Chinese Humanoid Robots Account for 97% of Global Shipments in First Half

Chinese companies accounted for more than 97% of global humanoid robot shipments in the first half of this year, significantly outpacing their U.S. competitors.

Citing market research firm Smart Analytics Global (SAG), Bloomberg reported on the 10th, local time, that global humanoid robot shipments in the first half of this year reached approximately 19,100 units, more than triple the 5,100 units shipped during the same period last year.

By company, Shanghai-headquartered Agibot shipped 8,400 units, capturing 44% of the global market to take first place.

Unitree Robotics, which led the market last year, recorded shipments of 5,900 units, accounting for 31% of the total.

In addition, Chinese firms such as Leju Robotics and X-Robot exceeded a combined 20% market share, while U.S. companies including Tesla, Figure AI, and Agility Robotics accounted for less than 3% of the share.

SAG projected that annual humanoid robot shipments will reach about 60,000 units this year and increase to 500,000 units by 2030.

China is actively promoting the commercialization of humanoid robots, backed by policy support and investments from both central and local governments.

At the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) held in Shanghai last month, dozens of robot companies showcased a large number of new products and technologies with improved hand gesture precision, movement speed, and task execution capabilities.

In particular, the proportion of robots deployed in industrial and commercial fields, going beyond simple demonstrations or research and development, is reportedly increasing rapidly.

"Products shipped for industrial and commercial use account for more than 70% of the total, a significant increase from about 50% a year ago," said Sui, founder and chief analyst at SAG.

However, the fact that the United States is tightening regulations on Chinese-made robots is expected to be a variable for Chinese companies expanding into overseas markets.

Late last month, the U.S. banned the import of new Chinese humanoid and quadrupedal robots and some related components, citing national security and cybersecurity risks to core artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure.

Sui also predicted that regulatory uncertainty and geopolitical risks could shape the future growth patterns of the humanoid robot industry.

(Photo: Xinhua, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.