The Rise of Physical AI From Humanoid Robotics to Industrial Reality

A robot operates a tablet, monitoring machinery in a modern factory.

Insight | 2026-1-16

3 minute read

In an era defined by plateauing productivity and persistent labor shortages, humanoid robots are emerging not just as automation tools, but as a strategic platform reshaping industrial structures. Fujitsu's Chief Digital Economist, Dr. Jianmin Jin, delivers a comprehensive analysis of this transformative technology. This paper delves into the current state of Physical AI, explores the intensifying U.S.-China development rivalry, and offers critical strategic implications for how Japan and other nations can seize leadership in the next industrial revolution. Discover the insights needed to navigate and shape the future of business models.

Key Takeaways

Introduction: Why Humanoid Robotics Now?

Explore the foundational shifts—driven by advancements in AI, sensors, and computing—that are propelling robots from single-task machines to autonomous, continuously learning systems,

Comparing U.S. and Chinese Leaders: Competitive Structures and Strategic Implications

A deep dive into the contrasting strategies of leading U.S. players (vertical integration, reliability-first) and Chinese players (speed-to-market, rapid scaling), defining the core competitive structure of the emerging humanoid industry.

Graph showing the number and share of humanoid robots unveiled by country from 2022-2024. China leads with 40 robots and a 61% share, followed by the U.S. with 14 robots and a 21% share, and others with 12 robots and a 12% share. This highlights the distribution of humanoid robot development globally.

Humanoid Robots Unveiled by Country (2022–2024)

AI Integration: The Core Competitive Frontier

Uncover how the integration of learning-based control with multimodal AI (VLA models, world models) is becoming the decisive battleground for building general-purpose, agile humanoid intelligence.

Implications for Industry and Strategic Vision

Understand how humanoid robots are set to reshape future business models, offering a strategic platform for industrial transformation and a test of national competitiveness and technological sovereignty.

What You Will Learn

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the latest technological and market trends in humanoid robotics.
Learn about the divergent development philosophies and competitive strategies of leading U.S. and Chinese firms.
Acquire strategic insights for leveraging Physical AI to drive industrial transformation and competitive advantage.

Dr. Jianmin Jin (Ph.D in International Economic Law)
Chief Digital Economist Fujitsu Ltd.
Senior Director
Global Marketing Unit

2020 Fujitsu Ltd., Chief Digital Economist. 1998 Fujitsu Research Institute, Senior Fellow.
Dr. Jin's research mainly focuses on global economic, digital innovation/digital transformation, and Dr. Jin has published books such as ”Towards the Creation of a Japan’s Silicon Valley”(2020), etc.

Unlock the strategic insights defining the future of Physical AI and Humanoid Robotics.

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