Hyundai unveiled its next-generation humanoid robot, Atlas, at CES. Now Hyundai Union is fighting to prevent its deployment over concerns about the workforce.

Chinese humanoid robot companies are expanding globally, piling pressure on Elon Musk’s Optimus before it reaches mass production.

Airbus ordered UBTech’s Walker S2, a full-size humanoid that stands 176 cm tall (5’9"), weighs 70 kg (154 lbs), and walks at about two meters/second (4.5 mph). It has dextrous hands with 11 degrees of freedom and tactile sensors, and can hold 7.5 kg (16.5 lbs) in each hand and 1 kg (2.2 lbs) with each finger.

NEW YORK -- As the new robot called Sprout walks around a Manhattan office, nodding its rectangular head, lifting its windshield wiper-like “eyebrows” and offering to shake your hand with its grippers, it looks nothing like the sleek and intimidating humanoids built by companies like Tesla.

Humans are desperate to put the robots to work. The only problem is, the robots don’t “work” to any degree. These humanoid bots are interesting. Some are even cute. Few, if any, are anywhere close to prime time. It was a dour scene at CES 2026, so much so I can’t help but wonder if they ever will be.

Tesla shifts focus to AI, autonomous vehicles, and Optimus robots, halting Model S and Model X. Plans include xAI investment and Robotaxi expansion.

Humanoid robots have been in development for years, but it may feel like they will never be accessible to regular users. There are a few reasons for that.