The world of robotics is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and China's humanoid robotics sector is at the forefront of this revolution. With the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, industry leaders are highlighting not just the rapid rise of this sector but also its global ambitions.
One of the key takeaways from the conference is China's growing dominance in the field of embodied intelligence, particularly in smart manufacturing, datasets, and training grounds. As Jiang Lei, chief scientist of the National and Local Co-Built Humanoid Robotics Innovation Center, puts it, China is "gaining an edge in key parts of the value chain." This edge, in my opinion, is a result of a unique combination of factors, including a strong engineering talent pool, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and a proactive approach to data collection and experimentation.
Peng Zhihui, co-founder and CTO of AgiBot, further emphasizes China's competitive advantage. He believes that China and the US are the only two countries with the full suite of capabilities needed to excel in embodied AI. This includes not just strong AI models and robot body development but also large-scale manufacturing, an area where China is particularly strong.
The numbers speak for themselves. According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China produced around 20,000 humanoid robots last year, and this figure is expected to exceed 100,000 for the full year. This rapid growth is a testament to China's commitment to this industry and its potential to become a global leader.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the shift in China's role from a domestic player to a global exporter. Many overseas research institutions and manufacturers are now turning to China for humanoid robots, attracted by the country's open-source and open-access approach. This strategy, in my view, is a clever move to gain a foothold in the global market and establish China as a key player in the industry.
AgiBot, for instance, has already started its global expansion, with overseas business accounting for over 30% of its operations this year. This is a significant development, as it shows that Chinese humanoid robots are not just competitive but also desirable on the international stage.
Another interesting aspect is China's focus on setting standards for humanoid robot applications. Jiang Lei highlights the importance of standards in bringing order to a fast-evolving industry and ensuring that robots develop in ways that benefit humanity. This proactive approach to governance is a sign of China's maturity in the field and its commitment to responsible development.
Finally, it's worth noting the industry's emphasis on humanoid robots as a complement to human labor, not a replacement. This perspective, in my opinion, is a refreshing take on the potential of AI. Instead of fearing the rise of robots, we should see them as tools to enhance our capabilities, freeing us up to focus on more creative and emotionally demanding tasks.
In conclusion, China's humanoid robotics sector is not just advancing rapidly but also shaping the global narrative around AI. With its strong manufacturing base, innovative talent, and forward-thinking approach to governance, China is poised to become a leader in this field. The 2026 WAIC has given us a glimpse into this future, and it's an exciting prospect indeed.
