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.

Humanoid robot with the power subsystem highlighted in a green outline
Lightning bolt

Power

Subsystem parts: Batteries, battery management system, power distribution circuits

Challenge: Extending battery life with effective thermal control in a compact form factor

Humanoid robot with the movement subsystem highlighted in a purple outline.
Running man

 Movement

Subsystem parts: Motors and motor controllers

Challenge: Maintaining precise, repeatable motion and efficient power usage

Humanoid robot with the perception subsystem highlighted in a blue outline.
Eye

 Perception

Subsystem parts: Cameras and sensors

Challenge: Optimizing vision and sensing for dynamic environments

Humanoid robot with the computing subsystem highlighted in a pink outline.
Computer chip

 Computing

Subsystem parts: Processors, the “brains” of the robot

Challenge: Quickly processing multiple sensor and camera data streams for real-time decisions

Humanoid robot with the connectivity subsystem highlighted in an orange outline.
Signal

 Connectivity

Subsystem parts: Wired (USB, Ethernet) and wireless (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) connections

Challenge: Maintaining signal integrity in noisy environments

Humanoid robot with the power subsystem highlighted in a green outline
Humanoid robot with the movement subsystem highlighted in a purple outline
Humanoid robot with the perception subsystem highlighted in a blue outline
Humanoid robot with the computing subsystem highlighted in a pink outline
Humanoid robot with the connectivity subsystem highlighted in an orange outline
Lightning bolt

Power

Subsystem parts: Batteries, battery management system, power distribution circuits

Challenge: Extending battery life with effective thermal control in a compact form factor

Running man

Movement

Subsystem parts: Motors and motor controllers

Challenge: Maintaining precise, repeatable motion and efficient power usage

Eye

Perception

Subsystem parts: Cameras and sensors

Challenge: Optimizing vision and sensing for dynamic environments

Computer chip

Computing

Subsystem parts: Processors, the “brains” of the robot

Challenge: Quickly processing multiple sensor and camera data streams for real-time decisions

Signal

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

Explore the technologies behind next-gen humanoid robots

Published: 2026-10-30