- 58 percent of industry believes humanoid robots can counteract the shortage of skilled workers
- 7 out of 10 industrial companies see the technology as a way to reduce accidents at work
- The Hannover Messe starts today
April 20, 2026 – A human-looking robot welds metal parts in high heat, moves heavy workpieces through production or performs dangerous tasks involving hazardous substances – what sounds like science fiction is already a reality in some factories. Humanoid robots, human-like robots with AI, are already taking over some tasks in industrial production. The majority of industry sees this as an opportunity. More than half (58%) of German industrial companies are of the opinion that the use of humanoid robots can counteract the shortage of skilled workers in German industry. Many companies also see potential in terms of occupational safety. Almost 7 out of 10 industrial companies (68 percent), for example, believe that humanoid robots can reduce accidents at work. This was revealed by a representative survey commissioned by the digital association Bitkom, which was conducted among 555 industrial companies with 100 or more employees in Germany on the occasion of the Hannover Messe.
“Geopolitical uncertainties, the economic situation and demographic change are putting German industry under pressure,” says Bitkom Vice President Dr. Tanja Rückert. “Humanoid robots can be part of the solution here: they can make companies more efficient and take on tasks where work is particularly dangerous and risky or where there is a lack of personnel.”
Humanoid robots are currently only used in isolated cases in German industry: 6 percent of industrial companies work with them. However, one in ten companies (10 percent) are planning to do so and 8 percent are discussing it.And: Overall, almost the entire German industry (97%) can imagine humanoid robots being used across the board in production, at least in the long term. However, according to the perception of industrial companies, skepticism towards this technology still prevails in the workforce. For example, 62% state that their employees are skeptical about the use of humanoid robots. One reason for this reluctance will be related to concerns about their own jobs.
Rückert: “When used correctly, the technology supports people, increases productivity and thus ensures the competitiveness of the industry – and thus preserves existing jobs or creates new ones. For this to succeed, companies must involve their workforce at an early stage, take concerns seriously and reduce fears of contact through targeted training and further education.”
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Further links:
👉 To the original press release
