China's humanoid robot makers are poised for global expansion, as the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai showcases the country's rapid advancements in robotics. This surge in the industry is not just a technological marvel but also a strategic move to solidify China's position in the global market. In my opinion, this development is particularly fascinating because it highlights the country's ability to innovate and compete on a global scale, while also raising important questions about the future of work and the role of AI in society.
The key to China's success in humanoid robotics lies in its comprehensive approach. Jiang Lei, chief scientist at the National and Local Co-Built Humanoid Robotics Innovation Center, emphasizes the four pillars of humanoid robot development: hardware and software manufacturing, embodied AI models, datasets, and training facilities. Personally, I think this holistic strategy is what sets China apart. While the US still leads in large-scale foundation models and computing, China is making significant strides in smart manufacturing, datasets, and training grounds, narrowing the gap in the broader technology landscape.
Peng Zhihui, co-founder and CTO of AgiBot, agrees that China and the US are the only countries with the full combination of capabilities needed to compete in embodied AI. This includes strong AI 'brain' models, robot body development, and large-scale manufacturing. In terms of manufacturing, engineering talent density, and application scenarios, China has significant advantages. This is evident in the rapid production figures: China produced about 20,000 humanoid robots last year, surpassing 40,000 in the first half of this year, and expected to exceed 100,000 for the full year.
The global impact of China's humanoid robots is already evident. Many overseas research institutions and manufacturers are buying Chinese humanoid robots for data collection, experimentation, and system testing. Jiang Lei points out that China's open-source and open-access approach is driving international adoption. This is further supported by AgiBot's expansion abroad, with overseas business now accounting for more than 30 percent of the company's business this year. However, this raises a deeper question: how can we ensure that the benefits of China's technological advancements are shared equitably, and that the country's manufacturing strength becomes a global asset without being a 'trap'?
One thing that immediately stands out is the role of standards. Jiang Lei notes that China is moving quickly to establish standards for humanoid robot applications, which are essential for bringing order to a fast-evolving industry and ensuring that robots develop in ways aligned with human needs. This is crucial for the responsible development of AI, as it can help prevent the technology from being used in ways that harm society. In my opinion, the establishment of such standards is a significant step towards ensuring that AI complements human labor rather than replacing it, and that workers are freed to focus on jobs requiring creativity, judgment, and empathy.
In conclusion, China's humanoid robot makers are not just expanding globally, but also shaping the future of AI. The country's rapid advancements in robotics, driven by a comprehensive approach and a focus on standards, are transforming the industry and raising important questions about the role of AI in society. As we look to the future, it is clear that China will play a significant role in the development and deployment of humanoid robots, and that the world will need to adapt to this new reality.
