Experts to discuss the state of humanoid robots at RoboBusiness
By The Robot Report Staff | Humanoid robots including Agility's Digit robot, Apptronik's Apollo, Persona AI's humanoid, and PSYONIC's robotic hand.
Key takeaways
- Humanoid robot shipments are surging, with Smart Analytics Global reporting roughly 19,100 units shipped worldwide in the first half of 2026—more than triple the volume a year earlier—and projecting full‑year deliveries near 60,000, potentially climbing to 500,000 by 2030.
- China dominates the market, accounting for about 97 % of H1 shipments, driven by extensive supply‑chain support, new tariff codes, export‑insurance policies and a wave of government programs for real‑scenario training.
- The sector’s most visible commercial players include Unitree Robotics, which shipped over 5,500 units in 2025, announced an IPO on Shanghai’s STAR Market with a target valuation of roughly 61 billion yuan, and introduced a $16,000 G1 model that consumes only $82 a year in electricity.
- In industry settings, Xiaomi’s humanoid is already assembling components in its EV factory, AgiBot’s Elf G2 operates on a 3C production line, and StarDance’s M7 robot serves logistics centres for SF Express and China Post.
- New applications are also emerging: Tau Robotics is piloting a San Francisco household‑cleaning service with $30‑per‑hour humanoids, while Foundation’s “Phantom” robot is being pitched for autonomous border‑patrol duties, though no formal contracts exist yet.
By The Robot Report Staff |
Humanoid robots including Agility's Digit robot, Apptronik's Apollo, Persona AI's humanoid, and PSYONIC's robotic hand.
Clockwise from top left: Agility’s Digit robot, Apptronik’s Apollo, PSYONIC’s robotic hand, and Persona AI’s humanoid. | Sources: Agility, Apptronik, PSYONIC, and Persona AI
Humanoid robots have captured the world’s attention, attracting billions in investment and generating excitement about the future. But beyond the viral videos and ambitious promises, where does the technology really stand? At RoboBusiness, which will take place on Oct. 20 and 21 and in Santa Clara, Calif., humanoid robot experts will participate in the “State of Humanoids” panel. During the keynote, industry leaders will examine the current state of humanoids through the lens of real-world deployment.
The panel will include experts from Agility Robotics, Apptronik, Persona AI, and PSYONIC. Mike Oitzman, senior editor at The Robot Report,will moderate.
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