Investing.com -- Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) has unveiled the "Humanoid 100," a comprehensive mapping of global companies that stand to benefit from the rise of humanoid robots.
As artificial intelligence continues its transition from software-based applications to physical machines, investors are seeking opportunities to capitalize on what analysts at Morgan Stanley describe as a rapidly emerging and disruptive market.
The "Humanoid 100" identifies public companies with significant exposure to the humanoid robotics industry, grouping them into three categories: Brain, Body, and Integrators.
The "brain" category includes firms specializing in semiconductors, artificial intelligence models, and simulation software—critical components that enable humanoid robots to think and learn.
Companies such as NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA), Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL), and Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) are highlighted for their contributions to foundational AI models and computing power.
The "body" segment focuses on companies supplying key hardware components, including sensors, actuators, and battery technologies.
Given the complexity of humanoid movement and perception, this segment features firms like Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA), ABB (ST:ABB), and LG Energy Solution, which are working on advanced robotics hardware and energy storage solutions.
Additionally, over half of the companies listed in the "body" category are based in Asia, reflecting the region’s dominance in manufacturing and supply chains for robotics.
Finally, the "integrators" section covers companies actively developing full humanoid robots or possessing the expertise to do so.
Tesla, Hyundai (OTC:HYMTF) (via its Boston Dynamics subsidiary), and Xiaomi (OTC:XIACF) are among the key players in this space, each advancing projects aimed at bringing humanoids into real-world applications.
Tesla's Optimus robot, for instance, is positioned as a long-term play in workforce automation, with CEO Elon Musk suggesting it could one day surpass the company’s automotive business in scale and impact.
Morgan Stanley analysts note that while the "Humanoid 100" is not an exhaustive list, it serves as a foundational guide for investors looking to navigate this transformative industry.
The global investment bank has observed heightened interest in humanoid robotics following NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang’s keynote at CES 2025, where he dedicated a significant portion of his presentation to embodied AI and robotics.
Since then, inquiries from institutional investors have surged, with many seeking clarity on how to gain exposure to this next-generation technological shift.
A key takeaway from the report is the extent to which China is leading the charge in humanoid development.
According to Morgan Stanley’s analysis, 56% of humanoid-related companies in the "Humanoid 100" are based in China, reflecting the country’s aggressive push into robotics through state-backed initiatives, established supply chains, and local adoption.
This raises questions about the ability of Western firms to compete in the humanoid space, drawing parallels to the electric vehicle industry, where China has established a dominant position.
Despite the excitement surrounding humanoid robots, Morgan Stanley cautions that the commercialization timeline remains uncertain.
While progress has been made in AI-driven robotics, challenges such as production costs, regulatory considerations, and human-robot interaction safety still need to be addressed before mass adoption becomes a reality.
However, the analysts argue that investors should start positioning themselves now, as early movers in the value chain are likely to reap substantial rewards as the industry matures.
The "Humanoid 100" underscores the broad scope of humanoid robotics, touching industries as diverse as semiconductors, automation, software, and consumer electronics.
As AI continues to evolve beyond digital applications, Morgan Stanley sees humanoid robots as a logical next step in the technological revolution—one with profound implications for labor markets, global GDP, and the very nature of work.
For investors looking to play the humanoid theme, the report serves as both a roadmap and a call to action, offering insights into the companies best positioned to drive and benefit from the coming wave of embodied AI.