Humanoid advancement could fill labour gaps

Acute macroeconomic pressures caused by major demographic shifts have also created a greater demand for solutions that can complement human workforces – and therefore for bipedal robots that can operate effectively in a world designed for the human form.

First, populations are ageing rapidly. By 2050, the share of the global population aged 65 and above is projected to rise from 10% to 16%⁹, surpassing 30% in some regions. Second, talent is concentrating in cities, leaving agricultural and manufacturing sectors exposed to a deepening skills mismatch. Third, there is a growing reluctance among humans to perform jobs that are repetitive, hazardous, or physically demanding.

Advances in humanoid robotics are accelerating defence innovation, with spillover effects driving next-generation technologies. This is creating potential demand for humanoids to work alongside humans in defence production. And with global defence spending projected to hit between $4.4 trillion and $6.6 trillion by 2035¹⁰, demand for robotics and advanced components is expected to rise.

Humanoids are also poised to enter professions facing the most acute labour shortages. In particular, across agriculture and manufacturing, where workers are ageing faster than the general population, and in healthcare, where demand for nursing personnel is outpacing supply, humanoid robots offer a necessary augmentation to the workforce.