What is a humanoid robot?

How a humanoid robot is defined

Definitions differ. An IEEE study group's 2025 report on humanoid standards avoids defining the term. It says attempts at a precise definition run into discrepancies over which robots count.

The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) gives a definition in its survey of robot makers. It describes a robot with a human-like look, typically two arms with hands, two legs, a torso and a head. The robot must be able to do tasks in a place designed for people, without that place being adapted.

The survey's checklist is looser than that picture. It asks for a human-like torso, arms and human-like perception. Mobility can come from legs or wheels. The robot must also work on its own, with no remote control by a person.

The human shape has a practical purpose. Many human environments are built around the human body. A robot with a similar form could have an advantage there, the IFR wrote in July 2025.

Why counts of humanoid robots differ

What counts as a humanoid changes the totals.

• Size: The IFR survey separates robots up to 140 centimeters tall from taller ones. The IFR counted about 7,000 full-size humanoids sold in 2025. It meant robots above 140 centimeters, intended for commercial and professional use beyond research, development and entertainment.
• Wheels: Research firm IDC names wheeled humanoids and full-size two-legged humanoids as the categories it expects to grow fastest. The maker UBTech lists a wheeled model, the Cruzr Y1, among its full-size humanoid products in its 2026 interim report.
• Use: IDC put 2025 shipments at more than 18,000 units. It said more than 85% of deployments were in uses such as performances, education and data collection.

Where things stand in 2026

IDC counted close to 25,000 humanoid robots shipped worldwide in the first half of 2026. It said makers have begun selling small, low-cost humanoids to consumers. The IFR said in September 2026 that most current uses remain specialized. It said they often need a person to operate the robot remotely.