Humanoid Robots Remain Unready for Supply Chain Integration, Says Gartner

Gartner’s latest research highlights a significant gap between the hype surrounding humanoid robots and their actual readiness for deployment in supply chain and manufacturing operations. With advancements in technology, many companies are eager to harness the potential of humanoid robots to address labor shortages and rising operational costs. However, the reality paints a more cautious picture.

Projected Slow Adoption Rates

According to Gartner, fewer than 100 companies are predicted to transition humanoid robots beyond initial testing phases by 2028. Even more striking, only a maximum of 20 companies may employ these robots in live production settings. Notably, these deployments are expected to occur in tightly controlled environments, starkly contrasting with the dynamic nature of typical warehouses and factories.

Understanding Humanoid Robots

Humanoid robots are intricately designed to mimic human form and movement, featuring arms, legs, sensors, and cameras. This appealing design has generated interest among businesses facing workforce challenges. However, Gartner’s analysis emphasizes the technology’s current limitations, stating,

“The promise of humanoid robots is compelling, but the reality is that the technology remains immature and far from meeting expectations for versatility and cost-effectiveness.”

Challenges Faced by Humanoid Robots

Several critical factors hinder the advancement of humanoid robots from pilot programs to full-scale adoption:

• Inadequate Performance: Current humanoid models struggle to handle mixed stock-keeping units (SKUs), unload trailers, and manage exceptions in high-volume environments.
• Limited Battery Life: Energy constraints limit their operational time, impacting productivity.
• Integration Issues: Compatibility with existing systems presents substantial hurdles for implementation.
• High Costs: Humanoid robots often come at a significantly higher price point compared to traditional robots, frequently resulting in lower throughput and uptime.

Shifting Focus to Polyfunctional Robots

In light of these challenges, Gartner identifies the emergent role of polyfunctional robots within warehouses and distribution centers. Unlike humanoid robots, these devices do not imitate human appearance but are engineered for specific tasks.

For instance, a wheeled robot equipped with a telescoping arm can adeptly move boxes, pick cases, and conduct inventory scans while utilizing less energy and achieving superior uptime compared to humanoid counterparts attempting the same functions. This pragmatic approach to design prioritizes efficiency over aesthetics, making polyfunctional robots a more viable option for supply chain demands.

Future Considerations for Companies

“Companies with a high risk appetite and focus on innovation are the best candidates for pursuing humanoid robots at present, given the unproven capabilities of these solutions, and related lack of clarity for return on investment,” stated Caleb Thomson, Senior Director Analyst in Gartner’s Supply Chain practice. For the majority of businesses focused on maximizing throughput per dollar invested, polyfunctional robots appear to be the more effective solution.

As organizations evaluate their automation strategies, careful consideration of technology readiness and cost implications will be paramount in determining the path forward in supply chain operations.