Huawei partners with UBTech to deploy humanoid robots across China

The agreement, signed on May 12 in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, where both companies are based, aims to move humanoid robots from lab experiments to practical applications, according to the South China Morning Post.

The two companies plan to co-develop smart factories powered by humanoid robots and design both bipedal and wheeled service robots for domestic use. Huawei will also support the creation of an innovation center dedicated to "embodied intelligence," a form of AI that combines cognitive processing with physical robotics.

The collaboration strengthens Huawei’s expansion into China’s fast-growing robotics sector, which is expected to reach 5.3 billion yuan (US$732 million) this year, doubling from 2023, according to consultancy LeadeRobot.

UBTech humanoid robots in a factory. Photo from X

Six of the country’s 11 leading humanoid robot firms, including Unitree Robotics, AgiBot, Galbot, Engine AI, and Leju Robotics, have begun mass production in 2024, targeting more than 1,000 units this year, a report from market research firm TrendForce revealed last month.

Since November 2024, Huawei has launched a global innovation center for embodied intelligence, formed partnerships with 16 companies, and acquired a 1.4% stake in robotics startup Spirit AI.

UBTech, one of China's top developers in the field, aims to produce 1,000 humanoid robots this year, according to chairman and CEO Zhou Jian. The company has also partnered with appliance maker Midea Group and furniture retailer Easyhome to promote the use of robots in factories and households.