The Race to Develop Humanoid Robots

Summary

Down to Business English Episode Summary

Episode Title: The Race to Develop Humanoid Robots
Date: May 17, 2025
Hosts: Skip Montreux & Dez Morgan
Theme:
A detailed discussion of the rapidly emerging business of humanoid robots, profiles of leading companies in the sector, and the implications for global industries, with insights into technology, pricing, competition, and future adoption.

---

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode explores the global race to develop and commercialize humanoid robots, analyzing which companies are leading, how new markets are developing, and the challenges and opportunities the industry faces. Throughout their discussion, the hosts introduce relevant English vocabulary and idioms used in business and technology, all in a clear, accessible manner for ESL/EFL professionals.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. A Humanoid Robot Half Marathon in Beijing

• [01:02 - 02:57]
  Dez recounts a unique Beijing Half Marathon where 21 humanoid robots ran alongside humans in April 2025.
  • "This was not just any half marathon... Some were humanoid robots." – Dez ([01:24])
  • The robots were controlled by people but moved under their own power.
  • The fastest robot finished in 2 hours, 40 minutes; the top human at 1 hour, 2 minutes.
  • Demonstration intended to showcase both technological and commercial progress.
  • Memorable moment:
    • “It feels a little too close to the beginning of a Terminator movie, if you ask me.” – Skip ([01:46])

2. The Industry Race: Who’s Building What?

• [03:07 - 04:01]
  The marathon is used as a segue to talk about the competitive sprint among companies to bring humanoid robots to market.
  • “The race to build humanoid robots is heating up… as a rapidly emerging global business sector.” – Dez ([03:07])

3. Tesla’s Optimus Project

• [04:14 - 07:09]
  Tesla’s Optimus is spotlighted as the industry’s “elephant in the room.”
  • First announced by Elon Musk in 2021 as a “general purpose humanoid robot designed to take on tasks that are repetitive, dangerous or boring for humans.” ([04:30])
  • Revealed a working prototype in 2022; still in development with ambitious promises of production soon.
  • Skepticism about Musk’s delivery timelines:
    • “Musk does have a habit of over promising.” – Skip ([05:08])
    • The “natural progression” from self-driving electric vehicles to bipedal robots is debated.
  • Optimus will handle tasks from factory work to domestic chores.

4. Other Global Players in Humanoid Robotics

• [07:09 - 11:32]
  Over 50 companies are developing fully humanoid robots; double if including wheeled robots.
  • BMW testing humanoid robots in US factories.
  • Hyundai: Ordered tens of thousands of robots from Boston Dynamics (acquired 80% stake in 2021).
    • Boston Dynamics’ Atlas: Can run, jump, dance, and perform parkour.
    • Their latest, Stretch, is a warehouse robot (not humanoid).
  • SoftBank: Shipped 25,000 Pepper robots (now discontinued) for roles requiring human interaction.
    • “Pepper was designed to interact with humans… respond with appropriate gestures and speech. It could even detect emotions like happiness, sadness, or even anger.” – Dez ([10:15])
  • Toyota: THR3, a remotely controlled humanoid, mirrors a human operator’s movements for applications in healthcare and disaster zones.

5. China's Robotics Boom & Cost Leadership

• [11:32 - 14:37]
  China’s investment—government and commercial—has created an entire ecosystem for advanced robotics.
  • Unitree: Markets the G1 humanoid robot at $16,000, compared to Boston Dynamics’ robots at over $300,000.
    • “Unitree... list[s] their G1 humanoid robot for just $16,000. Compare that with the $74,000 price tag of Boston Dynamics Spot, the robotic dog.” – Dez ([12:37])
  • Government “robot schools” in Shanghai foster innovation.
  • Chinese manufacturing enables cheap, scalable assembly—many Western companies now manufacture in China, e.g., UK’s Kinisi and their KR1 warehouse robot.
    • "It doesn't make much sense to buy motors, batteries, and resistors in China and then ship them around the world for assembly." ([14:15])
  • Outlook: China positioned as a global robotics powerhouse.

6. Prospects for Personal Humanoid Robots

• [14:48 - 15:35]
  General consensus: Personal humanoid robots for home use are at least 10–15 years away from being commonplace.
  • "Mr. Pearce doesn’t see that happening anytime soon. His estimate is it will be at least 10 to 15 years before they become commonplace in our homes." – Dez ([14:59])
  • Slight disappointment from the hosts: “So much for my dream of a robot doing laundry while I watch TV.” – Skip ([15:29])

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It feels a little too close to the beginning of a Terminator movie, if you ask me.” – Skip ([01:46])
• “This wasn't just any half marathon... Some were humanoid robots.” – Dez ([01:24])
• “Tesla’s Optimus… the elephant in the room.” – Dez ([04:14])
• “There is a certain logic behind Tesla making robots… it's a natural progression from building robots with wheels to building robots with arms and legs.” – Dez ([05:36])
• “Unitree… G1 humanoid robot for just $16,000. Compare that with the $74,000 price tag of Boston Dynamics Spot, the robotic dog.” – Dez ([12:37])
• “China has essentially built an entire ecosystem for the research, development and production of robots.” – Dez ([13:19])
• "It doesn't make much sense to buy motors, batteries, and resistors in China and then ship them around the world for assembly." ([14:15])

---

Important Timestamps of Major Segments

• [01:02–02:57]: The Beijing robot half marathon case study
• [04:14–07:09]: Deep dive into Tesla's Optimus project and wider implications for the sector
• [07:09–11:32]: Discussion of global competition (BMW, Hyundai, Boston Dynamics, SoftBank, Toyota)
• [11:32–14:37]: China’s robotics industry and comparative pricing
• [14:48–15:35]: Timeline for personal humanoid robot adoption

---

Business English Vocabulary and Phrases Section

• [15:41–19:48]
  • "I'll bite": Used to indicate curiosity or willingness to hear more (from fishing).
    • “Okay, I'll bite. What was special about this half marathon?” – Skip ([16:35])
  • "Elephant in the room": An obvious issue no one wants to discuss.
    • “Tesla’s Optimus… elephant in the room.” – Dez ([04:14], explained at [17:21])
  • "Ecosystem": A system of interconnected organizations, services, and technologies.
    • “China has built a complete ecosystem for robotics.” – Dez ([19:00])

---

Tone and Approach

Friendly, lightly humorous, and highly insightful, the hosts make complex robotics business trends accessible. They consistently relate high-tech developments to everyday concerns (e.g., personal robots for household chores), making the discussion relatable for professionals worldwide. The episode is especially tailored for ESL/EFL listeners, with clear explanations and useful business vocabulary.

---

Summary:
This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the global humanoid robot industry, highlighting Beijing’s robot marathon, Tesla’s ambitions, the dominance of Boston Dynamics and Asian manufacturers, and China’s cost-competitive, government-backed ecosystem. The hosts explore future timelines and the greater business context, all while building listener vocabulary with practical English idioms and terms.

Recommended for anyone interested in technology trends, international business, and future-of-work developments, especially ESL/EFL professionals.

Transcript

[A]

From Tokyo, Japan, and Changsha, China, this is down to business English with your hosts, Skip Montreux and Des Morgan.

[B]

How goes it, Skip?

[C]

Oh, not so bad, Des. How goes it with yourself?

[B]

Fairly well. Not too much to report from my end. Although I have been trying to lead a bit more of a healthy lifestyle recently.

[C]

Oh, great. What does that entail? Eating more fruit and vegetables, getting more exercise. That type of thing.

[B]

Exactly.

[C]

So what are you doing? Jogging before breakfast every morning?

[B]

Well, that's a bit extreme, but I have been cycling more.

[C]

Well, still, that's very impressive, Des. Good for you. I wish I could get myself organized enough to incorporate some regular exercise into my routine.

[B]

Speaking of jogging, I recently read an article about a very unusual half marathon that took place in Beijing in April.

[C]

Half marathons are quite common.

[B]

Ah, but this was not just any half marathon.

[C]

Okay, I'll bite. What was so special about this half marathon?

[B]

Well, not all of the participants were human. Some were humanoid robots.

[C]

No way. You mean like C3PO from Star Wars?

[B]

Yeah, just like C3PO. Yes, it was the world's very first half marathon that included both humans and humanoid robots as participants.

[C]

You know, that sounds kind of dangerous. I mean, what if one of those robots malfunctioned mid race? It feels a little too close to the beginning of a Terminator movie, if you ask me.

[B]

Luckily, no Skynet level meltdowns this time. But I do get your concern. However, these weren't autonomous Terminators. The robots were controlled by people. But they did have to get around the whole course under their own power.

[C]

And who won? The robots or the humans?

[B]

Ah, the humans, of course. But it's important to point out that it wasn't actually a competitive race.

[C]

Oh, no.

[B]

According to the BBC, it was a demonstration event held during the Beijing Half Marathon. 21 humanoid robots, designed and built by Chinese manufacturers ran alongside tens of thousands of human participants. Many of the robots couldn't finish, but the winning robot did finish in 2 hours and 40 minutes. The fastest men's time was 1 hour and 2 minutes.

[C]

Hmm, that's impressive for a machine. 2 hours and 40 minutes. It's not elite, but it's not a slow jog either.

[B]

Still, it's a powerful symbol of how the race to build humanoid robots is heating up. Not just technologically, but as a rapidly emerging global business sector.

[C]

Sounds like we're entering a new age of robotics. Maybe it's not quite judgment Day, but humanoid robots are definitely on their way.

[B]

And that's exactly what we're reporting on today. The companies Developing humanoid robots and the emerging industries surrounding them.

[C]

Great. Let's do it.

[B]

Yes, let's do it. Let's get D2B down to business with the race to develop humanoid robots. Which companies are in this race and who is in the lead?

[C]

I like what you did there, Daz. Huh?

[B]

What's that?

[C]

Your segue. From the half marathon race in Beijing to the race to bring humanoid robots to market in today's title. Very smart. You like that?

[B]

Well, I'm glad you noticed. Anyway, let's begin with the elephant in the room. Tesla's Optimus, the company's humanoid robot project.

[C]

This isn't the first time Elon Musk or Tesla have been called the elephant in the room.

[B]

And nor will it be the last, I'm sure. Musk first announced the Optimus project at Tesla's first AI day in August 2021. He described it as a general purpose humanoid robot designed to take on tasks that are repetitive, dangerous or boring for humans. And then a year later, at their AI day in 2022, he revealed a working prototype. Although it's still in development, Musk assures us Optimus will be in production soon.

[C]

However, let's keep in mind that Musk does have a habit of over promising.

[B]

Are you referring to the Tesla Cybertruck?

[C]

You know I am. That vehicle's 800km range was a huge over promise, as was the autosteer feature. Neither debuted quite as Musk promised.

[B]

Hold your pessimism there for a moment, skip. There is a certain logic behind Tesla making robots.

[C]

Is there?

[B]

Indeed there is. Tesla has likened the development of Optimus to their working on self driving electric vehicles, saying it's a natural progression from building robots with wheels to building robots with arms and legs.

[C]

I suppose there is a certain logic to that statement. I assume that Optimus will have access to Musk's Grok AI, which will no doubt be used in its operating system. And I know that Tesla has been working extensively on the sensors needed for their autonomous vehicles in its Robotaxi project.

[B]

Exactly. That AI and those advanced sensors will be needed for any humanoid robot to be able to move around autonomously.

[C]

But currently you said Optimus is still in the development stage.

[B]

Correct.

[C]

What kind of tasks is it expected to be able to perform when it's eventually released into the world?

[B]

According to Musk, Optimus will be used for a wide range of tasks. Everything from handling materials and doing repetitive tasks in factories to helping out around the house, you know, making dinner, washing the dishes, mowing the lawn, those kind of things.

[C]

That would be super convenient to have a robotic helper around the house. Well, we will have to see if Optimus can live up to the promise.

[B]

Yes, we will.

[C]

So that's Tesla's Optimus project. Who else is in this race?

[B]

There are indeed quite a few runners on the track. Estimates suggest around 50 companies worldwide are developing fully humanoid robots.

[C]

Fully humanoid with both arms and legs?

[B]

Yes. And if you include robots with just arms but move around on wheels, that number nearly doubles.

[C]

Wow, a hundred companies. Are there any of these humanoid robots in use today?

[B]

For the truly humanoid robots with arms and legs, we're getting close. In fact, there are some companies who are starting to adopt them.

[C]

For example?

[B]

For example, BMW is testing humanoid robots from third party developers at one of its US Factories. And Hyundai has ordered tens of thousands of units from Boston Dynamics, a robotic company it acquired an 80% stake of back in 2021.

[C]

I can see why carmakers would find humanoid robots appealing. Once in operation, robots can work on an assembly line around the clock. No lunch breaks, no health insurance. I'm sure labor unions are not happy about this.

[B]

No doubt about that.

[C]

Tell us more about this company. Hyundai invested in Boston Dynamics.

[B]

Boston Dynamics is one of the most established firms in the robotics sector, having been founded in 1992. They launched their first humanoid robot back in 2013. That robot has since evolved into their Atlas model, which they introduced in 2021.

[C]

Atlas. Cool name.

[B]

It is. Atlas is capable of running, jumping, dancing, and even performing impressive parkour moves.

[C]

Parkour? You mean that sport where people run, jump and climb over walls and other obstacles in city spaces?

[B]

That's it. But Boston Dynamics most recent robot model, Stretch, is not a humanoid robot. It's a boxy, wheeled machine designed for warehouse and logistics tasks. The company hasn't published a price tag yet, though.

[C]

Would that be the model Hyundai has on order?

[B]

It would. Toyota and Softbank are also big in the robotics sector. SoftBank shipped 25,000 units of its social robot Pepper before it was discontinued in 2021.

[C]

Oh, I am very familiar with Pepper. You used to see them all over the place in Tokyo. In office building lobbies, at information desks and shopping centers. I even knew a neighbor in my apartment building who had her very own personal pepper. Really? Yeah. She was an elderly woman who lived alone. I don't know, she must have been in her late 70s. Her son had bought her a pepper to keep her company.

[B]

Well, that doesn't surprise me. Pepper was designed to interact with humans, to recognize different facial expressions, and to respond with appropriate gestures. And speech. It could even detect emotions like happiness, sadness, or even anger.

[C]

Perfect in customer service roles to engage people in a friendly human like manner. Good old Pepper. And what about Toyota? Where are they with all of this?

[B]

The Toyota robot, known as the T HR3 is a humanoid machine that is remotely controlled and is designed to mirror the movements of a human operator in real time. It was originally introduced in 2017 and was later demoed using 5G connectivity that allowed it to be operated from up to 10km away.

[C]

So it's not an autonomous robot?

[B]

That's right, it's not. It is operated by a human. Toyota developed the THR3 for potential applications in healthcare, disaster zones and even space missions. Thanks to its high precision and responsiveness.

[C]

That makes a lot of sense.

[B]

But no country has invested more into robotics in recent years than China.

[C]

Well, that's par for the course. China has been investing heavily in emerging tech for years.

[B]

Not only have companies invested massive amounts, but so have local and state governments. There are several state backed robotic institutes in Shanghai where Chinese companies can test and train their humanoid robots. Robot schools, so to speak. Yes. This kind of government support is closely tied to China's booming robotics sector. Take Unitree for example, a leading robotics firm in China, particularly known for its work in affordable four legged and humanoid robots. They list their G1 humanoid robot for just $16,000. Compare that with the 74,000 price tag of Boston Dynamics Spot, the robotic dog.

[C]

Sorry, did you say robotic dog?

[B]

I did. Spot is a robotic dog that can be used for search and rescue or bomb disposal purposes.

[C]

And it costs $74,000 pricey.

[B]

Boston Dynamics humanoid robot is even more expensive. As I earlier mentioned, they haven't announced the price yet, but it's estimated to be over $300,000.

[C]

Wow. That is a huge difference in price between Unitree and Boston Dynamics. How is it that Chinese companies can make robots so cheaply?

[B]

China has essentially built an entire ecosystem for the research, development and production of robots. Because of this, Chinese firms who produce robots can order pre made parts and components instead of building everything from scratch.

[C]

And this means production becomes much less expensive.

[B]

It does. But it's not just Chinese firms doing this. The UK based robotics company Kinisi has just launched its KR1 robot. It's not fully humanoid as it's designed for use in warehouses. So it does run on wheels Like

[C]

Boston Dynamics stretch robot.

[B]

Yes, but here's the thing. Even though the KR1 was designed and developed by Kinisi in the UK, it's going into production in China because Many

[C]

of its components are made there.

[B]

That's right. As Kinesis CEO Bren Pearce explained in a recent interview, it doesn't make much sense to buy motors, batteries, and resistors in China and then ship them around the world for assembly. Not when you can source and assemble everything in Asia, where the supply chain is already in place.

[C]

You cannot really argue with that thinking.

[B]

As you can see, it looks as though China will be the powerhouse of robotic development going forward.

[C]

Which only really leaves me with one question, Des.

[B]

And what's that?

[C]

How long until I have my very own personal humanoid robot to help me out around the house?

[B]

Ah, bad news there, Skip. Mr. Pearce doesn't see that happening anytime soon. His estimate is it will be at least 10 to 15 years before they become commonplace in our homes. And probably longer.

[C]

Hmm, that's a bit of a letdown. I was hoping to outsource my laundry, at the very least.

[B]

Well, he should know. He has a PhD in robotics and is CEO of a robotics firm.

[C]

So much for my dream of a robot doing laundry while I watch tv.

[B]

Maybe one day. But until then, it's just you and your washing machine.

[C]

And on that note, I think it is time for us to get D2V down to vocabulary. I will kick D2V off today with the idiomatic expression, I will bite. Or just I'll bite. This is a great phrase to use when you're having a conversation with someone and they say something that you find surprising or interesting and you want to let them know that you are curious to learn more about it.

[B]

This idiom comes from fishing. When a fish bites the hook, it gets caught in conversation. It's like saying, okay, I'm interested, or. Or I'm hooked. Tell me more.

[C]

In the introduction of today's episode, when DEZ told me that the half marathon he had read about wasn't just any marathon, I replied, okay, I'll bite. What was special about this half marathon?

[B]

By saying that, Skip showed he was curious about what I was talking about, and I knew he wanted to hear more.

[C]

How would you use this in a business setting, Des?

[B]

If my co worker came up to me and said, you'll never believe who just got promoted, I might reply with, okay, I'll bite. Who's the lucky person?

[C]

Perfect example. What's our next word?

[B]

Next up is the idiom the elephant

[C]

in the room, a very strange sounding but commonly used idiom. Does you know where this comes from?

[B]

Good question. The idea goes back to a story from the 1800s about a man who notices every little thing in a museum, but completely misses the elephant standing in the middle of the room. It later became a popular idiom in English, meaning something that's too big and obvious to ignore, even though no one wants to talk about it.

[C]

So when you say something is the elephant in the room, you are saying everyone is aware of it, but no one wants to talk about it.

[B]

That's exactly right. In my report, I used it to describe Tesla because their role in the robotics industry is huge, but their claims often go unchallenged in public discussions.

[C]

Right, so it's about what is unsaid, even when it's obvious. Got it.

[B]

Can you give us an example using this idiom? Skip.

[C]

A real world example would be electric vehicles. They are promoted as a clean solution, but the elephant in the room is the environmental cost of battery production and electricity generation.

[B]

Great example. That's something everyone knows about, but no one really talks about it. Although that is starting to change.

[C]

Perhaps the final word for DTOV today is the noun ecosystem, or how I

[B]

would pronounce it, ecosystem.

[C]

In its original meaning, ecosystem refers to nature where plants, animals and other life forms depend on each other to survive. In business, we use it to describe a system of related services, companies, and technologies that work together in a connected way.

[B]

In today's story, I explained how China has built a complete ecosystem for robotics, meaning a business environment where research, development and production are all closely connected through an efficient supply chain.

[C]

Another example would be Hollywood, a place where film studios, actors, editors, and other professionals all work closely together in one industry.

[B]

Those ecosystems give regions like China and Hollywood a huge competitive edge in their sectors.

[A]

Would you like to help down to Business English reach more people wanting to improve their business English skills? Follow down to Business English on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Music, Spotify, or any place podcasts are found. Leave a rating and a review and tell everyone how much you enjoy the show.

[C]

Great vocabulary today, Des, and thanks again for that fascinating report on the humanoid robotic industry.

[B]

My pleasure, Skip. It's a topic that's only going to become more relevant in the years ahead.

[C]

D2B members and Apple Podcast Subscribers the bonus down to Vocabulary episode for today's report will be available very soon.

[B]

We'll be discussing five additional vocabulary items that appeared in today's episode, all of which are useful for discussing technology and business strategy.

[C]

Those words and phrases to be autonomous and over, promise, to mirror, to be par for the course, and to do something from scratch. So D2B members, be sure you have copied the URL for your members only. Podcast deed from your account page on the D2B website and have pasted it into your podcast app so that you don't miss out that bonus D2V Apple

[B]

podcast subscribers, you don't need to do anything. The bonus DTV episode will appear automatically in your podcast feed as soon as it's published.

[C]

And if you are not yet a DTV member or Apple Podcast subscriber but find down to Business English helpful for your Business English studies, do consider supporting the show. You'll gain access to all our bonus Vocabulary Episodes Member Only episodes, our interactive audio scripts along with the complete library of PDF audio scripts.

[B]

To become a D2B member, just visit db d2b english.com membership and sign up.

[C]

That's D the number two dashenglish.com membership

[B]

and if you prefer subscribing through Apple Podcasts, simply open the down to Business English show page in the Apple Podcasts app and then click subscribe.

[C]

Thanks for listening everyone. See you next time.

[B]

Bye bye.

[A]

Down to Business English Business News to improve your business English.