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ankarahaberler.com’s report reveals that China is on the verge of a major milestone in its AI-powered industrial transformation. According to a new report from market research firm TrendForce, six of China’s eleven leading humanoid robot manufacturers are set to produce over 1,000 units each by the end of 2025.
This marks the country’s entry into a new phase of mass production, potentially increasing the total value of China’s humanoid robot industry to around 4.5 billion yuan ($616 million).
A Leap Toward Large-Scale Robotics
China has long invested heavily in robotics, but this marks one of the first times humanoid robots are stepping out of the lab and into the factory at scale. Leading companies like Unitree Robotics, AgiBot, Galbot, Engine AI, and Leju Robotics are spearheading the effort.
These firms are not only showcasing technological prowess but are also fulfilling China’s strategic goal of reducing its dependence on foreign tech suppliers.
This mass production push aligns with China’s broader ambition to lead the world in AI and intelligent manufacturing by 2030. As such, these developments carry both economic and geopolitical significance.
Tesla’s Optimus vs. Chinese Counterparts
The TrendForce report also highlights Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot, which Elon Musk plans to mass-produce in the coming years. However, many U.S.-based manufacturers still rely on key components from Chinese suppliers, raising concerns about future tariff risks and supply chain fragility.
This dependency could give Chinese companies a competitive edge in the global robotics race, especially if the U.S. continues to tighten export controls or impose restrictions on Chinese tech firms.
Not Without Challenges
Despite the optimistic outlook, serious technical challenges remain—a reality dramatically illustrated at the recent Beijing Half Marathon, where humanoid robots competed alongside human athletes.
Out of 20 robots, only six completed the 21.1 km race, exposing major gaps in energy efficiency and mechanical endurance. The standout performer, “Tiangong Ultra,” developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Centre, crossed the finish line after roughly 2 hours and 40 minutes, but not without major hiccups: its battery had to be manually replaced three times during the run.
According to the company’s CTO, Tang Jian, increasing battery capacity also raises the robot’s weight, which in turn affects its balance and walking stability. This underscores a central dilemma in humanoid robotics: achieving a balance between power, mobility, and form factor.
Why This Matters
Mass-producing humanoid robots is more than a technological achievement—it has the potential to reshape entire industries. From elderly care and healthcare support to hazardous environment operations, humanoid robots are being envisioned as a flexible labor force substitute.
China’s aggressive timeline could put it ahead of Western competitors, particularly in markets where cost-efficiency and domestic sourcing are key decision factors. If the current pace is maintained, by 2030 we could see tens of thousands of humanoid robots integrated into daily life across Asia.
Looking Ahead: The Global Race for Robot Dominance
As China scales up, countries like South Korea, Japan, and Germany are also investing in advanced humanoid robotics. However, China’s focus on vertical integration and state-backed funding could make it the most agile and fastest mover in the sector.
If the current pace continues, humanoid robots might shift from novelty to necessity—used in manufacturing, disaster response, home assistance, and even retail. The transition from pilot project to production line is no small feat, and China seems poised to lead the charge.
📌 Source: ankarahaberler.com’s exclusive coverage, based on the latest TrendForce market report and Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Centre announcements.
