Industrial Automation Moves Toward Software-Defined Systems and Humanoid Robots

Manufacturers are increasingly adopting software-defined systems that separate hardware from operations software, allowing production equipment to be updated and reconfigured through software much like modern vehicles. This approach aims to shorten the time needed to introduce new products, handle smaller batch sizes, and respond to volatile market and geopolitical conditions.

Chinese robotics firm Unitree is promoting humanoid robots for factories, warehouses and homes. Its G1 robot, priced from about $13,500, features 23‑43 joints and can be used for research, production and potentially household tasks. The company also unveiled a larger Mecha‑type GD01 robot. Unitree has secured approval for a $619 million IPO on Shanghai’s STAR Market, planning to issue roughly 40 million shares to fund further development of AI‑driven robotics.

These developments signal a shift in industrial automation, combining flexible, software‑centric production platforms with advanced humanoid robotics to increase adaptability and efficiency across the sector.