Humanoid robots face continued skepticism at Modex

Robotics Startups: Ever Heard, “Are You Using Generative AI?” and “Will You Build a Humanoid?”

When you’re on the hunt for seed or Series A funding, investors will almost always ask two questions—trust me, you’ve heard them before. First, “Do you use generative AI?” Rhythmic like a catch‑phrase. Second, “Have you thought about creating a humanoid robot?” That one feels heavier, like a topic requiring a balanced, nuanced reply.

Answering the Generative AI Question

It’s pretty straightforward—if you’re running a robotics company in 2024, you’ve almost already experimented with generative AI. Think of it like adding a shiny new Lego block to your existing robots. If you can’t pitch that AI tweak, investors will raise an eyebrow.

Answering the Humanoid Question

Here is where the real art comes in. You want to avoid turning the question into a raw “no, we won’t build humanoids” answer. Instead, tailor a thoughtful, brief response. For instance:

• Humanoid appeal: They’re cool, they can mimic human gestures, and the headlines are ripe.
• Trade‑off reality: For many tasks—especially in logistics, automotive assembly, or hazardous operations—they’re overkill. A rugged, purpose‑built robot head‑up is often the smarter bet.
• Investor management: A quick pivot, shifting focus to mobility‑centric solutions, keeps the pitch fresh.

Bottom line: acknowledge the upside but stress that the design isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all solution.

Is the Robotic Hype at its Peak?

Let’s gaze into the future: a $675 million raise just made headlines, and it left us all wondering—is the market sustainable? If we were at a trade fair, folks would notice the sparse presence of humanoids.

At Modex Supply Chain Show in Atlanta, amid three massive halls, you’d only encounter two humanoids. And they were from the same standout—Agility. This year, their robot Digit boasted enhanced grip technology, new software tailored for automotive plants, and a tight work‑flow pipeline. It’s a step up from last year’s debut.

Why Digit is a Quiet Pioneer

Though its presence is modest, Digit is more than a concept. It highlights that real‑world robotics is now eyeing ROI calculations and tangible pilot projects.

“PILOT” in the Trenches

During the show, many attendees said “PILOT” in caps—focusing on small‑scale trials before scaling up. That’s not a “dirty word” in this arena. It’s standard practice when deploying something novel.

With the hype burning bright and thoughtful ingenuity gaining traction, a strategic pivot to purpose‑built robots over flashy humanoids could mean the difference between nailing the investor pitch and scrambling to keep up.

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Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.

Humanoid Robots: From Pilot to Reality

It’s not just about a few pilot tests; it’s about reshaping factories from the ground up, a far‑past vision that requires a lot of sweat and re‑engineering. Sure, pilots are a useful stepping stone, but companies jump from testing a handful of units to overhauling production lines only when the technology truly demands it.

Why Pilots Matter

• Win‑win for start‑ups: A pilot proves that a product works in a real environment.
• Shake‑up for incumbents: It shows shareholders and customers that the big players are chasing the next big thing.
• But ultimately, deployment numbers matter. Pilots are milestones; successful rollout is the real test.

Skepticism at Work

I met several folks who still doubt humanoid robots can become the next standard in the workplace. If you’re manufacturing robot arms or mobile units, you naturally expect those to dominate – or at least be the tallest players in the field.

Over the last week, however, the vibe has shifted. Companies like Agility have made progress in tech, customer demand, and hiring the smartest brains. The skepticism about humanoids has softened dramatically. Instead of outright rejection, most people now say “maybe… but with a dash of optimism.”

Humanoids in the Loop

Humanoid robots are now expected to augment existing machines, not replace them entirely. Think of a human‑in‑the‑loop system that still needs a person to intervene when something unusual pops up.

Manufacturers keep insisting that humans will always have a role. Our own Plus One Robotics CEO, Erik Nieves, noted that “you have to add a human if you’re going to increase reliability over time.” That’s why there’s no rush to fully automate everything.

Breaking the Prediction Barrier

We can’t predict the future perfectly, and that’s fine. But let’s not forget profit motive. If a company could save pennies by fully automating a warehouse, would they hesitate? Probably not. Lights‑out factories are a few, but they exist. The world of manufacturing is ideal for a fully automated setup due to its repetitive workflow.

Humanoids for the Edge Cases

Humanoid robots could be the perfect answer for those rare “5% exceptions” that standard robotic arms can’t handle – the ones that demand dexterity and unstructured action. It’s a sweet spot for them to shine, whether they’re autonomous or remote‑controlled as seen at Reflex Robotics and GreyOrange.

GreyOrange’s CEO Akash Gupta said, “Humanoids are the right tool for the 5% exception gap, providing hands‑on dexterity in warehouses.”

Timing Is Everything

Founding engineer Robert Sun pointed out that the technology might not be ready for rapid adoption. While humanoids could theoretically help transition to lights‑out factories, the necessary infrastructure hasn’t caught up yet.

“When we transition all logistics to robotics, we’ll need a humanoid first. Over time, we’ll move to a fully automated factory,” Sun explained. “But the difficulty of humanoids hurts that transition.”

So the real question is: how can these systems prove their worth from day one? Pilots exist to answer that, shifting the narrative toward return on investment.

What’s in It for the Future?

Humanoid firms promise an adaptable future, far more flexible than today’s singular machines. The real challenge is bridging the gap between now and later. The goal is to prove value instantly, so the transition can happen smoothly.