AI and the Evolution of Humanoid Robots at iREX 2025

As the International Robot Exhibition (iREX) opened its doors in Tokyo this month, 673 exhibitors presented innovative robotics that promise to redefine the limits of human-like automation. Amidst the excitement, two trends emerged that herald a new era for humanoid robotics: physical AI and collaborative open platforms.

iREX 2025 highlighted significant advancements in humanoid robotics driven by AI. This year's event, featuring over 156,000 visitors, not only showcased a resurgence in the robotics market but also indicated a shift towards more adaptable and collaborative robotic solutions. Industry giants are racing to transform their technologies to meet increasing demand, making this moment critical for businesses and developers alike.

Practical AI: A Leap from Prototype to Production

At iREX, the integration of AI into humanoid and industrial robotics revealed remarkable developments. Yaskawa, a leader in robotics, introduced the MOTOMAN NEXT-NHC 10DE, an advanced dual-arm robot engineered for packing items with precision similar to human dexterity. By utilizing motion-capture technology, Yaskawa's engineers taught the robot to mimic delicate human movements, marking a breakthrough wherein robots learn through observation rather than traditional programming.

Open Platforms: Encouraging Collaboration and Innovation

The use of AI is not merely cosmetic; the NEXT-NHC 10DE employs advanced algorithms to assess environmental variables in real time. As the robotic system executes its tasks, it continuously calibrates its actions based on feedback, enhancing efficiency and accuracy. This evolution from static programming to dynamic learning brings robots closer to human-level operation.

The Rise of Chinese Robotics: Emerging Global Players

FANUC's unexpected strategic shift to an open-source approach was well received at iREX. Traditionally characterized by closed systems, FANUC launched a ROS 2 driver, enabling developers to control its robots using the widely adopted Robot Operating System. This partnership with NVIDIA aims to seamlessly connect external AI environments to their robotic arms, promoting collaboration across diverse industries and enhancing functionality.

Additionally, Kawasaki presented its 'open' controller concept, which synchronizes various robotic systems, signaling an industry-wide trend towards more interoperable and easily integrated solutions. By deploying cloud-based platforms like ROBO CROSS, Kawasaki allows users to download customizable applications, pushing the boundaries of how robotic tasks are conceived and executed. These developments indicate a significant move towards modernizing the robotics landscape, addressing industry needs rapidly and efficiently.

Future Directions: What Lies Ahead for Humanoid Robotics

The Rise of Chinese Robotics: Emerging Global Players

A notable feature of this year's iREX was the strong presence of Chinese manufacturers, with 84 exhibitors making their mark on the event. This increase highlights China's expanding influence in the global robotics market, particularly in sectors such as low-cost collaborative robots and humanoid innovations, where price-performance ratios are increasingly compelling.

Companies like Dobot leverage local talent recruitment strategies to enhance their capabilities in international markets. While the strength of traditional players like Japan remains formidable, the competitive landscape is undoubtedly shifting as Chinese firms carve out significant market shares worldwide. This evolution may redefine the competitive dynamics in robotic technologies, especially as emerging markets demand more accessible and affordable robotic solutions.

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