Germany bets big on humanoid robots to revolutionize automation by 2026

Germany has one of the highest robot densities in the world, with 449 industrial robots per 10,000 employees. A recent survey highlights strong confidence in humanoid robots as the future of automation in the country. The automatica Trend Index 2026 surveyed 100 specialists and executives across key industries. These included manufacturing, retail, transport, logistics, life sciences, and energy. The study was carried out by automatica alongside a market research institute.

Among the findings, 82% of industrial decision-makers believe humanoid robots will play a major role in automation. Another 85% see them as an important addition to industrial manufacturing. Meanwhile, 78% consider AI-driven robotics and automation essential for maintaining competitiveness.

Despite the optimism, 68% of respondents report that humanoid robots are still mostly limited to pilot projects. They are not yet widely adopted in everyday operations. The technology is viewed as a symbol of future automation, combining knowledge from various fields. The survey confirms Germany’s leading position in robotics and automation. It also shows a clear expectation that humanoid robots will shape the future of industry. However, their use remains largely experimental for now.