Are Humanoid Robots Ready for Industry? Hannover Messe Thinks So (Maybe)

Filmed on the show floor at Hannover Messe in Hannover, this clip brings together Rehana Begg, Editor-in-Chief of Machine Design and Dennis Scimeca, Senior Editor for Technology, IndustryWeek, with voiceover narration by Robert Schoenberger, Editor-in-Chief, IndustryWeek.

From standout innovations to candid observations, the conversation zeroes in on one of this year’s dominant themes: the rapid evolution of humanoid robotics. The editors share banter around the fact that humanoid robots dominated the exhibition, yet most lacked unique features, prompting skepticism about their industrial viability. Along the way, the team shares insights, a few laughs and a preview of the coverage shaping their respective publications.

Also featured in this video is Dr. Kal Mos, Head of Research and Pre-Development, Siemens, who offers a researcher’s perspective: “The world is fundamentally designed for humans—we built chairs for ourselves, tables for ourselves, transportation systems for ourselves and factory environments for human operators. So, if you can create a machine that looks and operates like a human, it will ultimately have tremendous utility.”

He noted, however, that in the near term, a humanoid may not deliver the best value. “For example, a wheel-based machine—like those seen on the [Hannover Messe] show floor—is often more practical for early deployments because it’s easier to move, more stable and allows for simpler engineering trade-offs,” he said.

Mos, whose work focuses on what can realistically be developed, deployed and scaled in industrial environments, remains steadfast in his view that the humanoid form factor is the right long-term target. “It is where the field is heading,” he said. “Eventually, as costs decrease and reliability, lifetime and performance improve, humanoid robots will become the optimal form factor for many applications.

Stay tuned for the full interview with Dr. Kal Mos.