China Dominates 90% of Humanoid Robot Production, Widening Tech Gap with US

China is dominating 90% of the global market in humanoid robot production, taking the lead in applying artificial intelligence (AI) technology to real-world robots. China's humanoid robot industry is transitioning from the trial stage to mass production, with shipments expected to surge to 62,500 units this year, up from 18,000 units last year.

Leveraging the vertically integrated supply chains and mass production systems accumulated from the electric vehicle industry, Chinese companies have secured price competitiveness, a significant advantage over their Western rivals. China's robot production capacity is the result of national strategy and focused investment.

Following its designation of robots as one of the ten strategic industries in the 'Made in China 2025' plan in 2015, the Chinese government has continuously supported the robotics sector. Furthermore, Embodied AI has been named one of the ten future industries in the 15th Five-Year Plan, covering 2026 to 2030.

The total market value of Chinese robotics companies has surpassed 200 billion yuan. China is evaluated as having secured an advantageous position in the long-term AI hegemony competition by building real-world data through robots. China aims to integrate AI into over 90% of society by 2035 and envisions applying robots and AI across a wide range of fields beyond simple factory automation, including elderly care, childcare, military, and administration.