Report: Chinese Humanoid Robot Makers Account for 97% of Global Shipments in First Half

China's humanoid robot industry has shown astonishing growth in the first half of 2026, establishing an early lead on the global stage. According to the latest industry data, Chinese manufacturers accounted for over 97% of global humanoid robot shipments in the first half of 2026.

Data from Smart Analytics Global shows that global shipments reached approximately 19,100 units during this period, more than tripling from 5,100 units in the same period last year. Of this, China shipped around 18,500 units, while the U.S. shipped about 4,000.

Among leading companies, Shanghai-based Agibot demonstrated particularly strong performance, surpassing Hangzhou's Unitree Robotics to claim the top global market share position. In the first half of 2026, Agibot shipped 8,400 units, capturing a 44% share.

Meanwhile, Unitree Robotics is preparing for a $900 million IPO on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, with a valuation of approximately $9 billion. This is seen as a key test of market confidence in the commercial prospects of humanoid robots. Although Unitree achieved over 4x revenue growth and profitability in 2025, its profits dropped sharply by 55% in the first quarter of 2026 due to intensified competition and increased R&D spending.

China's core competitive advantage lies in its large-scale production capabilities and lower manufacturing costs. Additionally, government policy support and funding are accelerating the transition of this technology from demonstration to mainstream markets. The market is already undergoing a clear transformation, with industrial and commercial applications accounting for over 70% of total shipments—far exceeding last year's 50%.

However, China's growth still faces geopolitical challenges. The U.S. has fully banned the import of Chinese-made humanoid and quadruped robots in July 2026, citing national security concerns. Moreover, while China leads in production speed, U.S. companies such as Tesla and Nvidia maintain competitiveness in core technologies like AI systems and Embodied AI.

Looking ahead, research firms project the global humanoid robot market to reach $69 billion by 2030. Linda Sui, founder and chief researcher at SAG, stated, "Regulatory uncertainty and geopolitical risks may impact the industry's next growth phase."