China is set to dominate more than half of global humanoid robot production in 2025 — and here’s why it matters.
According to a new industry report cited by China Daily, China is on track to produce over 10,000 humanoid robots this year, pulling in more than 8.24 billion yuan (roughly US$1.14 billion) in sales revenue.
The report, jointly released by robotics firm Leaderobot and nine other institutions, signals that the country is fast emerging as a global leader in one of the most advanced frontiers of artificial intelligence: humanoid robotics.
Why Is China Surging Ahead?
There are a few major reasons behind China’s humanoid robot boom:
- Falling production costs
- Maturing industry ecosystems
- Strong government policy support
- Rapid tech breakthroughs in AI and automation
These factors are helping the industry shift from experimental pilot projects to large-scale commercial deployment — a trajectory experts compare to China’s swift dominance in the electric vehicle (EV) market.
Wang Tianmiao, honorary director of Robotics at Beihang University, notes that this surge reflects both growing market demand and a national strategic push to lead in emerging technologies.
Real-World Deployment Has Already Begun
One example of commercial traction came in March 2025. Chinese robotics company UBTech Robotics announced a partnership with automaker Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor, which will deploy 20 industrial humanoid robots in its factories, with full implementation expected in the first half of the year.
What Is “Embodied Intelligence”?
A key trend in the report is the rise of embodied intelligence — robots that integrate AI with physical capabilities, allowing them to interact with and adapt to the real world. This fusion is seen as critical to unlocking the next generation of intelligent machines.
The market for embodied intelligence in China is projected to hit 5.3 billion yuan this year and soar to 103.8 billion yuan by 2030, accounting for nearly 45% of the global market share.
Why It Matters
The growth of humanoid robotics could offer China a powerful new economic engine, especially as the country seeks to stay ahead in the global tech race. It also marks a pivotal moment for industries that may soon rely on robots not just in labs or warehouses, but in everyday environments — from manufacturing lines to healthcare and even retail.
As technological capabilities continue to improve and investment flows in, China’s role in shaping the future of humanoid robotics appears more certain — and more significant — than ever.
