In today’s rapidly evolving world, two powerful forces are converging to reshape the future of work: significant shifts in the global workforce and unprecedented advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). As leaders, we stand at the crossroads of an autonomous revolution that promises to redefine industries and unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation.
Around the globe, industries are grappling with profound changes in the workforce. Populations are aging, birth rates are declining, and many sectors face a growing shortage of skilled labor. Younger generations are entering the workforce with different expectations, seeking flexible conditions and meaningful work. These trends are creating gaps that traditional methods of recruitment and retention cannot bridge.
At the same time, AI is advancing at tremendous speed. Breakthroughs in machine learning and foundational models are no longer confined to research labs—they’re impacting education, finance, healthcare, and beyond. Generative AI and intelligent agents are not just buzzwords; they’re tools that are reshaping how we operate and compete in the global marketplace.
The intersection of AI and the workforce
These trends are not developing in isolation. AI is poised to transform the workforce profoundly, affecting roles across the spectrum—from manufacturing floors to corporate offices. While the full extent of AI’s impact is still unfolding, one thing is clear: we need intelligent, autonomous solutions that enhance human labor rather than simply replace it.
To sustain a dynamic and prosperous economy, businesses must embrace technologies that address labor shortages and drive productivity. This isn’t about incremental improvements—it’s about fundamentally redefining how industries operate.
Welcome to the Humanoid Era
For decades, robots have played a crucial role in automation, but they’ve largely been confined to specific tasks within fixed environments. Today’s challenges demand more adaptable solutions. That’s where humanoid robots come into play.
Recent advancements in AI and robotics have transformed humanoids from science fiction to practical reality. Modern humanoids can navigate complex environments, learn new skills, perceive their surroundings, and make autonomous decisions. They can adapt to changing conditions in ways that traditional robots cannot.
Several factors fuel this progress:
- Advanced robotics: Innovations in actuators, end effectors, and materials have enhanced the strength, speed, and dexterity of humanoids.
- Sophisticated sensing: Multi-sensor systems enable humanoids to process visual and audio information, allowing them to navigate and interact with the world effectively.
- AI: Improved foundational models, learning techniques and simulation tools have expanded humanoids’ capabilities in perception, action, and interaction.
Unlike their predecessors, today’s humanoids are versatile. They can perform a wide range of functions—operating machinery, handling materials, assembling products, conducting inspections, and more. Moreover, they can integrate seamlessly into existing work environments designed for humans, eliminating the need for costly infrastructure changes.
The opportunity ahead
The potential market for humanoids is vast. Analysts predict that by 2035, the total addressable market for humanoids could reach $38 billion. Industries most affected by labor shortages—such as manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, and retail—are expected to lead adoption in the near term.
In addition, taking into account the expected decrease in cost over the coming years, analysts suggest that the ROI period for humanoids could shrink to under one year by 2030, making humanoids a clear business case across all industrial sectors
Businesses can adopt humanoids through various models:
- Purchase: Owning the humanoid outright (often with a maintenance fee)
- Rental: Short-term use for specific projects or peak periods.
- Robots as a Service (RaaS): Leasing the humanoid with an all-inclusive cost structure.
The choice depends on specific needs and financial strategies, but flexibility ensures that compagnies of all sizes can benefit.
Addressing the challenges
As we forge ahead, it’s essential to address the critical concerns that come with deploying humanoids:
- Ethical considerations: We must ensure that humanoids are developed and used in ways that benefit humanity. Establishing clear ethical guidelines and safety standards is paramount.
- Public perception: Overcoming the “uncanny valley”—the discomfort some people feel around human-like robots—is crucial for widespread acceptance. Transparent communication and education can help alleviate these concerns.
- Economic impact: While humanoids can alleviate labor shortages, we must also consider the implications for employment and work to mitigate potential inequalities.
Collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers, and communities is essential to navigate these challenges responsibly.
Hexagon leads the way
At Hexagon, we are uniquely positioned to lead this transformation. With a legacy of excellence in measurement technologies and positioning solutions, we’ve spent decades enabling the world’s most critical industries to achieve precision and efficiency.
Our expansion into autonomous technologies is a natural progression. We’ve been at the forefront of creating accurate 3D models of physical environments and developing AI-powered sensors and solutions. With €5.4 billion in revenue and a team of 24,500 professionals, we have the scale and expertise to drive meaningful change.
Our relationships with over 40,000 customers across sectors like manufacturing, construction, mining, agriculture, automotive, and logistics give us deep insights into the challenges and opportunities these industries face.
Introducing Hexagon Robotics
Building on this strong foundation, we are excited to have launched Hexagon Robotics—a division dedicated to developing humanoid solutions that address real-world needs. Our mission is clear: to build an autonomous future, one humanoid at a time.
We’ve integrated the best in sensor fusion technology, AI-driven motion control, spatial intelligence, and learning techniques to create AEON humanoids that deliver tangible business value to our customers. In the past two years, we’ve developed several generations of humanoids, each iteration bringing us closer to realizing the full potential of this technology.
Collaboration is at the heart of our approach. We are partnering with leading technology companies to accelerate innovation and expand what’s possible. Together with our customers, we’re focusing on solutions that not only solve immediate challenges but also drive long-term success.
We are committed to ensuring that our humanoids interact safely, ethically, and beneficially with people. This commitment guides every aspect of our design and development processes.
Shaping the future together
The autonomous future is not a distant vision—it’s unfolding now. By embracing humanoid technology responsibly and thoughtfully, we have the opportunity to transform industries, address labor challenges, and usher in a new era of autonomy and innovation.
At Hexagon Robotics, we’re excited to lead this journey. We invite you to join us as we shape the future of work and create lasting value for businesses and society alike.