In recent years, humanoid robots have been slowly making their way out of the lab and into real industrial environments, doing real labor. Agility Robotics, a humanoid developer that has helped to lead this change, believes it’s inevitable that humanoids will be helping fill in labor gaps. But, will the U.S. be leading the charge?
In a recent video, Peggy Johnson, CEO of Agility, said the U.S. needs a focused policy framework that can strengthen and accelerate what’s already working for the industry. She outlines six pillars she claimed will create a healthy regulatory environment for the humanoid market and the people they will operate around.
1. Close the gap on internationally sourced components
Johnson’s first recommendation centers around the key components that humanoid robot developers need for commercial deployments. Currently, developers must source certain components internationally.
“This is not a matter of preference, but of current limitations in American manufacturing capacity,” Johnson said.
According to a report from McKinsey, China currently has a significant share of capacity for robotics components. For example, China currently makes up 90% of the capacity of permanent magnets within motors, a key component for humanoid robots.
Policymakers have the opportunity to strengthen domestic production and reduce long-term reliance on foreign suppliers, Johnson said. This will make the emerging U.S. humanoid industry more resilient over time.
China has a significant share of the capacity for humanoid robot components. | Source: McKinsey & Co.
2. Adopt a coordinated national robotics strategy
In recent years, China has invested heavily in manufacturing and commercializing humanoid robots. In 2023, China said it aimed to be ready to mass-produce humanoids by 2025. The country outlined goals to establish a humanoid innovation system, make breakthroughs in several key technologies, and ensure the safe and effective supply of core components.
Johnson said the U.S. also needs a coordinated national strategy that brings together federal agencies and industry partners.
“Without deliberate action, the risk is not just losing technological leadership, but also weakening the already fragile domestic industrial base that supports it, with clear implications for national security,” she said.
AGIBOT, a Chinese humanoid developer, offers its G2 robots. | Source: AGIBOT
3. Prioritize standards and industry-led safety framework
It’s important to make sure every humanoid that works alongside humans is safe and predictable. At the same time, strict regulations can stifle innovation.
To keep this balance, Johnson recommends prioritizing voluntary standards development and industry-led safety frameworks. This, she said, will enable innovation to continue moving forward while also maintaining public trust.
Right now, there are efforts to develop standards ongoing with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
4. Create federal policies to support workforce development
As humanoids increasingly make their way into the workforce, anxieties around robots displacing workers grow. However, research shows that robots typically complement human workers rather than replace them.
Johnson said the U.S. should enforce this dynamic by supporting workforce development pipelines, expanding training for technicians, apprenticeships, and partnerships with higher education and technical institutions.
5. Lower the barrier to entry for small manufacturers to automate
Right now, cost is one of the greatest barriers to adopting robotics. This is especially true for humanoid robots, which are expensive to make and maintain.
Johnson said policymakers should consider targeted incentives, early adopter programs, and financing tools that lower barriers to entry. This would ensure that all manufacturers benefit from automation, instead of small and midsize businesses being left behind.
Agility Robotics’ Digit humanoid robot at work at GXO Logistics. | Source: Agility Robotics
6. Establish clear procurement pathways
Johnson said humanoid robots have clear applications across logistics, supply chain operations, and defense sustainment environments.
“Establishing clear procurement pathways and integrating non-weaponized humanoid robotics into industrial-based initiatives would not only strengthen government capabilities but also help catalyze broader commercial adoption,” Johnson said.
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