China robotics firms ramp up humanoid mass production

By Phong Ngo April 22, 2025 | 01:26 am PT

China’s humanoid robot industry is accelerating toward commercial-scale manufacturing, with the market value projected to hit 4.5 billion yuan (US$616 million) this year, according to a new report.

Six of the country’s 11 major humanoid robot manufacturers — including Unitree Robotics, AgiBot, Galbot, Engine AI, and Leju Robotics — have launched mass production initiatives in 2024, aiming to produce over 1,000 units, according to the South China Morning Post, citing a Monday report by market research firm TrendForce.

The move aligns with Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s plan to manufacture thousands of Optimus robots, a development expected to boost China’s robotics supply chain, TrendForce noted. However, Tesla and other U.S. firms remain dependent on Chinese suppliers for core humanoid robot components, leaving them exposed to potential tariff disruptions.

Unitree Robotics' humanoid robot models. Photo courtesy of Unitree Robotics

The competition has intensified as former employees of U.S. tech giants such as Tesla and OpenAI establish robotics startups with operations in China. TrendForce added that the country’s drive for technology self-reliance, combined with the global AI boom, is accelerating growth and rivalry within the sector.

Still, technical limitations persist. China’s first-ever humanoid robot half-marathon, held April 19 in Beijing, highlighted the challenges facing the industry.

Of the 21 humanoid robots that raced alongside thousands of human runners over the 21-kilometer (13-mile) course, only six finished. Failures were largely due to shortcomings in autonomous navigation, motion control, and energy endurance.

The event did mark a milestone: the "Tiangong Ultra" robot, developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, completed the race in 2 hours, 40 minutes, and 42 seconds, becoming the first humanoid to finish a half-marathon.