In a remarkable shift in the robotics industry, Chinese manufacturers have outpaced American giants Tesla and Figure AI in humanoid robot shipments. According to research firm Omdia, approximately 13,000 humanoid robots were delivered worldwide in 2025, with China accounting for the vast majority of these sales. Leading the pack is the Shanghai AgiBot Innovation Technology Co., which shipped 5,168 units last year, followed closely by Unitree Robotics and UBTech Robotics Corp. This surge in deliveries marks a significant increase, with global sales in the sector rising over fivefold compared to 2024.
The humanoid robot market is still in its infancy but is expected to expand rapidly in the coming decades. Current leadership by Chinese companies may position them favorably, as Citigroup Inc. forecasts that the number of robots could reach 648 million by 2050. Omdia highlights that Chinese suppliers are setting benchmarks for large-scale production of humanoid robots.
The integration of artificial intelligence has driven the adoption of these robots across diverse fields, including manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and customer service. Robotics firms are heavily investing in advanced AI models, which enhance the capabilities of these machines.
Chinese humanoid robots are also more cost-effective compared to their Western counterparts. For instance, Unitree offers an entry-level model for just $6,000, while a smaller version of AgiBot is priced at $14,000. In contrast, Tesla's CEO Elon Musk has mentioned that their Optimus robots, which have yet to enter mass production, could cost between $20,000 and $30,000.
The global visibility of AgiBot has grown following a recent mention by Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang during his presentation at CES in Las Vegas. Additionally, last year's performances by dancing robots from Unitree captivated audiences during a spring gala in China, leading to a surge in development and investment in humanoid robotics.
China's favorable policies and supportive infrastructure, including training centers, have contributed to the increase in production, with the number of companies engaged in humanoid robot development exceeding 150. However, this rapid growth has raised concerns among policymakers about the potential formation of a market "bubble."
Omdia projects that by 2035, global shipments of humanoid robots will rise to 2.6 million units, fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics. This includes both bipedal humanoid robots and machines with human-like upper bodies mounted on wheeled bases.
The advancements in China's humanoid robot sector not only highlight the nation's growing technological prowess but also pose a challenge for Western competitors, who may need to innovate and reduce costs to maintain market relevance.
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