Imagine a future where intelligent machines walk among us, not just as tools, but as partners mirroring our own movements and thoughts. This profound vision is taking shape at the **Humanoids Summit**, an extraordinary annual gathering where the brightest minds converge. It’s dedicated to speeding up the creation, mass production, commercialization, and investment in human-like robots. Founded in 2024 by Modar Alaoui and ALM Ventures, this summit unites industry leaders, investors, startups, and researchers to unveil the latest breakthroughs in AI-powered robots – machines that move with human grace and perform human-like tasks.
A Journey Begins: From Idea to Global Movement
The first steps on this remarkable journey were taken on December 11-12, 2024, at the historic **Computer History Museum** in Mountain View, California. Amid a world buzzing with AI excitement, this inaugural event shone a spotlight on humanoid robotics, capturing global attention. Momentum continued with a European edition in London in May 2025. These first two gatherings welcomed over 3,000 attendees from more than 80 countries, featuring 110 speakers and over 100 exhibitors. So significant was this progress that December 12 was officially named **International Humanoids Day**, a special time to recognize and celebrate advancements. The summits are known for live humanoid demos, deep dives into mass production, capital allocation, and the blossoming ecosystem.
Returning to the Heart of Innovation
In a powerful return to its roots, the third edition of the Humanoids Summit comes back to the **Computer History Museum** in Mountain View, California, on December 11-12, 2025 – once again coinciding with International Humanoids Day. Hosted by ALM Ventures, this event builds on the success of past gatherings, placing a strong emphasis on what’s known as “physical AI” – intelligence that exists within a moving, acting body. Over 2,000 attendees, including top engineers from creative giants like **Disney**, tech leaders such as **Google**, and countless innovative startups, are expected. Their presence speaks volumes about the renewed excitement among investors. While there was once skepticism about the challenges and costs of robotics, venture capitalist Modar Alaoui notes that the current boom in AI has powerfully reignited interest, paving the way for humanoids to step into real-world roles.
A Glimpse into Tomorrow’s Discoveries
The two-day agenda is a meticulously crafted journey through the cutting edge of humanoid robotics, filled with enlightening keynotes, thought-provoking panels, and detailed presentations. Attendees gather in the Hahn Auditorium, with opportunities for connection during networking breakfasts and lunch breaks.
Day 1: Unveiling New Frontiers
- The summit begins with **Opening Remarks** from ALM Ventures and the summit’s Founder & Chair, setting the stage for what’s to come.
- An **Opening Keynote** offers a fascinating look into “Disney’s Robotic Character Platform,” exploring how imagination meets engineering to bring beloved figures to life.
- The afternoon features a **Keynote** by Nic Radford, Co-Founder and CEO of Persona AI, discussing “Embodied AI for Industry: Safe, Skilled, and Scalable” – how intelligent machines can work safely and efficiently.
- Further presentations delve into groundbreaking work by leaders like Aadeel Akhtar of Psyonic.
- A crucial panel, “Humans and Humanoids: Designing Work, Trust, and Co-Adaptation,” brings together experts from Agility Robotics, Alt-Bionics, Mind Children, and MERPHI to discuss how we’ll live and work alongside these new companions.
Day 2: Expanding the Vision
- The morning brings insights from Niv Sundaram, Chief Strategic Officer of Machani Robotics, on “RIA, the Humanoid as a Cognitive Companion” – imagining robots that can think and interact like friends.
- Elliot Helms of Novanta shares advanced solutions in the field.
- The afternoon culminates with Ashutosh Saxena, Founder and CEO of TorqueAGI, presenting “From Foundation Models to Functional Humanoids: Bridging the Cognitive Gap in Robotics,” exploring how to make robots truly intelligent.
Beyond the main stage, dedicated breakout sessions like “The Learning Lab” and extensive exhibitor showcases offer hands-on opportunities to explore the latest technologies from pioneering companies.
Shaping a Shared Future
At the heart of these discussions are the profound advancements driven by **AI**, transforming what humanoids can achieve. While countries like China lead the way in manufacturing, it’s the eager investors in the U.S. who are pouring fuel on this exciting fire of innovation. Conversations tackle pressing questions: how quickly can these robots move from labs to homes and workplaces? Some, like Rodney Brooks, co-founder of Roomba, urge caution, reminding us that truly viable humanoids may still be some time away. Yet, the overall mood is one of forward momentum. Themes explored include “embodied AI” for various industries, the idea of robots as “cognitive companions” that can learn and interact, and how humans and robots can “co-adapt” – learning to work and live together harmoniously.
A special “Humanoid VC Day” track provides a unique platform for new startups to present their groundbreaking ideas to potential investors. The summit also proudly features sponsorships from leading robotics firms and vision technology companies like e-con Systems, highlighting the crucial role of advanced camera solutions in bringing autonomous humanoids to life.
The Path Ahead
The journey of the Humanoids Summit is far from over. A fourth edition is already being planned for Tokyo in May 2026, demonstrating the global nature and ever-expanding reach of this movement. This series of summits firmly establishes humanoid robotics as a pivotal field, where the sophisticated intelligence of AI foundation models merges with the intricate mechanics of hardware to create scalable, human-like machines. It’s a testament to human ingenuity, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and bringing us closer to a future we once only dreamed of.
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