Colombia
The makeup of a humanoid robot: key systems & design challenges
Humanoid robots are being deployed across manufacturing, automotive, warehousing, logistics and hospitality applications. Explore the core power, motion, sensing, computing and connectivity systems that enable these advanced platforms.
Power
Subsystem parts: Batteries, battery management system, power distribution circuits
Challenge: Extending battery life with effective thermal control in a compact form factor
Movement
Subsystem parts: Motors and motor controllers
Challenge: Maintaining precise, repeatable motion and efficient power usage
Perception
Subsystem parts: Cameras and sensors
Challenge: Optimizing vision and sensing for dynamic environments
Computing
Subsystem parts: Processors, the “brains” of the robot
Challenge: Quickly processing multiple sensor and camera data streams for real-time decisions
Connectivity
Subsystem parts: Wired (USB, Ethernet) and wireless (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) connections
Challenge: Maintaining signal integrity in noisy environments
Power
Subsystem parts: Batteries, battery management system, power distribution circuits
Challenge: Extending battery life with effective thermal control in a compact form factor
Movement
Subsystem parts: Motors and motor controllers
Challenge: Maintaining precise, repeatable motion and efficient power usage
Perception
Subsystem parts: Cameras and sensors
Challenge: Optimizing vision and sensing for dynamic environments
Computing
Subsystem parts: Processors, the “brains” of the robot
Challenge: Quickly processing multiple sensor and camera data streams for real-time decisions
Connectivity
Subsystem parts: Wired (USB, Ethernet) and wireless (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) connections
Challenge: Maintaining signal integrity in noisy environments
Bracing for a world of humanoids
The global humanoid robot market is projected to reach $38B by 2035.
Source: Goldman Sachs Research
Published: 2026-10-30