China takes 97% of H1 global humanoid robot shipments; supply chains, vast market drive rapid scale-up, intl reach: expert - Global Times
CHINA / SOCIETY China takes 97% of H1 global humanoid robot shipments; supply chains, vast market drive rapid scale-up, intl reach: expert By Chi Jingyi and Zhang Weilan Published: Aug 11, 2026 12:04 AM Photo released on August 9, 2026 shows tourists from J...
Key takeaways
- The most recent reports show that humanoid robots are moving from high‑profile demos toward limited commercial use while shipment volumes surge.
- Smart Analytics Global recorded roughly 19,100 units shipped worldwide in the first half of 2026 – more than three times the figure a year earlier – and projects full‑year deliveries near 60,000, with some analysts expecting as many as 100,000 units by year‑end.
- China dominates the market, supplying about 97 % of H1 shipments, backed by supportive policies such as new tariff codes for intelligent robots and insurance coverage for export projects.
- Unitree Robotics, the former global leader, is preparing a record‑size IPO on Shanghai’s STAR Market after shipping over 5,500 humanoids in 2025, and its low‑cost G1 model now costs about $16,000 with minimal electricity use.
- In the United States, Tau Robotics has launched a pilot that rents $30‑per‑hour humanoid cleaners to San Francisco households, though analysts say broad home adoption will still take several years.
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CHINA / SOCIETY
China takes 97% of H1 global humanoid robot shipments; supply chains, vast market drive rapid scale-up, intl reach: expert
By Chi Jingyi and Zhang Weilan Published: Aug 11, 2026 12:04 AM
Photo released on August 9, 2026 shows tourists from Jamaica interacting with a humanoid robot at the world's first robot 6S store in Longgang District, Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province, on August 4. Photo: Xinhua Analysts noted that this early classification facilitated later policy support, capital-market positioning, and statistical monitoring.
In June 2026, several ministries launched a special program for real-scenario training of humanoid robots and embodied AI.
Customs adjustments, effective from January 1, added specific tariff codes for intelligent biomimetic and cleaning robots, simplifying export clearance.
Insurance coverage also followed. In June, China Export & Credit Insurance Corp issued an insurance policy for AGIBOT's embodied robot export project, providing overseas risk coverage.
Supported by complete industrial chains, rich scenarios and systematic policy guarantees, China's robotic sector has built an unshakable global edge, experts noted. As the former global leader in 2025 with annual shipments of 5,500 units, Unitree Robotics set its IPO offering price at 150.8 yuan ($22.35) per share on Monday. The initial public offering (IPO) is expected to raise 6.1 billion yuan, meaning an estimated market capitalization of around 61 billion yuan, according to media reports. The final online subscription winning rate will be 0.0181 percent, Unitree said on Monday.
The breakthroughs in humanoid robotics represent the latest landmark of China's booming "new new three" industries, which are emerging as core pillars driving the country's high-end manufacturing upgrade, export expansion and future economic growth.
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