Humanoid Robots

Humanoid Robots Technology Overview

Humanoid robots represent a very dynamic emerging technology focused on designing machines that replicate human form and function. This domain integrates several technical sub-themes, including joint mechanisms and control systems, which are crucial for achieving stable, human-like locomotion. These systems often employ advanced methods to stabilize walking and compensate for deflection moments, ensuring balance and smooth movement. Patented innovations frequently target energy-efficient designs, incorporating pneumatic muscle-driven actuators and energy recovery mechanisms to improve mobility while minimizing power consumption. The field also includes significant progress in sensory and interactive technologies, such as visual monitoring systems and voice recognition, which enhance the robot’s ability to interact naturally with humans. Complementing these physical capabilities, advances in cognitive and learning systems allow humanoid robots to adapt their behavior over time, using data from user interactions and environmental feedback to become more responsive and autonomous.

Looking ahead, the market for humanoid robots is expected to expand significantly. One of the most promising areas is domestic assistance, with robots designed to help with household chores, provide caregiving, and offer companionship, particularly for aging populations and people with disabilities. The security and surveillance sector is also emerging as a key market, with robots used for patrolling, detecting anomalies, and responding to emergencies in both private and public environments. In manufacturing and logistics, humanoid robots are anticipated to play larger roles in complex, unstructured environments where human-like adaptability and dexterity are crucial. Space exploration and operations in hazardous environments present another frontier, as humanoid robots can be deployed in situations too dangerous or inaccessible for humans.

Global Development of world class patents in humanoid robots

The patent analysis shows that patent numbers are still relative small compared to other fields, but patent activity has picked up speed noticeably in 2024.

Top 25 Countries

World class patents in humanoid robots are dominated by China, the US and Japan.

Top 25 Companies

Chinese robotics company UBTECH Robotics holds the most world-class patents in this field. Other key innovators in the development of humanoid robots include car manufacturers Honda and Hyundai (the owner of Boston Dynamics), as well as Sony and Alphabet, each of which holds multiple world-class patents.

Key connected technologies

Key connected technologies for the development of humanoid robots include deep learning & neural networks, machine vision and lidar sensors. Key application areas for humanoid robots are autonomous driving and smart factories.

Key connected technologies for humanoid robots – country activities

The following chart shows which countries are active in technologies that are either key inputs for humanoid robots or major application fields for their use. These technologies are identified by analysing world-class patents assigned to humanoid robots and other technologies. As can be seen, China, the US and Japan dominate most key technologies in the humanoid robotics field. Individual countries can be activated or deactivated by clicking on the corresponding circle in the legend.

Reading example: the number next to the connected technologies indicates world class patents that are also assigned to humanoid robots. Deep learning and neural networks have the highest number of world-class patents that are linked to humanoid robots, most of which were invented in China.