**Experts to Discuss the State of Humanoid Robots at RoboBusiness 2026**
Humanoid robots have captured the world’s attention, attracting billions in investment and generating excitement about the future. But beyond the viral videos and ambitious promises, where does the technology really stand?
At RoboBusiness, which will take place on Oct. 20 and 21 in Santa Clara, Calif., humanoid robot experts will participate in the “State of Humanoids” panel. During the keynote, industry leaders will examine the current state of humanoids through the lens of real-world deployment.
The panel will include experts from Agility Robotics, Apptronik, Persona AI, and PSYONIC. Mike Oitzman, senior editor at *The Robot Report*, will moderate.
The discussion will explore the capabilities that humanoids are delivering today, the technical and operational challenges that remain, and the lessons emerging from early industrial implementations. The panelists will address key topics including safety, standards, and economics. They will also describe the milestones that must be reached before humanoid robots can achieve widespread adoption across manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics.
Attendees will leave with a clear, practical understanding of where humanoids create value today and what it will take for the technology to scale.
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### Meet the experts in humanoid robots
**Pras Velagapudi**
Chief technology officer at Agility, Pras Velagapudi has decades of experience in robotics planning and control, as well as with creating and deploying robots into home, industrial, and outdoor environments. Velagapudi most recently served as vice president of engineering and chief architect of mobile robotics at Berkshire Grey, where he helped deploy fleets of hundreds of robots in logistics applications. At Agility, he focuses on pragmatic product-relevant innovations for Agility’s bipedal robot Digit, operationalizing R&D efforts, and exploring new advancements. He holds B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees from Carnegie Mellon University.
**Parker Conroy**
Parker Conroy is head of product management at Apptronik. With over a decade of experience in robotics, he has guided product management teams in designing and deploying thousands of autonomous mobile robots, robotic arms, drones, and humanoid robots. Conroy is broadly focused on how new autonomous technologies can be developed to benefit both developers and a workforce increasingly augmented by robots.
**Michael Patrick Perry**
At Persona AI, Patrick Perry serves as head of commercial strategy, leading efforts to deploy humanoid robots in heavy industrial environments such as shipbuilding, steel manufacturing, and offshore operations. Perry develops structured engagement models that help large industrial companies assess, plan for, and adopt humanoid automation at scale. Previously, he led commercial strategy, business development, and marketing at robotics and automation leaders including Dexterity, Boston Dynamics, and DJI, transforming cutting-edge R&D into enterprise-ready solutions for Fortune 500 customers globally. With deep experience in customer discovery and go-to-market design, he builds high-performing teams that turn breakthrough technology into lasting commercial impact.
**Aadeel Akhtar**
CEO of PSYONIC, Aadeel Akhtar leads the development of advanced bionic limbs that are accessible to both humans and robots. Akhtar earned his Ph.D. in neuroscience and M.S. in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2016, and a B.S. in Biology and M.S. in Computer Science from Loyola University Chicago. In 2021, he was named to *MIT Technology Review*’s Top 35 Innovators Under 35 and recognized as one of *Newsweek*’s Top 50 Disruptors in America.
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### FAQ
**What is the “State of Humanoids” panel about?**
The panel provides a realistic assessment of humanoid robot technology based on real-world deployment. It explores current capabilities, technical and operational challenges, safety considerations, and the economic and regulatory hurdles that must be addressed for large-scale adoption.
**Who will be speaking at the panel?**
Industry experts from Agility Robotics, Apptronik, Persona AI, and PSYONIC will participate, moderated by Mike Oitzman from *The Robot Report*.
**What topics will be discussed?**
Topics include the practical applications of humanoids today, the challenges that remain, lessons from early industrial implementations, safety and standards, economics, and the milestones required for adoption in manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics.
**Why is this discussion important?**
Humanoid robots have drawn significant investment and public interest, but understanding their real-world readiness and limitations is essential for businesses and technologists. The panel offers a grounded view of where the technology stands and how it can evolve to achieve meaningful scale.
**How can I learn more or attend RoboBusiness 2026?**
You can register for RoboBusiness 2026 to gain full access to keynotes, technical sessions, and networking events. Early bird registration is available with discounted rates for individuals, academic institutions, and corporate groups.
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### Conclusion
Humanoid robots represent one of the most ambitious frontiers in automation, but translating innovation into reliable, scalable deployment requires careful evaluation of technology, economics, and operational realities. Through expert insights and real-world experience, the “State of Humanoids” panel at RoboBusiness 2026 will provide a clear-eyed perspective on progress, challenges, and pathways to adoption. As industries continue to explore automation, this discussion will help stakeholders understand where humanoids create value today—and what is needed to realize their potential at scale.
