China's Humanoid Robot Ambitions Accelerate

Daily Technology

·

20/02/2026

ADVERTISEMENT

Chinese robotics firm Unitree is setting an aggressive pace in the global humanoid robot market, announcing plans to ship up to 20,000 units in 2026. This target represents a significant escalation from the approximately 5,500 units the company shipped in the previous year, signaling a rapid shift from development to mass production.

The company's capabilities were recently showcased at China's annual Spring Festival Gala, an event with a massive international audience. During the broadcast, Unitree's G1 humanoid robots performed complex and fully autonomous martial arts routines. The machines also demonstrated impressive agility, executing trampoline somersaults reaching three meters in height and running at speeds of up to four meters per second (approximately 14 km/h).

ADVERTISEMENT

These production goals place Unitree and other Chinese manufacturers on a much faster timeline than many of their Western counterparts. For instance, Tesla's Optimus robot is not expected to be released until late 2027. This accelerated schedule is already reflected in market share. In 2025, global humanoid robot shipments reached approximately 13,000 units, with Chinese companies like Unitree and Agibot reportedly accounting for nearly 80% of that total. This trend has prompted financial institutions like Morgan Stanley to double their 2026 sales forecast for China to 28,000 units.

Despite the impressive stage performances, industry figures acknowledge the significant challenges that remain. Unitree's CEO, Wang Xingxing, has identified practical deployment in uncontrolled, real-world environments as the next major hurdle. The key to overcoming this is the development of advanced embodied AI systems, which function as the robot's "brain," allowing for independent navigation and interaction within complex and unpredictable settings. Unitree is actively collaborating with partners to advance this crucial technology.

ADVERTISEMENT

As Chinese robotics companies like Unitree and LimX Dynamics expand their global presence, the focus is shifting from pure research to industrial-scale deployment. Their strategy of aggressive production and overseas partnerships is positioning them as formidable players in the race to commercialize humanoid robot technology.

Recommend

China Deploys AI Humanoid Robots to Operate 100 Nationwide Retail Kiosks

China is expanding its use of AI humanoid robots to operate 100 retail kiosks nationwide, showcasing advancements in automation and their potential impact on the retail sector.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Main Trend of Microsoft's January 2026 Patch Tuesday Launch Event: What Technical Professionals Need to Know

Discover the top security trends from Microsoft’s January 2026 Patch Tuesday. Learn about zero-days, Office vulnerabilities, legacy driver removal, and cloud security.

Soft Robotics and the Advancement of Tactile Sensing: Comparing FlexiRay and Traditional Robotic Hands

FlexiRay, a new soft robotic hand, leverages innovative tactile sensors for human-like touch, outperforming traditional rigid hands. Read our comparison.

Xiaomi Expands AIoT Ecosystem Across Middle East, Integrating 'Human x Car x Home'

Xiaomi is expanding its AIoT ecosystem in the Middle East with its 'Human x Car x Home' strategy, introducing smart appliances and enhancing connectivity.

ADVERTISEMENT

Seagate's 2TB PS5 Game Drive Hits Unbeatable Price Point at Walmart

Seagate's 2TB PS5 Game Drive is on sale for $85 at Walmart, offering an incredible value at $0.04 per GB. Expand your PS5 storage easily and affordably.

China Unveils Shape-Shifting Robot Inspired by Human Growth

Discover GrowHR, a revolutionary shape-shifting robot from China designed with human-inspired growth, offering unique capabilities for search and rescue missions.

Teenage Engineering Unveils Stylish PC Case Amidst Tech and Entertainment Roundup

Explore the latest tech and entertainment news, including Teenage Engineering's new PC case, Fairphone's sustainable accessories, new game releases, and community recommendations.

ADVERTISEMENT

Xreal's Project Aura: The First Android XR Glasses Demand More Than Just Your Phone

Xreal's Project Aura AR glasses will require a separate processing unit, not a smartphone, for their advanced Android XR capabilities, featuring a new flat prism lens and wider field of view.

Galaxy S26 Ultra Faces Price Increase Amid Component Cost Surge, Focuses on Advanced Features

The Galaxy S26 Ultra launches at a 6% higher price than the S25 Ultra due to increased DRAM and NAND costs, emphasizing new AI features and hardware upgrades.

Last Chance: Grab Your PS5 Before Sony's Price Hike Today!

Last chance to buy a PS5 before Sony's $50 price increase takes effect on August 21st. Check availability at major retailers.

ADVERTISEMENT