Despite massive investments and high expectations, many companies developing humanoid robots now admit they may have overestimated the technology’s current capabilities. Even some of the most prominent startups in the field acknowledge that their robots are still limited to performing basic, repetitive tasks and are far from the versatile, autonomous machines often portrayed in media and marketing. Companies like Figure, Agility Robotics, and Tesla have captured public attention with sleek prototypes and ambitious visions of robots working alongside humans in factories, warehouses, and even homes. However, behind the scenes, engineers and executives are increasingly candid about the challenges. “We’ve been pushing the boundaries, but we’re still years away from robots that can truly adapt to unpredictable environments,” said one executive at a major robotics startup, speaking on condition of anonymity. The reality is that current humanoid robots struggle with fundamental tasks like picking up irregularly shaped objects, navigating cluttered spaces, or responding to sudden changes in their surroundings. Most systems rely heavily on pre-programmed behaviors and precise environments, making them impractical for real-world use outside controlled settings. Many companies are also grappling with the high cost of development and deployment. Building a robot that can walk, balance, and manipulate objects requires advanced sensors, powerful computing, and complex software—components that drive up prices and limit scalability. As a result, most deployments remain experimental or confined to niche industrial applications. Even investors are showing signs of caution. While venture capital poured into robotics startups in recent years, some are now reevaluating their bets. “The hype cycle has slowed,” said a venture capitalist who has backed several robotics firms. “We’re seeing a shift from vision-driven funding to a focus on tangible, near-term use cases.” Despite the setbacks, companies continue to make incremental progress. Advances in AI, particularly in computer vision and reinforcement learning, are helping robots better interpret their surroundings and learn from experience. But most experts agree that true autonomy—where robots can reason, plan, and act independently—remains a distant goal. For now, the most realistic applications are in structured environments like manufacturing lines or distribution centers, where robots can perform specific tasks under tight supervision. The dream of household robots that can cook, clean, or care for the elderly remains firmly in the future. Still, the pursuit continues. “We’re not giving up,” said a robotics engineer at a leading startup. “We’re just being more honest about where we are. The technology isn’t ready yet—but we’re building the foundation.”