China's humanoid robot industry is rapidly evolving, and its global ambitions are becoming increasingly clear. At the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), industry leaders highlighted China's significant advancements in AI and its potential to dominate the global market. This article delves into the key factors driving China's rise in humanoid robotics and explores the implications for the future of work and international collaboration.
A Rising Power in Humanoid Robotics
China's humanoid robotics sector is experiencing a surge in development and production. According to industry experts, the country is making strides in various aspects of the value chain, including hardware and software manufacturing, AI models, datasets, and training environments. Jiang Lei, chief scientist at the National and Local Co-Built Humanoid Robotics Innovation Center, emphasizes that China is ahead of the US in smart manufacturing, datasets, and training grounds, narrowing the gap in other areas.
Peng Zhihui, CTO of AgiBot, a leading humanoid robot startup, agrees, stating that China and the US are the only nations with the full capabilities to compete in embodied AI. This includes strong AI models, advanced robotics, and large-scale manufacturing. China's rapid growth is evident in its production numbers: approximately 20,000 humanoid robots produced last year, surpassing 40,000 in the first half of 2026, and an expected 100,000 for the full year.
Global Expansion and Open-Source Approach
The article highlights China's strategic shift towards global expansion. Jiang Lei notes that Chinese humanoid robots are increasingly being adopted internationally for data collection, experimentation, and system testing. This is facilitated by China's open-source and open-access approach, which is driving international adoption. AgiBot, for instance, has already expanded abroad, with overseas business accounting for over 30% of its revenue this year.
The open-source nature of Chinese AI is a point of contention for some, who fear it could be a 'trap'. However, Jiang Lei dismisses these concerns, attributing them to ideological bias. He argues that China's manufacturing prowess is becoming a global asset, and the country is transitioning from importing standards to shaping them. This includes establishing standards for humanoid robot applications, ensuring ethical and human-centric development.
Regional Collaboration and Future Prospects
China's regional collaboration efforts are also noteworthy. The country is forging AI partnerships with Southeast Asian nations, such as Malaysia, and promoting its technologies in Thailand, South Korea, and other Asian markets. This regional focus is a strategic move to establish a strong presence in neighboring markets and potentially gain a competitive edge.
Complementing Human Labor
Industry leaders at WAIC emphasize that humanoid robots should augment human labor rather than replace it. The technology is envisioned to free workers from repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on jobs requiring creativity, judgment, and empathy. This perspective highlights the potential for humanoid robots to enhance human capabilities rather than eliminate jobs.
In conclusion, China's humanoid robot industry is poised for global dominance, driven by its technical prowess, open-source approach, and strategic international expansion. As the technology continues to evolve, it raises important questions about the future of work, collaboration, and the ethical development of AI. The industry's rapid rise and global ambitions will undoubtedly shape the future of robotics and AI on a global scale.
