Humanoid robots are one of the most discussed technology topics of recent months, and investor interest will likely not fade even in 2026. The excitement is understandable—the pairing of AI with the physical world sounds like the next big chapter in technological development. The problem is that reality so far significantly lags behind what we see on stages and in promo videos. Demonstrations of robots walking, dancing, or carrying objects often do not mean they are truly autonomous and ready for everyday deployment.

The key question for the coming years is not whether robots will look impressive, but whether they can work reliably and for extended periods without human supervision. Autonomy remains the weakest link in the whole story. Most demonstrations today still rely heavily on remote control or human assistance, which is useful for training systems, but from an investment perspective it means mass adoption is further away than it appears.

2026 is therefore unlikely to be the watershed moment when humanoids flood factories and homes. It will more likely be a period of sobering reality, separating serious players from dozens of smaller projects without clear use cases. That can put pressure on valuations, but also create opportunities for patient investors who can distinguish between flashy visions and genuine technological progress.

Do you see humanoid robotics as a long-term structural trend where it pays to be involved already today, or do you think it’s better to wait until it becomes clear who can actually deliver a functional and scalable product?