Definition: humanoid robot

A robot that has the general appearance of a human being. Also called an "android," a humanoid robot has two arms and two legs, and it may verbally communicate with a vocabulary that is ever increasing due to AI. However, humanoid robots have much more flexibility than people, and in the future, they may look more lifelike (see hyperrealistic robot).

Humanoid robots are planned for health care, assisted living as well as general household helpers. They may also be used in warehouses side-by-side with people. Humanoid robots, as well as non-human-looking robots, can retrieve objects in places that are extremely hazardous for humans. See Humanichs, robot, android and household robot.

Chinese Humanoids Are Very Flexible
As of March 2026, China is making many more humanoid robots than the U.S., and they are more affordable and very flexible.

Ameca Modular Robot

With natural motion and human-like facial expressions, Ameca from UK-based Engineered Arts is a modular humanoid robot that is run by the Tritium operating system, which took 12 years to develop. (Image courtesy of Engineered Arts Limited.)