Automakers are increasingly investing in humanoid robots as a potential next stage of factory automation, with BMW, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz and Tesla among the companies testing or developing the technology, The New York Times reports. Unlike traditional industrial robots that are typically fixed in place and built for specific tasks, humanoids are designed to move through existing factories and perform jobs currently handled by workers, with artificial intelligence potentially allowing them to respond to changing conditions. Supporters say the technology could help address labor shortages, increase productivity and strengthen U.S. manufacturers’ competitiveness with lower-cost Chinese rivals by taking over repetitive tasks and allowing workers to focus on more specialized roles. China has an advantage in robotics because of its established supplier network and lower deployment costs, while the U.S. has restricted imports of humanoids and other advanced robots from China. The New York Times has the full story.