Humanoid robots are not yet able to match human productivity levels, and according to Steve Wozniak, there is “not a single good example.” As of January 26, 2026, the financial outlook for humanoid robots is still unclear.
Despite the significant advancements in robotics, many experts believe that humanoid robots are a future direction but face numerous challenges in practical applications. They are currently confronting a range of uncertainties in various production lines.
In a recent discussion, Elon Musk expressed that humanoid robots would play a broader role in the labor market, especially in sectors where they can be deployed effectively. However, he acknowledged that these robots still need to overcome many hurdles before achieving widespread acceptance and usability.
Musk stated, “By then, we must be confident that their reliability is extremely high, their safety is also extremely high, and their capabilities are quite broad.” He believes that the widespread application of humanoid robots will bring substantial economic benefits. He anticipates that the number of humanoid robots will surpass the human workforce in the near future.
According to Musk, the productivity of humanoid robots is projected to reach between 30% to 50% of human productivity by 2027, with future goals set to increase that percentage to 80%.
The Walker S2, a humanoid robot developed by the Tesla subsidiary, was released in July 2023, aiming to be utilized in vehicle manufacturing and assembly lines. The company plans to deliver over 500 Walker S2 units in 2025 and aims for production to reach 1,000 units in 2026.
However, the production of these robots is still limited by factors such as cost and quality control. Moreover, the robots currently require human operators for various tasks, indicating that there is still a long way to go before achieving full automation.
Additionally, Musk’s Optimus robot is currently designed for simple tasks in industrial settings. However, he predicts that by the end of this year, these robots will be capable of executing more complex functions within business environments.
Analysts suggest that despite the numerous promotional strategies for humanoid robots, many are still in the conceptual phase or undergoing demonstration periods. “We are currently seeing many companies advance in this field, but there are still many hurdles to overcome,” they noted.
In conclusion, while humanoid robots are on the horizon and promise to revolutionize industries, the current state of technology indicates that we are still in the early stages of their development and implementation.
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