China strengthens global leadership in humanoid robotics
China is strengthening its position in humanoid robotics, with domestic manufacturers accounting for more than 97 per cent of global shipments in the first half of 2026. Global deliveries reached approximately 19,100 units during the period, a 272 per cent increase year on year, according to industry data, reports
Global Times, a partner of TV BRICS.
Chinese manufacturers also accounted for more than 85 per cent of global demand for humanoid robots. The country has more than 400 complete humanoid robot models, representing over half of the global total, while quadruped robots account for nearly 70 per cent of worldwide sales.
The rapid development of robotics is part of the rise of China’s so-called “next new three” industries: artificial intelligence, robotics and innovative medicines. These sectors are contributing to the upgrading of manufacturing, the expansion of exports and the development of new technological applications. China’s 2026 national development plans also identify robotics and biomedicine among the strategic industries for further development.
A major factor behind the progress is the development of domestic industrial supply chains. Industry analysts note that Chinese manufacturers have expanded local production of key robotic components, while a large domestic market provides opportunities to test and improve technologies across manufacturing, logistics and other areas. The country’s national standard system for humanoid robotics and embodied artificial intelligence, released in March 2026, covers the industry’s entire value chain and lifecycle.
According to the source, China’s robotics exports are also growing. In the first half of 2026, industrial robot exports reached 6.29 billion yuan (around US$919.1 million), with products supplied to 141 countries and regions. Exports of surgical robots increased 3.3 times year on year, while overall robot exports rose by 359 per cent.
Furthermore, Beijing has hosted the world’s largest humanoid robot half marathon, with more than 100 teams taking part. The event tested robots’ ability to navigate urban routes, manage energy, maintain balance and respond to changing conditions.
Artificial intelligence is developing alongside robotics. The source states Chinese AI models accounted for 41 per cent of downloads on a local platform over the previous year. AI is also supporting developments in areas including robotics, semiconductors, computing, the
air cargo sector, advanced batteries and biomedicine.
Innovation in medicine represents another part of this industrial transformation. By the end of 2025, China had 4,751 innovative medicines in development, accounting for 33.7 per cent of the global total. In the first half of 2026, 38 innovative medicines were approved, while the potential value of outbound licensing agreements reached about US$110 billion.
The development of robotics, AI and innovative medicine marks a new stage in China’s industrial transformation, following earlier waves of manufacturing and technology-driven exports. According to experts, their growing international reach is creating new opportunities for technological cooperation, knowledge exchange and the wider application of advanced solutions.