China Set to Lead Global Humanoid Robot Market
China Set to Lead Over Half of Global Humanoid Robot Production in 2025, Industry Report Says
China is on track to produce more than half of the world’s humanoid robots this year, rapidly advancing in what is seen as the next major frontier of artificial intelligence and automation, according to a new industry report.
The report, jointly released by Leaderobot and nine other institutions, forecasts that China will manufacture over 10,000 humanoid robots in 2025, generating an estimated 8.24 billion yuan (approximately $1.14 billion) in revenue.
Falling costs and a maturing technology ecosystem are accelerating the shift from experimental projects to full-scale commercialization. This evolution mirrors China’s swift ascent in the electric vehicle industry and could spark a new wave of economic growth, the report noted.
A sign of early commercial adoption emerged in March, when Chinese robotics firm UBTech Robotics announced that Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor would begin deploying 20 industrial humanoid robots. Full-scale implementation is scheduled for the first half of 2025.
Wang Tianmiao, honorary director of robotics at Beihang University, said the recent surge in investment reflects both market momentum and strategic national priorities.
“Humanoid robots are being designed to serve human needs and improve operational efficiency,” Wang explained. “At the same time, countries are competing fiercely to lead in next-generation technologies — and AI and robotics are central to that race.”
The report also highlighted the fast-growing field of embodied intelligence, where robots integrate AI with physical interactions. China's market for embodied intelligence is projected to reach 5.3 billion yuan this year and soar to 103.8 billion yuan by 2030 — capturing nearly 45% of the global share.
Since the beginning of 2024, the sector has seen rapid technological advances, surging demand, supportive government policies, and stronger international collaboration.
Still, the report cautioned against reckless spending. It urged local governments to prioritize strategic development and avoid being swayed by hype or short-term speculative investments. Instead, it called for funding to focus on research, development, and real-world deployment.
To ensure long-term stability, the report advised policymakers to establish clear industry standards and guard against valuation bubbles and copycat competition.
