BEIJING – In the 21st century, artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robots play a big role in showing China’s strength in science and industry. Progress in these areas reflects not only innovation but also national strategy, global influence, and the power to compete. China now stands out as a major force in developing humanoid robots.
Humanoid robots are machines built to resemble and move like humans. Their main goal goes beyond just copying people; they are made to handle complex tasks in real-world settings. The journey of building humanoid robots showcases how far a country has come in fields like research, engineering, control systems, and processing power.
China has declared robotics a core part of its “Made in China 2025” strategy. The central government has backed heavy investment, research, and strong links between universities, research groups, and industry.
Back in 2017, China rolled out its national AI development plan, aiming to be a global leader by 2030. Since then, industrial robots made and used in China have kept the country at the top of global rankings for several years running. Major tech players such as Huawei, Baidu, Xiaomi, UBTECH, and Fourier Intelligence are all active in this space.
China’s Humanoid Robot Sector
Major cities like Shenzhen, Hangzhou, and Beijing have become hubs for research and development. China’s policy aligns basic research, industrial manufacturing, and practical uses, building one of the most complete innovation ecosystems for humanoids anywhere.
People may have seen news or videos of robot competitions in China—racing, soccer matches, or other challenges that mimic human activities. These events draw attention both in China and abroad.
Such competitions highlight the strong interest from private companies to keep improving their robots’ abilities. This drive is pushing Chinese humanoid robots forward and helping them stay ahead of the pack globally.
By 2025, China’s humanoid robot sector will have become a world leader, based on industry size, technology, applications, and value chain growth. Some key achievements stand out:
1. Industrial Robots: For several years running, China has had the world’s largest market for industrial robots. In 2023, robot installations in China made up 51 percent of the worldwide total. In 2024, production reached 466,000 units, up 13.3 percent from the previous year. Almost half of the robots made in China are used locally.
2. Service Robots: In 2024, China produced 8.7 million service robots, an 18 percent jump from the year before. These are used in healthcare, elder care, and logistics. The market this year should top 100 billion yuan.
3. Specialized Robots: Advanced robots for specific tasks are developing quickly. Companies like Green Harmonic and Inovance are now global suppliers of key robot parts.
Technologies that blend AI, IoT, and large models are showing up in new robots, such as UBTECH’s Walker S, which uses AI for high-precision detection and boasts 99 percent accuracy.
Since 2023, Chinese firms have invested over 50 billion yuan in R&D, with annual patent filings up by about 40 percent each year. Chinese robots’ image recognition and motion control are looking more human every year.
China’s Demand for Robots
Chinese robotics firms have increased production capacity to meet strong demand. They work to improve product quality and innovation, using both local and imported parts. Production processes and quality control keep getting better, while customization and after-sales service add more value for customers.
China’s domestic demand for robots remains high, with more variety in how robots are used. Sectors such as automotive, electronics, and metalworking use robots to boost production efficiency and manage quality. Service robots are now common in medicine, education, and day-to-day logistics. Special-purpose robots are used in power grid inspections, emergency rescue, and the military.
Looking ahead, people and robots will work together more closely than ever. As AI advances, robots will learn faster, adapt to new tasks, and cooperate more smoothly with humans. Robots will be essential helpers at work.
Industry now needs flexible robots that can be upgraded easily. Modular design is the key, with robots built from different parts like arms, legs, sensors, and processors. Companies can build or change robots as needed.
Chinese Robotics Technology
This makes manufacturing more efficient and flexible. As Chinese robotics technology improves, firms are starting to export their products and invest overseas. Partnerships with international firms are also important for growth.
Humanoid robots are not just for show. They are part of a global competition that shapes the future of economies, security, and society. China’s progress over the past decade proves it can compete at the top level.
The country has built a strong industrial ecosystem and benefits from a huge market and government backing. Challenges remain, especially over-reliance on some foreign tech and growing concerns about data security. China now sees the future not just as a race to build the most advanced robots but as a test of who can connect technology, industry, and society in a lasting way.
Chinese companies have made big strides in recent years. UBTECH’s Walker X walks on two legs, handles household chores, and appears at international exhibitions. Xiaomi’s CyberOne launched in 2022.
It can recognize voices, hold basic conversations, and has a build close to a real person. Fourier GR-1 helps patients with medical rehab and supports seniors. Prototype military robots have also been unveiled, showing that development spans many fields. These advances show China is focused not only on displays but also on creating robots ready for real-world and commercial use.
