China’s Rise in Humanoid Robotics Industry

China has made significant strides in the field of humanoid robotics, attracting global attention with its innovative technologies. One notable event was the televised Spring Festival Gala, where China’s humanoid robots showcased impressive kung fu flips, capturing the audience’s imagination. Additionally, the Chinese phone maker Honor is gearing up to unveil its first humanoid robot at the Mobile World Congress in Spain.

The country’s focus on robotics is part of its “Made in China 2025” plan, initially centered on factory automation but now expanding into the realm of humanoid robots. Advancements in multimodal AI have accelerated the development of embodied AI, which involves autonomous machines operating in real-world settings. This shift is seen as a solution to labor shortages and a driver of productivity gains.

Chinese companies are leading the way in humanoid robot development, surpassing their U.S. counterparts in speed and production volume. Selina Xu, a China and AI policy lead, highlighted China’s robust hardware supply chain, stemming from the electric vehicle sector, and its strong manufacturing base, enabling companies to iterate rapidly compared to Western competitors.

Unitree, a prominent Chinese player, shipped significantly more units last year than U.S. rivals, indicating China’s dominance in the industry. The global humanoid robot market is projected to grow exponentially, reaching 2.6 million units by 2035. China’s Agibot and Unitree, along with other local companies, lead the pack in shipments, showcasing Beijing’s early success in the sector.

The transition from demo-driven excitement to operations-driven adoption marks a significant shift in the industry. Companies like Galbot are focusing on deploying humanoid robots in real-world environments to take on practical tasks. China’s supportive policies and agile manufacturing ecosystem contribute to the rapid iteration and deployment of humanoid robots, driving their widespread adoption.

While funding has accelerated progress in the humanoid robotics sector, the key to sustainable adoption lies in demonstrating reliable value in production operations. Chinese robotics makers are securing substantial investments, indicating the industry’s growth potential. In contrast, U.S. companies are also ramping up their efforts to deploy humanoid robots in various sectors.

China’s strategy revolves around offering a mix of affordable mass-market models and high-end applications to cater to diverse industries. The country’s humanoid robotics sector is expanding rapidly, encompassing industrial, consumer, and rehabilitation domains, as outlined in a recent TrendForce report.

Bottlenecks to China’s Dominance

Despite China’s progress in hardware development, challenges remain in AI systems and integrated software. The industry is exploring vision-language-action models and “world models,” but these technologies are still in their early stages. Nvidia leads the space with its humanoid software stack, powering many Chinese startups with its Orin chips, although domestic chipmakers are also working on alternative solutions.

Humanoid robotics makers face fundamental issues in predicting robots’ behavior in unpredictable environments, necessitating advancements in software capabilities. Data scarcity poses a significant hurdle, requiring reliance on simulation environments for training. Safety concerns and regulatory considerations further complicate the industry’s growth trajectory.

Other APAC Players

Japan’s robotics ecosystem is also making strides in humanoid robot development, with a focus on precision and advanced control. The country’s expertise in robotics, particularly in eldercare applications, sets it apart in the global market. Hyundai Motor’s Boston Dynamics unit is gearing up to introduce humanoid robots for factory use, highlighting the industry’s dynamic landscape.

China’s leadership in humanoid robotics is attributed to its speed-to-scale advantage, enabling companies to swiftly move from prototype to deployment. The country’s ecosystem facilitates rapid iteration and real-world testing, positioning China as a frontrunner in the humanoid robotics industry.