Humanoid robots to stall at pilot scale while polyfunctional machines to lead warehouses

• Gartner adds that non-humanoid, polyfunctional designs—often wheeled and with unconventional sensor placement—offer better performance and adaptability.

Fewer than 100 companies will advance humanoid robot proofs of concept beyond experimentation by 2028, with fewer than 20 moving to production in supply chain and manufacturing, as deployments remain confined to tightly controlled settings rather than high-throughput operations, according to Gartner, Inc.

Humanoid robots—human-shaped machines with AI systems, advanced sensors, and ML for task adaptation—are drawing CSCO interest amid labor pressures. But Gartner says hype is outrunning real-world readiness on versatility and cost.

“The promise of humanoid robots is compelling, but the reality is that the technology remains immature and far from meeting expectations for versatility and cost-effectiveness,” said Abdil Tunca, Senior Principal Analyst, Gartner Supply Chain.

Gartner adds that non-humanoid, polyfunctional designs—often wheeled and with unconventional sensor placement—offer better performance and adaptability.

Barriers to humanoid adoption:

• Technological limits: Insufficient dexterity, intelligence, and adaptability for unstructured warehouse tasks like mixed-SKU picking, trailer unloading, or exception handling.
• Integration complexity: Difficulties aligning with existing systems and workflows.
• High costs: Higher capex/opex and lower throughput/uptime vs. task-specific polyfunctional robots.
• Energy constraints: Limited battery life for high-mobility operations.

Why polyfunctional robots win:

• Optimised for flexibility without human-like constraints; e.g., wheeled robots with telescopic arms can move boxes, pick cases, scan inventory, and inspect with higher uptime and lower energy use.
• Better suited to dynamic environments and durability requirements.

“Companies with a high risk appetite and focus on innovation are the best candidates for pursuing humanoid robots at present,” said Caleb Thomson, Senior Director Analyst, Gartner Supply Chain. “For most firms prioritising throughput-per-dollar, polyfunctional robots will be the superior solution.”

Gartner’s guidance for CSCOs:

• Run pilots to validate feasibility before scaling.
• Co-develop with emerging providers to shape roadmaps to operational needs.
• Continuously monitor performance and iterate.
• Cultivate an innovation culture that supports calculated risk-taking.
• Prioritise outcome-driven automation targeting specific bottlenecks over generalised headcount-reduction plays.