China accounts for 97% of global humanoid robot shipments
Chinese humanoid robot makers shipped more than 97% of the approximately 19,100 units delivered worldwide during the first six months of 2026, highlighting China’s early lead over US competitors in the rapidly expanding sector.
Global shipments more than tripled from the 5,100 units recorded during the same period last year, according to data from Smart Analytics Global.
The California-based research firm expects global shipments to reach around 60,000 units in 2026 and rise to 500,000 units by 2030.
AgiBot Leads Global Market
Shanghai-based AgiBot led the global market with a 44% share after shipping 8,400 units during the first half of the year. It was followed by Hangzhou-based Unitree Robotics, which shipped 5,900 units.
According to Bloomberg, the figures significantly exceeded shipments by major US companies, including Tesla, Figure AI and Agility Robotics.
Industrial and commercial applications accounted for more than 70% of total shipments, up from about 50% a year earlier, indicating growing adoption of humanoid robots beyond research and development.
US Imposes Restrictions on Chinese Robots
In late July, the United States moved to ban imports of new Chinese-made humanoid and quadruped robots, along with certain components, citing national security and cybersecurity concerns related to critical infrastructure and artificial intelligence.
Although the number of humanoid robots currently deployed in commercial and production roles remains limited, government support and funding at multiple levels in China are helping accelerate the development and deployment of the technology.
