Why Do Most Humanoid Robots Look Like Men?

Today is International Women’s Day – a time for reflection on gender equality and how gender influences our society. But what about the machines we create? Looking at today’s most advanced humanoid robots, it’s striking how many of them have masculine features. Boston Dynamics’ Atlas, Tesla Optimus, Figure 01, Agility Digit – most have broad shoulders, a straight torso, and a physical design that resembles a man more than a woman.

But why is that? Is it a conscious choice, or is it about functionality? And what does it say about our own perception of technology and gender?

Masculine Design – A Technical Necessity or a Cultural Habit?

When building a robot, balance, movement, and functionality play a crucial role. There are reasons why many machines take on a form that resembles the male physique.

1. Body Structure Provides Stability

A humanoid robot must be able to maintain balance, move fluidly, and handle loads. Broad shoulders and a straight, stable torso provide a stronger base for motors, sensors, and batteries. Many robots are also designed for industrial or physical tasks where strength is an advantage – something that may have influenced design choices.

2. Cultural Norms Play a Role

We are used to seeing robots in masculine roles. When we give digital assistants like Siri and Alexa female voices, it’s because we associate helpfulness and service with femininity. However, when designing robots meant for physical tasks or strength, we seem to take the opposite approach.

3. Science Fiction Has Set the Standard

Robotics is heavily influenced by pop culture. Terminator, RoboCop, C-3PO, Bender from Futurama – most famous robots from movies and TV have had masculine traits. This has created an expectation of what a humanoid robot “should” look like. When we develop real robots today, we often build on these established images.

What If Humanoid Robots Looked More Like Women?

Turning the question around: What would happen if more robots were designed with feminine traits? Would society accept them in the same way?

Authority and Credibility

Studies show that people are more likely to accept authority from a masculine voice or figure. A humanoid robot in a leadership role or industrial setting might face more skepticism if it had feminine traits.

Stereotypes and Expectations

If robots with feminine traits were primarily designed for service and caregiving roles (such as elderly care or retail assistants), it could reinforce existing gender roles rather than challenge them.

Should Robots Have Gender at All?

Perhaps the most interesting question is whether robots even need a gender. If humanoids are to become a natural part of our society, should they resemble us, or should we think in entirely new ways?