Welcoming robots into our homes: When will humanoid helpers become a part of household life?

In five years? Twenty years? Or perhaps in 2025 as announced by Elon Musk? Humanoid robots are likely to coexist with us in the not-too-distant future. Designed to perform tasks that would be better left undone, their human-like shape has fascinated researchers and industrialists for nearly three decades. However, the timeline for their "civil" deployment for private individuals remains uncertain.

Elon Musk has become a prominent figure in this race for humanoid robots, with his Tesla-developed Optimus robots gaining significant attention. Musk announced a rollout in Tesla factories by 2025 and a market release for consumers in 2026. Yet, these robots still lack true autonomy, as shown in their last public demonstration where they were operated remotely, sparking criticism.

Meanwhile, competitors like Boston Dynamics and Figure AI are demonstrating their advancements in humanoid robotics. Although Tesla has showcased Optimus's capabilities, the overall development of humanoid robots is still in progress, with a focus on improving motor coordination and communication skills. Experts predict that autonomous humanoid robots capable of understanding verbal instructions may not be common in households for another decade, highlighting the need for legal frameworks to integrate these technologies safely.