Agility outlines six recommendations for U.S. humanoid robot policies
By
Brianna Wessling
|
July 15, 2026
In recent years, humanoid robots have been slowly making their way out of the lab and into real industrial environments, doing real labor. Agility Robotics, a humanoid developer that has helped to lead this change, believes it’s inevitable that humanoids will be helping fill in labor gaps. But, will the U.S. be leading the charge?
In a recent video, Peggy Johnson, CEO of Agility, said the U.S. needs a focused policy framework that can strengthen and accelerate what’s already working for the industry. She outlines six pillars she claimed will create a healthy regulatory environment for the
humanoid
market and the people they will operate around.
1. Close the gap on internationally sourced components
Johnson’s first recommendation centers around the key components that humanoid robot developers need for commercial deployments. Currently, developers must source certain components internationally.
“This is not a matter of preference, but of current limitations in American manufacturing capacity,” Johnson said.
According to a
report
from McKinsey,
China
currently has a significant share of capacity for robotics components. For example, China currently makes up 90% of the capacity of permanent magnets within motors, a key component for humanoid robots.
Policymakers have the opportunity to strengthen domestic production and reduce long-term reliance on foreign suppliers, Johnson said. This will make the emerging U.S. humanoid industry more resilient over time.
China has a significant share of the capacity for humanoid robot components. | Source: McKinsey & Co.
2. Adopt a coordinated national robotics strategy
In recent years, China has invested heavily in
manufacturing
and commercializing humanoid robots. In 2023, China said it aimed to be ready to mass-produce humanoids by 2025. The country
outlined goals
to establish a humanoid innovation system, make breakthroughs in several key technologies, and ensure the safe and effective supply of core components.
Johnson said the U.S. also needs a coordinated
national strategy
that brings together federal agencies and industry partners.
“Without deliberate action, the risk is not just losing technological leadership, but also weakening the already fragile domestic industrial base that supports it, with clear implications for national security,” she said.
AGIBOT, a Chinese humanoid developer, offers its G2 robots. | Source: AGIBOT
3. Prioritize standards and industry-led safety framework
It’s important to make sure every humanoid that works alongside humans is safe and predictable. At the same time, strict regulations can stifle innovation.
To keep this balance, Johnson recommends prioritizing voluntary
standards
development and industry-led
safety
frameworks. This, she said, will enable innovation to continue moving forward while also maintaining public trust.
Right now, there are efforts to develop standards ongoing with the International Organization for Standardization (
ISO
), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (
NIST
), and the American Society for Testing and Materials (
ASTM
).
4. Create federal policies to support workforce development
As humanoids increasingly make their way into the workforce, anxieties around robots displacing workers grow. However,
research shows
that robots typically complement human workers rather than replace them.
Johnson said the U.S. should enforce this dynamic by supporting
workforce
development pipelines, expanding training for technicians, apprenticeships, and partnerships with higher education and technical institutions.
5. Lower the barrier to entry for small manufacturers to automate
Right now, cost is one of the greatest barriers to adopting robotics. This is especially true for humanoid robots, which are expensive to make and maintain.
Johnson said
policymakers
should consider targeted incentives, early adopter programs, and financing tools that lower barriers to entry. This would ensure that all
manufacturers
benefit from automation, instead of small and midsize businesses being left behind.
Agility Robotics’ Digit humanoid robot at work at GXO Logistics. | Source: Agility Robotics
6. Establish clear procurement pathways
Johnson said humanoid robots have clear applications across
logistics
, supply chain operations, and
defense
sustainment environments.
“Establishing clear procurement pathways and integrating non-weaponized humanoid robotics into industrial-based initiatives would not only strengthen government capabilities but also help catalyze broader commercial adoption,” Johnson said.
Save the date for 2026 RoboBusiness event
About The Author
Brianna Wessling
Brianna Wessling is an Associate Editor, Robotics, WTWH Media. She joined WTWH Media in November 2021, after graduating from the University of Kansas with degrees in Journalism and English. She covers a wide range of robotics topics, but specializes in women in robotics, robotics in healthcare, and space robotics.
She can be reached at
[email protected]
Tell Us What You Think!
Cancel reply
Comment
*
Name
*
Email
*
Website
Δ
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.
Learn how your comment data is processed.
Related Articles
Read More >
Key to Humanoid Progress: Managing the Power Behind the Robots
How Path Robotics uses AI to optimize robotic welding
AI² Robotics raises $735M at $3B valuation for wheeled humanoid robots
Beyond da Vinci: Why versatile humanoid robots are the next frontier in surgery
RBR50 Innovation Awards
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for Robotics Professionals.
GET THE ENEWSLETTER
Latest Episode of The Robot Report Podcast
Sponsored Content
In Robotics, Ruggedization Is No Longer Optional
Advantages of hypoid gearing over worm, bevel and bevel-planetary
Daimon Robotics and Galbot jointly launches RobOmni for benchmarking tactile perception and dexterous manipulation
GENISOM AI debuts deployable robotics platforms at ICRA 2026
How humanoids learn to read the room
More Sponsored Content >
