Automation on two legs: Researchers assess humanoid robot industrial potential

Skill shortages, geopolitical uncertainties and global supply chain issues are forcing companies to become more efficient, resilient and flexible. Where traditional automation reaches its limits, humanoid robots are seen as a promising technology. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML have now investigated their potential for the logistics industry.

Logistics systems today face such diverse demands that neither humans nor traditional automation solutions alone can meet all challenges. Humanoid robots are seen as flexible, general-purpose automation units that can integrate seamlessly into existing processes. So, what is the current state and future outlook of this technology in the logistics industry? A Fraunhofer IML study has examined this question. With its industry-specific focus and combination of market analysis, expert perspectives and strategic recommendations, the study expands on previous findings in this field.

The market analysis identified around 80 different systems that vary in terms of mobility, sensor technology and software. This reveals a highly fragmented market that is primarily dominated by non-European providers. According to the study's authors, overall, humanoid robotics is still in the early stages of development but offers significant long-term transformation potential for logistics.

"Form follows function! Humanoid robots should be understood as flexible, multipurpose robots capable of operating in environments designed for humans. Developing the necessary capabilities is a goal we aim to achieve as part of the High-Tech Agenda of the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space," explains Prof. Alice Kirchheim, Institute Director at Fraunhofer IML.

The study shows that the logistics industry views humanoid robots with great interest, but also with a realistic assessment of the current state of development. Around three-quarters of the companies surveyed expect productive deployment within the next ten years. From the companies' perspective, humanoid robots should not replace humans, but rather serve as flexible, general-purpose automation units for existing work environments.

"The time to act is now. Operators, integrators, and manufacturers of intelligent automation solutions in logistics must establish test beds and promote open standards and partnerships. At the same time, Europe must invest more heavily in developing autonomous systems to ensure its technological sovereignty," Kirchheim emphasizes.

Against the backdrop of a market currently dominated by non-European providers, the researchers also recommend developing safety standards for human-robot collaboration and consistently expanding the digitalization of logistics processes.

More information:
Market analysis: www.iml.fraunhofer.de/en/topic … manoid-robotics.html

Provided by Fraunhofer-Institut für Materialfluss und Logistik IML