The recent World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing show just how quickly humanoid robotics is evolving. It is not only about sports and spectacular demonstrations. Applications in logistics, production and inspection are also taking centre stage.
Chinese robot manufacturers are rapidly lowering the barrier to entry. Yet the most important question for your business is not: “How much does a robot like this cost?” But rather: “Which repetitive task can a robot perform safely, reliably and profitably in our business?”
How much does a humanoid robot really cost?
A night-shift worker can easily cost a Belgian employer €50,000 to €70,000 per year. A robotic platform can be available from around €20,000, but a working solution also requires investments in safety, software, charging infrastructure, integration and support.
When does the business case become interesting?
The business case is interesting when the task:
- Is repetitive and sufficiently standardised
- Takes place in a predictable environment
- Involves a lot of night work, overtime or hard-to-fill vacancies
- Can be measured in terms of output, quality and required interventions
Think of internal transport, moving uniform bins or boxes, simple picking, inspection rounds or visual quality control.
Start with the task, not the technology
My advice to SMEs: do not buy hardware straight away. First choose one clearly defined task, measure its current cost and test it using clear KPIs: uptime, output, error rate, human intervention and actual hours saved.
Is your business ready for humanoid robotics?
Humanoid robotics is not yet a standard solution for every warehouse or production floor. But for businesses dealing with repetitive work and structural labour shortages, it is time to seriously explore the possibilities.
Wondering what humanoid robotics could mean for your business? Contact us and discover together with our experts where the first opportunities lie.