I'm supportive of effort to mechanize work, but humanoid robots always seemed like a "horseless carriage" approach to me. The human body is powerful in its adaptability but most industrial processes are better enhanced by purpose-built machines.
Not to mention that general purpose robotics seem like they will always be more expensive to buy, run and maintain than a human is. Perhaps bountiful renewable energy will change that.
A reliable and effective general purpose robot will always be more expensive than a less reliable, less effective human being. Why would you sell something better than the average human willing to take the role, for less than that human wants?
I see too many students treat a robot arm like an automation hammer when watching a few episodes of "How It's Made" will give you a much better view into true automation.
