Humanoid Robots Expected to Transform Daily Life by 2040

By 2026, humanoid robots are expected to be assisting in homes with tasks such as laundry, vacuuming, and dishwashing, according to futurist Peter Diamandis in a recent TechFirst podcast. By 2040, there could be around 10 billion humanoid robots globally, with operational costs potentially as low as $10 a day.

Diamandis explains, "If you lease it like you lease a car, a $30,000 car, your price point per month is 300 bucks. And that translates amazingly to $10 a day and 40 cents an hour." He envisions robots capable of performing various household chores and tasks.

Currently, most robotic manufacturers focus on tools for labor in sectors like warehousing and manufacturing. Notable advancements include Digit by Agility Robotics and Figure’s latest model, Figure 02, gaining traction.

In the future, humanoid robots will expand their roles across various sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, service industries, public spaces, transport, and entertainment. Analysts project that the humanoid robot market may reach $38 billion by 2035, while the potential economic impact of their labor could be as substantial as $24 trillion.

The divergence in projections stems from differences in opinions on the kinds of jobs robots will assume. Brett Adcock, CEO of Figure AI, notes that 50% of Global Domestic Product (GDP) is tied to human labor, estimating a marketplace worth $40 trillion annually.

Diamandis identifies 16 key players in the humanoid robot industry, with a concentration in the U.S. and China. The future competition will likely influence global economic power and societal structures.

As countries with aging populations face labor shortages, the development of humanoid robots could provide significant advantages in workforce efficiency. However, the societal implications of introducing robots into daily life are profound and complex.

The military aspect also cannot be overlooked, as seen in the Russia-Ukraine war, where autonomous systems play crucial roles in modern combat. Recent investments, such as Anduril's billion-dollar factory in Ohio, aim to enhance production capabilities for such technologies.

Ultimately, a crucial question remains: how much will humanoid robots cost? Diamandis predicts the leasing costs could become feasible for many within a decade, fundamentally changing labor dynamics.

With an aging population, such robots could offer significant relief in elder care. The United Nations predicts that by 2030, the United States will have a substantial population of individuals over 70, underlining the need for effective humanoid assistance.

As we transition into a post-labor society, it’s essential to consider what kind of world we want to create, guided by technology as a means to enhance human life and reduce essential survival burdens.