From factory assembly lines to robot boxing arenas, China's humanoid robot industry is rapidly expanding across both industrial and consumer-facing scenarios, as companies race to commercialize next-generation robotics technology.
In Shenzhen, companies are developing humanoid robots ranging from low-cost modular systems priced at around US$1,500 to advanced industrial robots valued at over US$100,000.
The momentum comes as China strengthens its position in the global robotics race.
Industry statistics showed China produced more than 80 percent of the world's humanoid robots in 2025, driven by its vast manufacturing ecosystem and growing AI capabilities.
At UBTech Robotics, humanoid robots are already being deployed on factory floors.
The company says its Walker S2 robot can autonomously swap batteries and operate around the clock while collaborating with other robots through shared network systems.
“We are collecting data in real scenarios,” Michael Tam, the company's chief brand officer, said, describing how robots continuously learn through AI training platforms.
Meanwhile, startups are also exploring applications in entertainment and sports.
EngineAI founder Evan Yao announced plans for a robot boxing competition featuring the company's T800 humanoid robot, with a top prize of 10 million yuan.
Experts say the biggest challenge is no longer building robot bodies, but creating AI systems capable of understanding and interacting with the physical world as humans do.
While most analysts believe that truly intelligent humanoid robots are still years away from transforming our everyday life, China's rapid progress is already reshaping expectations for the future of robotics.
Reporter: Xie Hongzhou
Cameraman: Deng Yingheng, Pan Jiajun
Video & Poster: Deng Yingheng
