Chinese Humanoid Robots Capture 97% of Global Shipments, Establishing Early Leadership

According to the latest industry data from market research firm Smart Analytics Global (SAG), Chinese humanoid robot manufacturers captured over 97% of global shipments in the first half of 2026, highlighting China's early leadership in this emerging sector.

As reported by Bloomberg on the 10th (Monday), SAG's data shows that global humanoid robot shipments reached approximately 19,100 units in the first half of 2026—more than triple the volume from the same period last year.

The California-based consulting firm forecasts that total global shipments for 2026 could reach around 60,000 units, with expectations to surge toward the 500,000-unit mark by 2030.

Data indicates that Shanghai-based Agibot shipped 8,400 units in the first half of the year, accounting for 44% of global shipments. Hangzhou-based Unitree Robotics shipped 5,900 units during the same period.

The shipment volumes of these two Chinese companies far exceeded those of leading U.S. humanoid robotics firms such as Tesla (TSLA-US), Figure AI, and Agility Robotics, underscoring the rapid development pace of China's humanoid robot industry.

Meanwhile, the application scenarios for humanoid robots are shifting. Linda Sui, founder of SAG, stated, "Industrial and commercial applications now account for over 70% of total shipments, up from around 50% last year."

Sui added that regulatory uncertainty and geopolitical risks could impact the industry's next phase of growth.

In late July, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a ban on importing new foreign-made humanoid robots, citing national security risks—a move widely seen as targeting China.

China's Foreign Ministry responded, stating that China consistently and firmly opposes the U.S. practice of broadly defining national security to suppress Chinese enterprises. Protectionism cannot enhance U.S. competitiveness and will only harm American businesses and consumers.