Taiwan makes headway in AI humanoid robot industry

Taiwan aims to lead the emerging humanoid robotics market.

In a world fascinated by artificial intelligence (AI), humanoid robots represent the next major breakthrough—a combination of AI, robotics, and physical form. What was once only found in science fiction and movies is now close to becoming reality. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang indicated that adding “physical AI” to humanoid robots isn’t just a dream for the future—it’s about to become widely deployed in manufacturing facilities in less than 5 years, as reported by Reuters and many other organizations.

At Computex 2025 in Taiwan's capital, Taipei, Huang predicted that humanoid robots, able to learn and interact naturally with people, could become common within five years—before 2030. His statement marks a turning point not only for the AI field but also for countries and companies aiming to take a lead in this emerging and potentially game-changing market. Taiwan, with its strong tech industry, is positioned to become a key player in the global humanoid robotics supply chain.

The era of physical AI

Robots are coming, Huang declared. He was referring to the rise of “physical AI”—artificial intelligence embedded in mobile, real-world machines.

Unlike generative AI limited to screens, physical AI can observe, adapt, and interact with the environment, augmenting or replacing human labor.

Though true emergent intelligence remains a challenge, current humanoid robots show strong potential. By combining mature AI models with specialized hardware, companies are finding new applications in logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and services.

Amazon is testing humanoid robots for package delivery in a controlled “humanoid park” in San Francisco, while Chinese startup AgiBot, supported by government funding, integrates robots into factory lines to address labor shortages and boost smart manufacturing.

These efforts reflect a broader global shift toward automation as a key economic and strategic priority.

Small Island, big potential

Taiwan is widely known for its geopolitical tensions with China and its semiconductor industry, but it also plays a key role in high-tech innovation.

The island’s strength in humanoid robotics comes from its vertically integrated supply chain, covering everything from chipsets and sensors to motors and communication modules.

Leading companies like Delta Electronics and TECO Electric & Machinery specialize in servo motors, while TSMC, Advanced Semiconductor Engineering (ASE), and Chroma excel in IC manufacturing and testing—critical components for robotic development.


Much of the expertise developed in Taiwan’s electric vehicle sector—especially in electric drive systems, battery management, and embedded AI—is highly applicable to humanoid robotics. Taiwanese firms, long key Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers in the global EV supply chain, are now positioned to follow a similar path in robotics.

Taiwan’s strength in information and communications technology further sets it apart. With decades of experience in consumer electronics, networked systems, and AI platforms, Taiwanese companies are uniquely prepared to integrate the complex hardware, software, and connectivity required for humanoid robots.

Supporting this momentum, Taiwanese contract manufacturer Foxconn is partnering with NVIDIA to deploy humanoid robots at a new AI server facility in Houston. Set to begin operations in early 2026, this plant will be the first to integrate humanoid robots into NVIDIA’s GB300 AI server production, signaling growing confidence in scaling humanoid robotics from experimental to industrial use and highlighting Taiwan’s central role in this emerging industry.


Ethical concerns

The humanoid robotics industry remains in its early stages. While field trials in logistics and manufacturing show promise, these robots—though human-like in form—still lack the dexterity, judgment, and moral reasoning of people. Their strength lies in consistency, precision, and endurance, qualities increasingly valuable in aging societies and high-precision industries.

Forbes predicts broader deployment within the next decade, with humanoid robots working in warehouses, eldercare, and urban services. Their appeal lies in addressing labor shortages while boosting productivity without compromising safety.

However, these advances raise ethical concerns. Questions about regulation, surveillance limits, autonomy, and emotional interaction remain unresolved, as legal frameworks lag behind technology.

Fears of job displacement, especially in the service and manufacturing sectors, could trigger public resistance. Policymakers and industry leaders must ensure automation complements rather than replaces human workers.

Strategic Imperatives

Taiwan’s push into humanoid robotics is deeply tied to its geopolitical position. Caught between China’s strategic ambitions and the West’s technological demands, Taiwan holds a crucial and vulnerable spot. Already a global semiconductor leader through TSMC, success in robotics would further cement its role as a key technological hub.

However, this opportunity carries significant risks. Geopolitical tensions, economic decoupling, or supply chain disruptions could have a widespread impact. Taiwan, therefore, needs to build a resilient, diversified robotics ecosystem covering research, manufacturing, and global markets.

Forming strategic partnerships with Western AI firms and robotics startups could help Taiwanese companies provide the hardware foundation for software-driven innovation. This collaboration would reduce risks and speed up commercialization.

A Threshold Moment

The humanoid robot is quickly shifting from science fiction to industrial reality. Driven by AI advances and global labor trends, these robots offer both challenges and opportunities for the coming decades.

For Taiwan, this moment represents a chance to move beyond being just the world’s chip factory and become a leader in embodied intelligence. With its strong tech expertise, manufacturing capacity, and strategic vision, Taiwan is well-positioned to seize this emerging market.

Though still in the early stages, with initial trials focused on manufacturing and logistics, Taiwanese manufacturers face a crucial moment to develop diverse strategies across multiple applications and technologies.

Meanwhile, supply chain resilience and production realignments are fueling robotics market growth. The industry is moving toward versatile humanoid robots that can operate beyond current niche uses, signaling a shift from pilot programs to wider commercial adoption.