Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IMLWith rapid advances in robotics and artificial intelligence, humanoid robotics is coming into focus. In logistics, humanoid robots have the potential to push the boundaries of automation and step in where traditional systems reach their limits. They represent not a short-term trend, but a long-term field of transformation.
Humanoid robotics
Humanoid robotics in logistics
The logistics industry is undergoing a profound transformation. Volatile global supply chains, demographic shifts, and geopolitical uncertainties are challenging companies to make their processes more efficient, resilient, and flexible. At the same time, the ongoing shortage of skilled workers is reducing the availability of qualified labor, particularly in operational, physically demanding roles. Automation is thus becoming a strategic necessity. However, traditional automation solutions often reach their limits – they are highly specialized, require standardized processes, and entail significant investments in structural modifications.
This is where humanoid robotics comes in: It promises to be deployed where conventional systems reach structural, economic, or technical limits – in existing work environments designed for humans. As flexible, multi-purpose robots, they can take on a wide range of tasks, adapt to changing requirements, and thus help address current challenges. Humanoid robotics represents a new generation of automation in logistics.
Independent expertise in the research field of humanoid robotics
Fraunhofer IML has been conducting research and providing consulting services in the field of automation for years. It possesses extensive expertise in robotics and has brought groundbreaking concepts to market maturity in collaboration with industry partners.
Comprehensive support in the field of humanoid robotics
Our services encompass both specialized and technical expertise in the fields of humanoid robotics and automation:
- Potential analysis for the use of humanoid robots in your company
- Process analysis and optimization:
Assessment and evaluation of logistics processes regarding automation potential - Technology selection and consulting:
From traditional automation technology to robotics: AGV, AMR, and humanoids at a glance - Technology development:
Hardware (platforms, sensors, etc.), software (artificial intelligence, simulation, etc.) - Technology integration into the overall logistics system
Fraunhofer IML’s range of services in the field of robotics extends from consulting on automation in production and warehousing, through the development and optimization of corresponding vehicles, to the integration of robotic systems. Training programs are also part of our offering. Please feel free to contact us!
Technological capabilities of a humanoid robot
Certain logistics tasks are particularly difficult to automate. The sequence of moving, grasping, placing, opening, packing, and acknowledging is highly variable, context-dependent, and requires constant adaptation to changing objects, locations, and process states in a dynamic environment.
A robot requires a broad and integrated range of capabilities to holistically support such processes. Key technological capabilities include:
- Perception using sensors to detect the environment, relevant objects, and people
- Grasping with articulated hands for versatile handling of heterogeneous objects
- Bipedal locomotion for mobility in human-centered work environments
- Interaction with the environment for adaptive collaboration with humans
Humanoid robotics in logistics encompasses a broad spectrum ranging from fully human-like robots to specialized modular systems. Depending on the application, alternative technical concepts such as mobile platforms or specialized grippers may be more practical and cost-effective than complex humanoid solutions. The choice of the optimal technology depends on the specific requirements, operational conditions, and economic objectives of the respective deployment scenario.
“Humanoid robots require a completely different kind of intelligence. They must orient themselves dynamically, make decisions, and constantly adapt to changing environments and tasks. Their software is based on modular, AI-supported architectures that combine different capabilities – perception, grasping, navigation, and interaction.”
Prof. Dr. Alice Kirchheim, Director of the Fraunhofer IML
Study on humanoid robotics
The Fraunhofer IML study systematically examines the potential of humanoid robots for logistics. The study is based on three methodological pillars: a qualitative and quantitative industry survey featuring eleven expert interviews and nearly 100 participants, a structured market study of 80 currently available humanoid robot systems, and a techno-economic assessment with recommendations for action.
The key findings reveal a high level of industry interest, with humanoid robots primarily viewed as flexible, multi-purpose robots for existing work environments. However, the technology is not yet mature enough for widespread productive use. There is a significant need for further development, particularly in terms of handling, robustness, safety, and process integration. The study shows that the optimal design of humanoid robots for logistics is highly application-specific.
Research infrastructure for applied robotics research
Prototype Center
The Fraunhofer IML Prototype Center combines expertise in mechanics, electronics, robotics, and additive manufacturing. It supports interdisciplinary teams in the development and production of mechanical, electronic, and IoT prototypes using state-of-the-art methods. In addition to prototypes for research and development, the focus is on the rapid implementation of innovative ideas and reduced development times, including the possibility of pilot series production.
PACE Lab
The Fraunhofer IML’s PACE Lab offers a globally unique environment for research on autonomous systems. With real-time data acquisition at the submillimeter level, a high-precision motion-capturing system, and 5G technology, the lab supports companies in the development, validation, and optimization of mobile robots, drones, and human-technology interactions. The interdisciplinary test hall enables the simulation and visualization of real-world scenarios, thereby accelerating innovation processes in logistics. This includes, among other things, the testing of sensor technology, localization systems, and navigation algorithms.
“The time to act is now. For operators and manufacturers of robotics solutions for logistics, the priority is to create test beds, identify realistic business cases, and promote open standards and partnerships.”
Prof. Dr. Alice Kirchheim, Director of the Fraunhofer IML
Neutral Expertise in Humanoid Robotics
Are you looking for independent expertise in the field of humanoid robotics? Our team is always at your disposal.
FAQ: Humanoid robotics
What is humanoid robotics?
Humanoid robotics encompasses flexible, multi-purpose robots capable of performing manual tasks in existing work environments designed for humans. The key factor here is their functional suitability for handling logistics tasks – not their human-like appearance. The spectrum ranges from fully human-like systems with legs and hands to modular platforms with wheels and specialized grippers that are optimized for specific applications.
What is the best humanoid robot?
There is currently no “best” humanoid robot, as the optimal configuration is highly application-specific and depends on the respective deployment scenario. No system on the market fully meets the logistics industry’s vision, and productive deployment has not yet taken place. The choice depends largely on the specific requirements, operational conditions, and economic objectives of the respective company.
What does the logistics industry mean by a humanoid robot?
In logistics, humanoid robots are understood less as human-like “jack-of-all-trades” and more as flexible, multi-purpose robots for existing work environments. Mobility is considered a key characteristic, though bipedal locomotion is not strictly necessary. Alternative concepts featuring mobile platforms and manipulative capabilities are viewed as equally practical and applicable.
Are humanoid robots already in productive use in logistics?
No, no humanoid robot is currently in full-scale productive use in logistics. The technology is not yet mature enough for widespread productive deployment – pilot projects and initial tests dominate. While 65% of the surveyed companies are already using robotic solutions, humanoid systems are exclusively in the evaluation or pilot phase. There is a significant need for development, particularly in terms of handling, robustness, safety, and process integration. However, 80% of companies expect productive deployment within the next ten years, and over 40% even within the next four years.
For which use cases are humanoid robots best suited in logistics?
Picking and placing is cited as the most important use case, as it is very time-consuming and requires flexible handling of diverse items. Other priority areas of application include loading and sorting tasks, as well as the transport of objects. What these activities have in common is that they require a high degree of adaptability, and traditional automation solutions often reach their limits here. Multi-purpose deployment is particularly relevant: The focus is on the ability to flexibly take on various tasks – especially during staff shortages or seasonal peaks – rather than solving a single, highly complex task.