Will humanoid robots become a reality?

Humanoid robots will certainly become a reality—and we’ll see many functional, task-performing models within the next decade. However, achieving the level depicted in sci-fi films—where robots chat intimately with humans and flawlessly handle household chores without mishaps—remains far off. Given that this question was posed in February 2025, you’ve likely already seen robots that can drop handkerchiefs! In fact, humanoid robots are no longer mere lab curiosities; 2025 is widely dubbed the 'Year of Mass Production' across the industry. Tesla’s Optimus Gen3 has already entered mass production, with unit costs falling below $20,000. Tesla plans to produce 5,000 units in 2025 and ramp up to 50,000 in 2026—orders have already been placed by Amazon and Walmart. Domestically, UBTECH is even more pragmatic: mass production began at the end of 2024, and its first 1,000 units rolled off the line in 2025. Industrial models cost under ¥500,000 (RMB), and it even offers a research-grade robot priced at ¥299,000 (RMB). In September, UBTECH raised $1 billion in funding, focusing exclusively on robotics. It secured a $1 billion credit facility from Infini Capital to scale up manufacturing and marketing. The two companies plan to establish a joint venture to build a 'super-factory', an R&D center, and a regional headquarters in the Middle East. For details, see: "Top 10 Global Robotics Technology Advances in September 2025" These robots are already performing real industrial tasks: Tesla’s Optimus handles battery pallets in factories, while UBTECH’s Walker S collaborates with humans on part assembly—achieving 70% of human efficiency. For further reading: "Why Does Musk Focus on Humanoid Robots Instead of Non-Humanoid Ones?" The reason functional humanoid robots will emerge within a decade is that several critical bottlenecks have recently been broken. In motion control, a team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University developed the HoST algorithm, enabling robots to autonomously recover after falling on complex terrains like grass or gravel—with 100% success rate. They’re no longer fragile 'glass men' who topple at the slightest touch. AI 'brains' have also caught up: NVIDIA’s GR00T foundation model allows robots to learn from a single demonstration—observing a human once suffices for imitation. Figure 2’s dexterous hands achieve an 89% grasp success rate, capable of twisting bottle caps and picking up coins. Most crucially, costs have plummeted. While Boston Dynamics’ Atlas used to cost over $2 million, domestic manufacturers have slashed harmonic drive costs from ¥8,000 to around ¥3,500 (RMB) through component substitution—bringing full-system prices down to as low as ¥88,000 (RMB) for entry-level models. Thus, over the next decade, humanoid robots will evolve from showpieces into productive tools—ubiquitous in factories and warehouses. Yet becoming seamless, human-like companions requires further breakthroughs in AI, energy, and materials—likely taking another 10–15 years. Especially those depicted in sci-fi films—like the T-800 from *Terminator* or EVE from *WALL·E*—remain distant aspirations.

70 billion RMB secured! Musk sets another fundraising record—xAI’s valuation poised to exceed $1 trillion.

SmartThings Translated by Wang Han SmartThings, July 2 — Morgan Stanley announced early yesterday morning on X (formerly Twitter) that xAI, Elon Musk’s AI company, has completed a $5 billion (≈¥35.8 billion RMB) debt financing round and an additional $5 billion (≈¥35.8 billion RMB) strategic equity financing round. The $5 billion debt financing comprises secured notes and term loans. Beyond the debt financing, xAI is negotiating a roughly $20 billion (≈¥143.3 billion RMB) equity financing round, which would push the company’s valuation above $120 billion (≈¥85.95 billion RMB); some investors value xAI as high as $200 billion (≈¥1.4 trillion RMB). Morgan Stanley noted that the transaction was oversubscribed, drawing participation from multiple globally renowned debt investors. Proceeds will fund AI solution development—including building data centers and upgrading xAI’s flagship platform, Grok. Morgan Stanley’s original X post reads: "Morgan Stanley is pleased to announce the successful completion of a $5 billion financing for @xAI—comprising secured notes and term loans—for this leading innovator in AI technology. This oversubscribed transaction attracted participation from globally recognized debt investors, underscoring market confidence in xAI’s vision to accelerate scientific discovery and advance humanity’s understanding of the universe. Concurrently, xAI secured an additional $5 billion in strategic equity financing. This debt-and-equity combination effectively lowers overall capital costs and significantly broadens xAI’s financing avenues. Proceeds will support continued development of cutting-edge AI solutions—including construction of one of the world’s largest data centers and enhancements to its flagship Grok platform. Morgan Stanley is proud to participate in this milestone transaction, reflecting our steadfast commitment to supporting pioneering enterprises shaping the future of technology." Morgan Stanley’s X post image (Source: X) I. xAI’s Debt Financing Initially Met Weak Demand, Forcing Pricing Adjustments According to Bloomberg’s June 20 report, xAI increased the pricing attractiveness of its $5 billion debt financing package. According to sources, the revised offering included: $3 billion (≈¥21.5 billion RMB) in bonds (yielding 12.5%), $1 billion (≈¥7.2 billion RMB) in fixed-rate term loans (at 12.5% interest), and $1 billion (≈¥7.2 billion RMB) in Class-B term loans (priced at LIBOR + 725 bps, issued at 96 cents on the dollar). Some investors had anticipated xAI would need to raise debt yields to close the deal.

Masco Secures $1 Billion Credit Facility for Growth

Apr 9, 2026

Masco Corporation secured a new $1 billion multicurrency revolving credit facility extending maturity to 2031, enhancing flexibility for acquisitions and working capital despite existing debt concerns.

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Masco Secures $1 Billion Credit Facility for Growth

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Sherwin-Williams Adds $75 Million to Credit Facility, With Commitments Maturing in 2031

Masco Secures $1 Billion Credit Facility for Growth

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