturing plants, boasting natural speech powered by OpenAI and dexterous hands with 16 degrees of freedom. These robots aren’t just about replacing repetitive labor—they’re about transforming entire industries and redefining what it means to work in a high-tech world.

Figure AI: The Unicorn That’s Changing the Game

Figure AI, founded in 2022, has quickly become a unicorn with a valuation skyrocketing to $39.5 billion after a massive $1.5 billion Series C funding round. Their Figure 02 robot stands 5'6", weighs 60kg, and can operate for five hours on a single charge. It’s designed for autonomy in human environments, carrying up to 20kg and moving at 1.2 meters per second. What sets Figure AI apart is its partnership with OpenAI, enabling robots to engage in natural conversations and learn visually through advanced camera and AI systems. With plans to produce 100,000 robots over the next four years, Figure AI is not just aiming for factories but also eyeing home applications in the near future. Korean companies like LG Innotek are already supplying key components, signaling a global supply chain shift.

Agility Robotics and the Digit Revolution

Agility Robotics has introduced the latest generation of its Digit robot, focusing on logistics and manufacturing. The new Digit features improved battery life, autonomous docking, and enhanced safety systems that meet OSHA standards. Digit’s unique design allows it to work alongside autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), handling manipulation tasks while AMRs manage material transport. This collaborative approach is already filling gaps in the U.S. labor market, targeting over a million unfilled skilled jobs. Agility’s commitment to real-world deployment is setting industry standards, making it the first to commercially deploy humanoids in warehouses and manufacturing facilities.

Apptronik’s Apollo: From Mercedes-Benz to NASA

Apptronik, established in 2016, is another major player with its Apollo robot, designed for tough industrial, logistics, and even medical tasks. Apollo’s modular design and advanced software allow it to automate physically demanding, repetitive jobs, reducing workplace injuries and boosting efficiency. Recent partnerships with Mercedes-Benz and Jabil mean Apollo is now being piloted on factory floors, with plans for mass production by 2026. Apptronik is also working with Google DeepMind and NVIDIA to enhance Apollo’s learning capabilities, aiming for robots that can quickly adapt to new tasks through AI-driven training.

1X Technologies and the Push for Household Humanoids

While many companies focus on industrial use, 1X Technologies is betting on the home. Their Neo Gamma robot is set to be tested in hundreds of American households by the end of 2025. Although full autonomy is still a work in progress, 1X is collecting real-world data via teleoperation to train its AI for future autonomous tasks. Privacy and safety are top priorities, with strict controls on camera usage and padded suits to prevent accidents. The company’s partnerships with OpenAI and NVIDIA highlight the race to bring humanoids into everyday life, not just the workplace.

Korean Community Buzz: Excitement, Skepticism, and Strategic Insights

Korean online communities like DC Inside, FM Korea, and Naver are abuzz with reactions to the American humanoid surge. Positive comments celebrate Korea’s role in the global supply chain, especially with LG Innotek’s involvement. Some users express concern about job displacement, while others see opportunities for Korea to catch up in R&D or partner with leading U.S. startups. On Instiz and Nate Pann, debates rage over whether Korea’s robotics industry can keep pace, with many urging more government and private investment. There’s also cultural pride in Korea’s tech prowess, but a clear recognition that global competition is fierce and relentless.

Cultural Context: Why Humanoids Matter Globally

For international fans, it’s key to understand that humanoid robots are more than just high-tech gadgets—they’re a response to aging populations, labor shortages, and the need for safer, more efficient workplaces. In the U.S., the push for humanoids is driven by both economic necessity and a culture of innovation. The involvement of big tech (like Meta, Apple, and Google) signals that this is a race with massive stakes. In Korea, there’s a mix of admiration and anxiety, as the nation balances its manufacturing strengths with the challenge of keeping up in AI-driven robotics. The global humanoid boom is not just about technology—it’s about who will define the future of work, care, and everyday life.

Investment and Market Trends: Where Is the Money Going?

Investor interest is at an all-time high, with giants like SoftBank, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, and global VCs pouring billions into startups like Skild AI and Figure AI. The market for humanoids is projected to grow from $2 billion in 2024 to nearly $30 billion by 2033, with Goldman Sachs predicting a $38 billion market by 2035. American and Chinese companies are leading the charge, but Korean investors are watching closely, looking for both direct and ETF-based opportunities. The message from both Wall Street and Korean forums is clear: humanoids are not just a trend—they’re a new industrial revolution in the making.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the hype, challenges remain. Safety, privacy, and public acceptance are major hurdles, especially for home robots. Technical issues like battery life, dexterity, and AI reliability are still being solved. But as startups scale up production and real-world deployments expand, the pace of innovation is only accelerating. For Korea and the world, the question isn’t if humanoids will change our lives—it’s how soon, and who will lead the way.