China accelerates humanoid robot race, aiming for practical work applications

Beijing is rapidly advancing its pursuit of humanoid robots, with a clear objective to move these machines from the realm of spectacle into real-world, useful labor. The World Robotics Conference 2026 in Beijing provided a glimpse into China's significant strides in this strategically vital sector.

The conference featured robots engaged in diverse activities, from boxing and dancing to playing ping pong, sorting packages, assembling phones, and even attempting to fold laundry. More than 300 companies, predominantly Chinese, participated, exhibiting between 2,000 and 3,000 products and components, and unveiling over 150 new innovations. This surge in development positions robotics as a key driver for China's industrial growth and a critical arena for technological competition with the United States.

Unitree, a prominent Chinese humanoid robot manufacturer, garnered significant attention with its kickboxing, dancing, and ping pong demonstrations. The company also celebrated a successful stock market debut in Shanghai, where its shares nearly sextupled on the first day of trading following an initial public offering that saw demand more than 8,000 times the available shares.

Industry leaders believe the sector is approaching a "ChatGPT moment," envisioning robots capable of navigating and performing tasks in unfamiliar environments based on simple voice or text commands. While some experts predict decisive software advancements within two to three years, others suggest it could take five to ten years. Startups like Galbot are setting more concrete timelines, with founder Wang He suggesting 2028 for significant breakthroughs.

Meanwhile, manufacturers are focused on proving their robots' current work capabilities. Leju showcased humanoids transporting boxes and loading components, claiming these robots are already operational in European factories and Chinese automotive plants. Robotera reported deploying over 100 package-sorting robots across 15 depots nationwide, including logistics centers for China Post. DexForce presented robots on an assembly line placing cell phones into boxes, demonstrating practical applications in manufacturing and logistics.

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The industry is approaching a 'ChatGPT moment'.