The conversation around humanoid robotics is changing.
Just a few years ago, most discussions focused on whether humanoid robots would ever become practical. Today, the question is very different. Industry leaders are now focused on how to bring these systems into real-world environments safely and reliably, at scale.
As we prepare to speak at the Humanoid Robots Summit Europe 2026, one topic is becoming increasingly important to that conversation: functional safety.
From Innovation to Adoption
What became clear is that the industry is entering a new phase.
Earlier this year, we participated in MACHINA Summit Paris, where discussions centered on physical AI, data, scalability, and the technologies enabling intelligent autonomous systems.
Artificial intelligence continues to advance rapidly, but success will ultimately depend on how effectively that intelligence can be translated into physical systems operating in the real world. For humanoid robots, that means solving challenges related to motion, reliability, human interaction, and safety.
Innovation may create new possibilities, but safety enables adoption.
Why Safety Has Become a Strategic Priority
Humanoid robots are expected to operate in environments where people are present. That requirement fundamentally changes how systems must be designed.
As a result, functional safety is becoming one of the most important considerations for robot manufacturers and component suppliers alike.
Safety is not simply about meeting a specification. It requires specialized engineering expertise and robust development processes along with a long-term commitment to designing systems that can respond appropriately to real-world operating conditions.
The organizations that successfully address these challenges will play a critical role in accelerating the adoption of humanoid robotics.
Anticipating Tomorrow’s Needs
One of the most interesting aspects of working in this market is its pace.
Manufacturers are advancing quickly and new technologies emerge constantly as expectations continue to evolve. In this environment, waiting for customers to request a new capability is often too late.
Success increasingly depends on identifying future needs before they become market requirements.
That is why close collaboration with customers and continuous market analysis are so important. Understanding where the industry is headed provides opportunities to develop solutions that address tomorrow’s challenges rather than yesterday’s problems.
This mindset is particularly valuable in functional safety, where building expertise and developing meaningful innovation requires significant time and investment.
Helping Lead the Conversation
At the Humanoid Robots Summit Europe, I will discuss how safety requirements for humanoid robot actuators are evolving, along with emerging approaches that may help support safer human-robot interaction in the future.
The objective is not simply to talk about products. It is to contribute to a broader industry discussion about what will be required to enable the next generation of humanoid robotics.
Events like this bring together manufacturers with technology providers and industry experts who are collectively working to solve some of robotics’ most complex challenges.
Those conversations are essential because the future of humanoid robotics will not be built by any one company alone. It will be shaped through collaboration and continuous innovation.
Looking Ahead
The excitement surrounding humanoid robotics is well deserved. The progress being made across the industry is remarkable, and the opportunities ahead are significant.
At the same time, the technologies that ultimately succeed will be the ones that combine innovation with reliability and safety.
That is why we believe functional safety will continue to be one of the most influential areas shaping the future of humanoid robotics and why we are excited to be part of that conversation.
By Ricard Picas Prat, Advanced Solution Engineer