Chinese robotics manufacturers are accelerating their efforts to secure a foothold in the emerging market for humanoid robots. Not only are representative Chinese humanoid robot corporations such as Ubitech, but also local startups that have secured investment funds are on the brink of commercializing humanoid robots. Domestic home appliance corporations such as Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are also speeding up their business preparations, including personnel placement.
◇ "More than half of publicly listed companies developing humanoid robots are in China"
According to Morgan Stanley on the 10th, about 56% of the more than 100 publicly listed companies worldwide engaged in humanoid robot development are headquartered in China. Additionally, 45% of corporations that produce customized robots are also based in China. The Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported, "China is solidifying its position as a leader in the humanoid robot market, with expectations that many companies will achieve mass production and commercialization this year."
With the emergence of the artificial intelligence (AI) market, forecasts suggest that the humanoid robot industry will grow. According to market research firm MarketsandMarkets, the humanoid robot market, which was valued at approximately $2.03 billion last year, is expected to grow to $13.25 billion (about 19.19 trillion won) by 2029. The application of generative AI technologies to humanoid robots is driving increased demand across various industries, including education, healthcare, and retail.
The Chinese government has rolled up its sleeves to foster the humanoid robot industry. Targeting to achieve world-class technological capabilities by 2027, 17 government ministries have jointly formed a national consortium involving robot corporations and academic institutions, offering subsidies, tax benefits, and encouraging public-private research collaboration without reservation.
Private corporate investments are also active. According to data from IT주지 analyzing the Chinese venture capital market, during January and February of this year, humanoid robot development startups secured about 2 billion yuan (about 400 billion won) through 20 investments. This figure marks an increase from the 1.2 billion yuan raised through four investments a year ago.
Collaboration is also underway between Chinese tech companies and humanoid robot manufacturers. Ubitech, a leading Chinese humanoid robot corporation, will integrate Baidu’s self-developed AI model "Ernie Bot" into its humanoid robot, "Walker S." Foxconn, a partner of Apple and the world’s largest contract manufacturer, also plans to establish a joint laboratory with Ubitech to commercialize humanoid robots in areas such as product transportation, sorting, adhesion, and quality inspection.
Chinese autonomous driving car company Xiaopeng plans to mass-produce industrial humanoid robots similar to Level 3 autonomous driving next year. He Xiaopeng, CEO of Xiaopeng Motors, noted during the National People's Congress on the 8th (local time), "Currently, humanoid robots are primarily at the early Level 2 stage, but for them to be truly commercialized, they must exhibit Level 3 capabilities, that is, the integrated abilities of hands, feet, mouth, eyes, and brain."
◇ Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics also tightening their grip on the humanoid market
Domestic home appliance corporations, including Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, are also focusing on enhancing their competitiveness by securing personnel in the humanoid robot market. Samsung Electronics reportedly has recently assigned more than 40 personnel to its Future Robot Promotion Group. The Future Robot Promotion Group was established last year as a direct organization under Vice Chairman Han Jong-hee after Samsung acquired a stake in Rainbow Robotics, a robot platform specialized company. Samsung’s investment arm, Samsung Next, participated in securing investments in global humanoid firms like 1X Technologies.
LG Electronics has also revealed its humanoid project plans. LG Electronics President Cho Joo-wan stated at the world’s largest IT exhibition, "CES 2025", that the company is in progress with concepts for home robots and humanoid robots. At LG Electronics, the Robot Advanced Research Institute under the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is focusing on securing advanced humanoid technologies.
An industry official stated, "Korea currently lacks a strong foundation in the AI software sector responsible for the brain functions of robots" but added that "in hardware areas like manufacturing, there is a long-standing expertise and advantage accumulated in appliances and semiconductors."