AgiBot overtakes Unitree as top global humanoid robot vendor in first half amid IPO push | South China Morning Post
Shanghai-based Agibot captured 44 per cent of the global market after shipping roughly 8,400 humanoid robots from January to June, San Francisco-based research firm Smart Analytics Global (SAG) said in a report published on Sunday.
Key takeaways
- Humanoid‑robot activity has surged in the second half of 2026, driven by a sharp U.S.–China rivalry and explosive growth in China’s domestic market.
- On July 28 the White House barred imports of next‑generation Chinese mobile robots, including humanoids, citing national‑security concerns, while Chinese firms have captured roughly 97 % of global shipments in the first half of the year.
- Shanghai‑based AgiBot overtook Unitree Robotics to become the world’s largest vendor, shipping about 8,400 units (44 % of the market) and posting a 562 % year‑on‑year increase, while Unitree fell to second place with 5,900 units (31 %).
- Overall global shipments jumped 272 % to 19,100 units in H1 2026, with analysts forecasting around 60,000 units for the full year and half a million by 2030, and revenue expected to rise from $1.6 billion in 2026 to over $50 billion by 2035.
- The bulk of deployments now serve industrial and commercial roles—manufacturing, warehousing, logistics and commercial services—accounting for more than 70 % of shipments, though pilot home‑service programs are emerging, such as Tau Robotics’ $30‑per‑hour cleaning service for San Francisco households.
Shanghai-based Agibot captured 44 per cent of the global market after shipping roughly 8,400 humanoid robots from January to June, San Francisco-based research firm Smart Analytics Global (SAG) said in a report published on Sunday.
AgiBot’s shipments surged 562 per cent year on year, supported by a diversified product portfolio that included full-size bipedal A-series models, compact X-series units, and wheeled G-series robots, the research firm noted.
The shift comes as both companies race towards capital markets.
The Unitree Robotics booth at the China Digital Entertainment Expo & Conference in Shanghai, August 3, 2026. Photo: VCG via Getty Images # AgiBot overtakes Unitree as top global humanoid robot vendor in first half amid IPO push
AgiBot’s shipments surged 562 per cent year on year, supported by a portfolio of full-size bipedals, compact units and wheeled robots
AgiBot’s shipments surged 562 per cent year on year, supported by a portfolio of full-size bipedals, compact units and wheeled robots
An Agibot humanoid robot is pictured at the company’s facility in Shanghai, on August 4, 2026. Photo: Xinhua
China’s AgiBot has surpassed its domestic rival Unitree Robotics to become the world’s largest humanoid robot vendor in the first half of 2026, according to new research, as both industry heavyweights prepare for public listings amid a physical AI boom.
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