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Are humanoid robots all hype?

One of Tesla's humanoid "Optimus" robots distributes popcorn during a presentation at the Mall of Berlin on December 20, 2025. | Christoph Soeder/picture alliance via Getty Images Humanoid robots have been everywhere lately. They’re running half-marathons in Beijing. They’re chasing wild boars off the streets of Warsaw. They’re getting put to work as airport baggage handlers, waste sorters, and traffic cops. They’re walking the red carpet with first lady Melania Trump at the White House. They’re even being ordained as Buddhist monks. Humanoid robots have been hyped as the future of...