February 23, 2025 – Japan’s Humanoid Robot Dominance Fades as Global Landscape Shifts
Japan, once hailed as the “Kingdom of Robots,” is witnessing a decline in its prominence in the humanoid robot sector. Notably absent from Morgan Stanley’s “Humanoid 100” report, which lists key public companies in the global humanoid robot industry chain, Japan’s absence stands in stark contrast to its former reputation.
The country’s journey in humanoid robotics began with a bang. Waseda University’s WABOT-1, developed in 1973, marked the debut of the world’s first full-sized humanoid robot, kickstarting Japan’s exploration in this domain. Subsequently, icons like Honda’s ASIMO and SoftBank’s Pepper emerged, solidifying Japan’s lead in humanoid robotics.
However, insights from the Color Masterbatch Industry Network reveal a shift in fortune. As the 21st century progressed, Japan’s investment in humanoid robots dwindled, and innovation stagnated. ASIMO, once a symbol of pride, ceased production in 2018, while Pepper faced a tumultuous journey, ultimately being divested by SoftBank. This decline can be attributed to Japan’s prolonged economic slump and the challenges of high costs and technical implementation in humanoid robotics.
Meanwhile, China and the United States have surged ahead in the humanoid robot arena. With players like Tesla, Figure, and OpenAI entering the fray, humanoid robot technology has witnessed a leap forward. In contrast, Japan’s lag in AI technology has become a significant Achilles’ heel, depriving its humanoid robots of a “smart brain” and eroding its competitive edge globally.
Today, while Japan’s humanoid robot industry strives for a comeback, its former glory seems to be a thing of the past. Japan’s rise and fall in humanoid robotics evoke a sense of missed opportunity. The once-celebrated “Kingdom of Robots” now watches from the sidelines as other nations rise in the humanoid robot wave.