The auto industry’s new backup plan is humanoid robots and yes it’s really happening
Published on Jul 30, 2025 at 1:19 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Jul 31, 2025 at 1:46 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
The auto industry’s new backup plan to the EV is humanoid robots, and incredibly, it really is happening.
Robots have long been a potential solution for automotive manufacturers to build new cars, thereby reducing the reliance on human labor.
However, some manufacturers believe that they can serve as a valuable backup for building EVs, with General Motors being urged to shift its focus from building electric cars to building humanoid robots.
It’s an interesting solution to a problem that might not exist in the first place, and it would be a strange backup for the automotive industry to have.
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Why should manufacturers build humanoids instead?
According to Morgan Stanley’s Head of Global Auto & Shared Mobility Research, manufacturers like General Motors should just focus on humanoids and not EVs.
That is the opinion of Adam Jonas, who suggested this at the GM Q2 2025 earnings call recently.
“About 15 or 20 years ago, GM was leading the industry in humanoid robot development,” Jonas said.
“Fast forward to today, and most of your key competitors have a humanoid program,” he added.
However, many of GM’s rivals only use humanoids to assist in building cars within the factory.
Hyundai is the exception, with it selling robots while also being the owner of Boston Dynamics.
Is the auto industry’s new backup really robots?
General Motors CEO Mary Barra isn’t so sure that robots are the answer for the automotive industry.
Barra confirmed that GM uses robots to do some work, but only where there are safety challenges for human employees.
Those who argue for them say that EVs aren’t profitable, and that there is a strong market for humanoids that can do all sorts of work and jobs.

In some ways, that is true, as Tesla is currently losing money on the cars it produces.
But a lot of that could be down to the volatility Tesla is facing in the current climate.
It’s still an interesting topic of conversation, and there’s clearly a strong market for robots of various types.
If Tesla, an EV giant, is running at a loss, does that mean an expansion of horizons is required for other major automotive manufacturers? And should robots be the auto industry’s new backup?
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.