Tech leaders say humanoid robots are becoming the new normal

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Latest data from IEEE reveals that in 2026, 77% of technology leaders believe humanoid robots will become familiar coworkers with a further 52% and 36% saying they expect artificial intelligence (AI) and extended reality (XR) to influence robotics.  

Globally, IEEE’s The Impact of Technology in 2025 report shows how CIOs, CTOs, IT directors and other technology leaders believe that robotics, XR and digital twins are playing a bigger role in the workplace, and in 2026, we can see these tools make a fast move beyond pilots and into day-to-day use across manufacturing and logistics.  

UK findings show 40% of UK organizations plan to deploy humanoid robots across parts of their workforce in 2026.  Robotics programming is cited by 34% of respondents as being a top skill they look for when hiring for AI roles next year, with 38% saying the same for machine learning.  Additionally, 60% say XR and digital twins will be very important for designing, developing and testing prototypes and manufacturing processes.

“The rise of digital twins, XR and robotics is quietly reshaping how work gets done.  What once felt experimental is now part of the day-to-day, from simulating production lines to training new starters in realistic virtual environments.  In manufacturing, that means moving from reacting to issues to staying one step ahead and using real-time data to make even smarter decisions.  As these technologies mature, the skills landscape is changing fast.  We’re seeing the rise of humanoid robots, not as novelties, as valuable co-workers handling repetitive or hazardous tasks and freeing up human teams to focus on decision-making, problem-solving and oversight. But for this to work, we need to rethink the way we hire,” explains Ayesha Iqbal, IEEE Senior Member and Engineering Trainer at the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre.

“The ability to programme a robot or interpret live data from a digital twin is no longer niche – it has become vital.  What’s more, the roles that typically relied on manual experience now involve fluency in systems, modelling and automation.  This isn’t about replacing jobs, but about reframing them.  As the tools scale and become smarter, the workforce must become more agile – and the industries that thrive will be those that invest not just in technology, but in the mindset and skills to harness it.”

The Impact of Technology in 2025 and Beyond: an IEEE Global Study surveyed 355 CIOs, CTOs, IT directors and technology leaders at organizations with over 1,000 employees across multiple industries in Brazil, China, India, the UK and USA.