Around 7,000 humanoid robots were sold worldwide in 2025 for industrial and professional service applications, according to figures compiled by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). While the number remains modest compared with the wider robotics market, the data provide one of the first industry-wide measures of demand for humanoid machines as companies increase investment in the technology.
The relatively small sales figure comes as the industry anticipates faster expansion in the coming years, particularly in China. The country is already the world's largest market for industrial robots and has become a major centre for humanoid robot development and testing.
Under the IFR's definition, a humanoid robot must have a human-like appearance and be capable of operating autonomously in environments designed for people. Having legs is not a requirement under the organization's criteria.
China has also been showcasing the capabilities of these machines, including demonstrations involving running and boxing, as manufacturers compete to improve their hardware and software.
Despite growing investment, humanoid robots remain a tiny part of the global robotics population. For comparison, around 542,000 conventional industrial robots were installed in 2024, while an estimated 199,000 service robots were sold that year for applications such as transport, hospitality and cleaning.
Susanne Bieller, secretary general of the IFR, said many humanoids sold last year were not yet performing productive work. Research institutions and companies acquired a significant number to generate data and support the development of AI models.
Automakers are among the early commercial adopters, although most are still conducting limited pilot projects involving single-digit or double-digit numbers of robots at individual plants.
Also Read: No Competition Infinity Gaming Enters China Deal to Scale Humanoid Robot Development
The IFR has been collecting robotics statistics for three decades and has now begun tracking humanoid robots separately alongside industrial and service robots. Its 2025 humanoid tally is based on supplier and national industry association data and excludes consumer and military robots, while medical robots are classified separately.
Future growth expectations are significantly higher. Bank of America Global Research estimates that 90,000 humanoid robots could be shipped in 2026, rising to 1.2 million units by 2030.