7,000 humanoid robots sold worldwide

Data compiled by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) show that approximately 7,000 humanoid robots were sold worldwide in 2025 for use in industrial and professional service sectors, indicating that the technology remains in its early stages despite expectations of rapid growth in the coming years. Sales volumes appear limited compared to optimistic forecasts for the future of humanoid robots, particularly in China, the world’s largest market for industrial robots, which showcased the capabilities of these robots in running and boxing during dedicated competitions last month.

According to IFR standards, a robot is classified as humanoid if it has a human-like appearance and can operate autonomously in an environment designed for humans, without necessarily having legs. IFR Secretary-General Susan Beller told Reuters that humanoid robots still account for a small fraction of the global robotics market. For comparison, sales of traditional industrial robots reached approximately 542,000 units in 2024, alongside around 199,000 service robots used in transportation, hospitality, and cleaning.

The IFR is scheduled to release its 2025 data on industrial and service robots on September 24. Beller noted that many of the humanoid robots sold in 2025 were not deployed in actual productive work; rather, they were acquired by research institutions and companies to collect data and develop artificial intelligence models.