Humanoid robots are transitioning from lab environments to the real world of work. 2026 is considered the year when this technology moves from showing what it can do to proving what it actually does.
In the US state of Texas, Apptronik, a company founded by two academics from the University of Texas who advise NASA on humanoid robot projects and an entrepreneur, opened the Robot Park, larger than 8,000 square meters, at the end of June. At this facility, also called a 'robot school,' hundreds of Apollo 2 robots are being trained around the clock.
The robots repeatedly perform tasks they will encounter in logistics, manufacturing, and retail environments. Loading boxes onto conveyor belts, sorting toys and tools, placing items on shelves, packaging, moving pallets, scanning inventory, and opening doors are all part of this training. They are also tested on walking on uneven surfaces, grasping and releasing objects, and navigating spaces designed for humans.
Two different models tested simultaneously
Two different versions of Apollo 2 are operating simultaneously at the facility. The wheeled model is used in high-efficiency operations in compliance with current industrial safety standards, while the bipedal model is being evaluated to improve its walking performance in complex human environments.
Training is largely conducted through teleoperation. Operators stand next to the robots and guide their movements in real time via a control interface. As the robot mimics the operator's movements, all sensor data, camera images, joint positions, and force measurements are recorded second by second.
This data is used to train an AI model that works integrated with Google DeepMind's Gemini Robotics models. Each operator movement creates a training example that helps the robot learn what action to take in a similar situation. Over time, as the AI improves, the robot needs less guidance and becomes autonomous. Company officials describe this system as a 'continuous learning loop.'
Global robot numbers set to rise rapidly
According to Goldman Sachs data, around 13,000 humanoid robots were shipped to companies worldwide last year. That number is expected to be between 50,000 and 100,000 in 2026. Robots used in various settings such as airports, automotive factories, and logistics warehouses are predicted to start appearing in daily life between 2028 and 2030.
The experience and technological gains are paving the way for next-generation humanoid robots. Initially designed to work alongside humans in manufacturing and logistics, the robots are now being developed for use in areas such as healthcare and home life.
