At Ancient Olympia in Greece, the first International Humanoid Olympiad was held in September 2025. Robots demonstrated skills such as soccer, shadowboxing, and archery. The site, known as the birthplace of the Olympic Games, welcomed scientists, engineers, and developers. Organizers explained that the purpose was to measure real progress in robotics, not to create shows. A study in Science Robotics reported that humanoid robots are far behind artificial intelligence in learning ability, with some experts suggesting a gap equal to 100,000 years. Specialists added that humanoids may first be used in space before homes, with household tasks expected to take more than ten years to develop.

Researchers said that slow progress is caused by limited training data. Artificial intelligence can learn from large online material, but humanoid robots require physical tests that are expensive and time-consuming. Ken Goldberg from the University of California advised that traditional engineering and data from real tasks could speed progress. Other innovators, including Aadeel Akhtar of prosthetics maker Psyonic, showed devices that give sensory feedback to improve dexterity. Large investments are also entering the sector, with partnerships already reaching billions of dollars. The Olympiad showed the formidable challenges humanoid robots face, but it also revealed momentum and innovation that may one day influence daily life.