Nearly 7,000 humanoid robots reached global buyers in 2025, according to the International Federation of Robotics. The sales covered industrial and professional service applications across several markets.
China emerged as a major growth sector, supported by its large industrial robotics market. Suppliers reported sales through industry associations and other national data sources.
The International Federation of Robotics began tracking humanoid robot sales alongside broader robotics statistics for the first time. The organization defines humanoids through human-like designs and autonomous operation in human environments.
The latest figures offer an early view of commercial adoption as billions enter humanoid robotics. IFR Secretary General Susanne Bieller described humanoid numbers as ‘a fraction’ of global robots.
Many humanoid robots sold during 2025 supported research rather than regular production tasks. Research institutions purchased machines for AI training, movement studies, and data generation.
Companies also used robots to test factory workflows before committing to larger deployments. Carmakers are currently running pilots involving single-digit or double-digit robot numbers.
The contrast becomes clearer when compared with conventional industrial robotics across global workplaces. According to IFR, nearly 542,000 industrial robots were installed during 2024. Service robot sales reached an estimated 199,000 units during the same year.
China could become a major driver as manufacturers push humanoid production toward higher volumes. Chinese robotics companies have showcased humanoids performing running, boxing, and other complex movements. These demonstrations highlight rapid progress in mobility, balance, and human-like physical interaction.
Market forecasts also point toward sharply higher volumes in coming years. Bank of America Global Research expects around 90,000 humanoid robots to ship during 2026. The research firm projects shipments could reach 1.2 million units by 2030.
The sales tally still needs careful interpretation when measuring real workplace adoption. Sold robots can support research, demonstrations, or AI development without replacing continuous human labor. Future growth will depend on production costs, reliability, safety, and successful factory deployments.
The next phase will therefore shift attention from sales toward actual workplace performance. Regular production hours, task completion, maintenance needs and repeat industrial orders could define market progress. Humanoid robot sales may rise quickly, but sustained commercial use remains the bigger industry test.
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