China dominates humanoid robot boom as global shipments surge 3.7-fold

Global humanoid robot shipments more than tripled in the first half of 2026, reaching about 19,100 units compared with 5,100 a year earlier, market research firm Smart Analytics Global (SAG) announced.

Chinese manufacturers accounted for more than 97% of global shipments, delivering roughly 18,500 units and cementing the country’s dominance in the rapidly expanding industry, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Shanghai-based Agibot led the market, shipping 8,400 units and capturing a 44% global share. Hangzhou-based Unitree Robotics ranked second with 5,900 units. South Korean media, citing SAG data, reported that the top four global suppliers were all Chinese, with UBTECH and Leju ranking third and fourth.

The surge reflects a shift in the industry from technology demonstrations toward commercial deployment. Industrial and commercial applications accounted for more than 70% of shipments in the first half of 2026, up from about 50% a year earlier.

Humanoid robots are increasingly being deployed in manufacturing and logistics, performing tasks including transportation, assembly and inspection. SAG founder and chief researcher Linda Sui said structured industrial environments allow the machines to demonstrate measurable efficiency and economic value.

China’s advantage stems largely from its manufacturing scale and integrated supply chain, which provides local access to key components such as motors, sensors and batteries. Government support and funding have also helped accelerate industry development.

SAG expects global shipments to reach about 60,000 units by the end of 2026 and 500,000 by 2030. The firm estimates the global humanoid robot market could be worth as much as $69 billion by 2030.

However, rapid expansion faces significant challenges. Industry experts say relatively few robots can yet operate independently and reliably for extended periods in commercial environments. Advances are still needed in dexterity, reliability, battery endurance and embodied artificial intelligence.

Geopolitical tensions pose another major obstacle. In July 2026, the US Federal Communications Commission announced a ban on imports of new Chinese-made humanoid and quadrupedal robots and certain components, citing national security and cybersecurity concerns.

Sui warned that regulatory uncertainty and geopolitical risks could become decisive factors in the industry’s next phase, as Chinese manufacturers seek to expand internationally while maintaining their technological and cost advantages.

By Vafa Guliyeva