How China’s AI+ Robotics Strategy Could Reshape Aviation by 2035

Humanoid Robot Travel Companions and Assistants 2035

Watching early robots stumble at events like the first World Humanoid Games, I’m reminded of grainy footage from aviation’s infancy, those clunky, crash-prone contraptions that barely left the ground. Yet, just as those rudimentary machines evolved into the jets we fly today, AI-driven robotics are on a similar trajectory, improving exponentially. Whether we like it or not, China’s AI+ initiative, pouring resources into humanoid technology, is set to impact our industry. What feels fanciful now, humanoids in airports, won’t seem so far-fetched in a decade. This is coming folks, and for pilots, crews, and ground teams, the question is, how do we adapt while keeping safety first? Let’s explore what this means for aviation by 2035, grounded in our industry’s needs and the enduring value of human expertise.

The Need for Adapting to Smarter Systems

Technologies are advancing faster than our legacy systems can handle, and China’s AI+ strategy is accelerating this trend by embedding AI and robotics across industries like logistics, healthcare, and transportation. With its workforce shrinking, population aging and societal demands growing, China is deploying humanoids for repetitive or physically demanding tasks and I suspect that it’s a model that could soon reach global aviation.

By 2035, travelers may well be seeking to bring humanoid assistants to airports, much like service animals today. How will our industry prepare itself to manage the prospect of these machines in terminals or even aircraft cabins? There are obvious concerns too with the proliferation of these autonomous intelligent beings. What if they malfunction or are misused in a safety critical setting? China’s rapid progress, holding approximately up to 60% of global AI patents [1] and over 4,500 AI firms [2], means these aren’t distant possibilities. The humanoid or intelligent robot market is projected to grow from $2.92 billion in 2025 to $15.26 billion by 2030, with China expected to contribute significantly to global production of over 18,000 units in 2025 [3, 6]. In my view the Aviation industry must prepare now and start studying the impacts of these technological and societal developments for the future.

The Potential Future Demand for Humanoid Travel Companions and Assistants

While initial adoption of humanoid robots is likely to focus on sectors like healthcare and elder care, projections suggest broader integration into daily life by 2035, including as travel companions for a wider audience. Goldman Sachs is even more bullish and estimates the humanoid robot market could reach $38 billion by 2035, while other analyses project up to 13 million units in use globally [4]. This expansion isn’t limited to the elderly or those with special needs; executives might use them for hands-on support during travel, assisting with luggage handling and loading at airports, providing real-time translation in foreign destinations, taking minutes during meetings, following detailed instructions, and offering general assistance like a human aide would, all without suffering from jetlag or fatigue. They could also function as personal protection while traveling, akin to a bodyguard, trained on data and software upload that equips them with advanced defensive capabilities and the ability to shield their principal from threats. They are already working on this as can be seen in the boxing matches in the recent Robot Games.  Similarly, the public could adopt them for practical help, such as navigating busy terminals, carrying bags, or managing travel logistics seamlessly. With all emerging technologies, use cases will invariably expand to meet evolving needs and demands, potentially including enhanced security features in high-risk travel scenarios.

The probability of this becoming commonplace is relatively significant and certainly not zero, driven by falling costs (potentially dropping to $10,000–$20,000 per unit or affordable leasing models like $5/hour by the early 2030s) [5] and advancements in AI that make humanoids more reliable and versatile. However, widespread travel with humanoids will be a gradual transition process lagging other industries like manufacturing. Early models may face technical limitations, such as challenges adapting to complex environments like crowded airports, flight environments and or unpredictable cabin conditions such as turbulence, and societal acceptance will vary across the globe. Still, as China leads with state-backed production and global competitors follow, it’s realistic to expect a gradual rollout, starting with niche users and expanding as the technology matures.

For the aviation ecosystem, preparation is key. Regulators like the FAA and EASA may need to establish guidelines on whether humanoids require tickets and sit with their human companions, dedicated seating in a specific section, or cargo storage or will they be treated like we currently handle large mobility devices or pets. Security protocols could evolve to include scans for software vulnerabilities or structural integrity checks to prevent malfunctions mid-flight, and they may require the installation of aviation-regulated and certified anti-virus software or devices approved for flight mode and travel. This raises numerous questions, particularly around safety and liability.  I mean these things may eventually get some kind of legal status and set of rights just like a corporation for example. That will bring new challenges on its own.   What if a humanoid assistant assaults or injures someone else during travel? Laws will need to evolve to clarify who is liable, the owner, manufacturer, or operator or, in the distant future, even impose penalties on the humanoids themselves if they gain more autonomy and their own legal status. Addressing this early will be important strategic moves for the global aviation leadership. One possible mitigation strategy could involve designating part of the cargo bay for protected seating within fireproof loading containers specifically designed for transporting humanoids, essentially creating a humanoid class of service. They could sit in secured seats, charging in a low-power flight mode to minimize risks. I anticipate that humanoids will need to be developed with a mandatory flight mode setting or clear protocols such as battery removal or isolation to comply with aviation safety standards, like existing restrictions on lithium batteries. It’s not inconceivable that in about 10 years Airlines might embrace this by offering robot-friendly services, such as charging stations or specialized boarding, potentially creating new revenue streams or designing business class cabins to integrate them with their accompanying human. Conversely, initial bans or restrictions will likely arise if safety risks, like interference with aircraft systems or emergency evacuations prove too high. Ultimately, as with drones and eVTOLs, adaptation seems inevitable; the industry will likely mitigate challenges through phased testing, international standards, and collaboration between manufacturers, airlines, and authorities.

Potential Impacts of Robotics on Ground Operations

From my time around airports, I know ground operations are ripe for AI-driven robotics. Humanoids could handle repetitive tasks like baggage loading, cabin cleaning, or restocking supplies, reducing turnaround times and physical strain on crews. However, implementing these changes will require careful moral, ethical, and human-centric considerations, closely involving all employees and stakeholders in the industry to ensure a balanced and responsible approach, including retraining programs and job transition support to address potential workforce shifts. China’s logistics hubs already use similar systems, with hundreds of units streamlining warehouse tasks [2].

In cabins, robotics could in future assist with practical needs like helping passengers with mobility, managing supplies, or supporting multilingual communication. This would let human crews focus on safety and passenger care. Integration must be deliberate. Rushing AI adoption without human oversight risks what has been recently termed AI regret, as some industries have learned [7]. Pilots and crews will expect clear boundaries, and unions will demand role protection. The goal should be aligned with positive net gains in efficiency, not replacement.

Maintenance too is another area where robotics can make a difference in the near future. Systems equipped with advanced sensors could assist technicians with inspections, non-destructive testing, or fatigue monitoring, catching issues humans might miss. They’d work alongside experts, not instead of them, enhancing accuracy and safety. As with ground operations, ethical integration is key, ensuring that robotics support human roles while providing training for technicians to adapt to new tools.

Keeping Humans in Charge

Aviation’s history shows that new technologies often meet resistance at first. Fly-by-wire, cockpit automation, even composite materials all faced skepticism before becoming standard. Once proven in real-world conditions, however, innovation tends to win out. Intelligent robotic systems will be no different—and they should face rigorous scrutiny. Certification authorities such as the FAA and EASA will need to define clear frameworks for testing, validation, and liability before these systems can safely integrate into the aviation ecosystem. Aviation professionals should maintain a healthy level of skepticism and will rightly demand transparency. The term comes to mind, what could go wrong? Right! Who shall be accountable? How do we ensure human control? Collaboration between regulators, airlines, and workers will be essential to build trust and address these issues early.

Ethical concerns also come to mind—job displacement, overreliance on machines, and the potential for misuse. Early lessons from AI implementation across industries in 2025 suggest that the real solution lies in strong oversight and maintaining human-led decision-making at the core. AI can optimize tasks, but it can’t replicate an aviation and aerospace professional’s judgment or empathy. To mitigate risks, the industry should prioritize inclusive policies, such as ethical AI frameworks and stakeholder consultations, to ensure technology serves everyone involved.

By 2035, China’s AI advancements alone could bring certified robotic systems to airports, streamlining ground operations and maintenance. It’s not entirely unreasonable to suspect that we  may well see humanoids or specially designed advanced automated intelligence driven systems in terminals, assisting with baggage or passenger services, or supporting technicians in hangars and servicing aircraft turnarounds on the ramp. The U.S. and Europe must match this pace to avoid falling behind, but safety and ethics will guide every step, with ongoing dialogue to adapt as needed.

Aviation depends on the skills, alertness, and responsibility of its people, whose ability to assess situations and make decisions under pressure is unmatched. Robotics may prove somewhat suitable to take on repetitive tasks, like loading bags or cleaning cabins, but they can’t replace the trust passengers have in human crews or the judgment required in critical moments. As robotics enter the aviation arena, the industry must prioritize human roles, ensuring technology supports pilots and crews rather than pushing them aside. This means involving workers, unions, and stakeholders in decisions about automation to address concerns like job security and maintain a workplace that values people. We should also consider retraining initiatives and support systems to help those affected transition, fostering a collaborative environment where innovation benefits everyone. Given what I am seeing currently I believe that by 2035, robotics may become part of daily operations or be integrated in net gain ways, but the industry’s strength will always lie in its human professionals. My strong recommendation is that we need to adopt these tools carefully, making sure they enhance safety and efficiency while respecting the careers and expertise of those who keep aviation running. Those with beating hearts and caring souls, us Humans.

References

1. Tech in Asia. "China Leads in Global AI Patents with 60% Share." 25 April 2025. https://www.techinasia.com/news/china-leads-global-ai-patents-60-share

2. Forbes. "China and AI in 2025: What Global Executives Must Know to Stay Ahead." December 23, 2024. https://www.forbes.com/sites/markgreeven/2024/12/23/china-and-ai-in-2025-what-global-executives-must-know-to-stay-ahead/

3. MarketsandMarkets. "Humanoid Robot Market Size & Share | Industry Report, 2030." https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/humanoid-robot-market-99567653.html

4. Goldman Sachs. "The Global Market for Humanoid Robots Could Reach $38 Billion by 2035." February 27, 2024. https://www.goldmansachs.com/insights/articles/the-global-market-for-robots-could-reach-38-billion-by-2035

5. Future Management Group. "Humanoid Robots: How Much Will They Cost? (Part 4)." https://www.futuremanagementgroup.com/en/humanoid-robots-how-much-will-they-cost-part-4/

6. CNBC. "Is the Humanoid Robot Industry Ready for Its ChatGPT Moment?" September 14, 2025. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/15/is-the-humanoid-robot-industry-ready-for-its-chat-gpt-moment.html

7. TechRepublic. "Over Half of Companies Regret AI-Driven Layoffs, Report Finds." May 19, 2025. https://www.techrepublic.com/article/news-leaders-regret-ai-driven-layoffs/