China’s humanoid robotics industry is set to achieve a significant milestone in 2025, with six domestic manufacturers planning to produce over 1,000 units. This surge in production is expected to elevate the market value to approximately 4.5 billion yuan (US$616 million) this year South China Morning Post.
Leading Manufacturers and Innovations
- Unitree Robotics: Based in Hangzhou, Unitree has inaugurated a new 10,000-square-meter factory to meet the escalating demand for its humanoid robots. The company aims to expand its production capacity over the next three to five years South China Morning Post.
- UBTech Robotics: Headquartered in Shenzhen, UBTech plans to commence mass production of its industrial humanoid robots by the end of 2025. The company is focusing on enhancing its output to stay competitive in China’s rapidly growing robotics sector South China Morning Post.
- AgiBot: A Shanghai-based startup, AgiBot has already begun mass production of its general-purpose humanoid robots. By December 2024, the company had manufactured 962 units, showcasing its rapid advancement in the field.
Government Support and Strategic Goals
The Chinese government has been instrumental in fostering the growth of the humanoid robotics sector. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has outlined plans to establish a preliminary innovation system for humanoid robots by 2025. This initiative aims to cultivate small and medium-sized enterprises specializing in humanoid robotics and to develop two to three globally influential companies in the field .
Global Implications
China’s aggressive push into humanoid robotics signifies a strategic move to position itself as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence. By accelerating the development and production of humanoid robots, China aims to integrate these technologies into various sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, and public services, thereby reshaping the global technological landscape.
