Where Humanoid Robots Are Working Today

Humanoid robots are no longer confined to research labs or sci-fi screens. They're clocking in—around the world—in warehouses, hospitals, retail stores, airports, and even elder care homes. While we’re still in the early innings of humanoid labor, workforce deployments are happening faster than most people realize.

Below is a snapshot of estimated humanoid robot deployments by country, based on recent industry reports, government initiatives, and company announcements.

Estimated Humanoid Robot Deployments by Country (Workforce Use, 2025)

Country

Estimated Deployed Units

Key Use Cases

Notable Companies/Programs

United States

3,000–4,000

Logistics, security, elder care, R&D pilots

Tesla (Optimus), Agility Robotics, Apptronik

China

2,500–3,500

Retail, elder care, manufacturing support

UBTech, Fourier Intelligence, EX Robots

Japan

1,500–2,500

Hospitality, elder care, entertainment

Honda (Asimo legacy), Softbank (Pepper), Toyota

South Korea

1,000–1,500

Public service, delivery, education

Rainbow Robotics, Hyundai Robotics

Germany

500–800

Industrial pilots, public infrastructure trials

Siemens, PAL Robotics (EU deployments)

United Kingdom

200–400

Retail, research, healthcare

Engineered Arts, UKRI research programs

Saudi Arabia

150–300

Public-facing roles, tourism, pilot projects

Saudi Future Investment projects, NEOM

France

100–250

Research, security trials

Aldebaran legacy projects, PAL Robotics EU initiatives

Canada

100–200

Research, elder care pilots

Sanctuary AI (based in Vancouver)

Other EU Nations

300–500

Healthcare, logistics, retail pilots (Spain, Italy)

PAL Robotics, local startups

Notes:

  • These numbers focus on humanoid robots (bipedal or semi-humanoid form) and exclude industrial arms or warehouse bots like Kiva/OTTO.

  • Deployments include both commercially active and pilot/test environments.

  • The US leads in actual commercial workforce deployments, especially with Amazon-backed Digit robots.

  • China is close behind with mass deployments in retail and local government-backed initiatives.

Sources:

  • International Federation of Robotics: World Robotics Report

  • Reuters: China's AI-powered humanoid robots aim to transform manufacturing

  • Business Insider: A global scramble to make humanoid robots is gearing up to be the 21st century's space race