China has taken the lead in the "robot race" - ForkLog: cryptocurrencies, AI, singularity, the future

# China Takes the Lead in the “Robot Race”

By 2025, Chinese company Unitree Robotics delivered over 5,500 humanoid robots to clients. It increased production ahead of its stock market debut, reports SCMP citing sources.

The Hangzhou-based firm sent more full-sized bipedal robots to customers than American competitors like Tesla, Figure AI, and Agility Robotics combined. They each delivered 150 units.

Unitree’s annual production volume exceeded 6,000 units, excluding wheel models and other robotic products.

The company became the leader among top humanoid robot manufacturers in the country in 2025. Although some reports rank AgiBot first in global shipment volume. The firm has distributed over 5,000 units and earned $142 million.

Omdia estimated Unitree’s shipments at 4,200 and assigned a market share of 32%. Counterpoint believes the company holds 26.4% with sales of 4,224.

Manufacturers from Shenzhen, UBTech Robotics and Leju Robotics, took third and fourth places with market shares of 5.2% and 4.9%, respectively. Elon Musk’s Tesla ranks fifth with 4.7%.

Data indicates Chinese manufacturers are leading the industry, as American competitors are still in early stages of mass production.

Tesla is building a production line for one million units of Optimus. The line is expected to be operational by the end of 2026.

Robot Boom

A new report from Counterpoint Research showed that in 2025, more than four out of five humanoid robots sold worldwide were in China.

A total of 16,000 robots have been shipped globally. They are mainly used for data collection and research, as well as in logistics, manufacturing, and automotive industries.

According to the research firm, by 2027, over 100,000 units will be on the market — six times the number in 2025.

“In the next two years, more companies developing humanoid robots will begin serial commercialization, and productivity will largely determine the pace of industry development,” noted Counterpoint.

Recall that in November 2025, China’s National Development and Reform Commission stated that a bubble might be forming in the country’s humanoid robot market.