How Unitree is Shaping the Future of Humanoid Robotics
The market for human-like robots is expected to grow rapidly, with analysts projecting sales could rise from around US$2bn in 2025 to US$300bn by 2035.
Key takeaways
- The most recent developments in humanoid robotics show rapid advances in both performance and commercial interest.
- In mid‑August, Chinese firm Unitree Robotics unveiled a new humanoid that can leap two metres vertically and run at 12.66 m s⁻¹, breaking human records for standing high‑jump and sprint speed, and the company reported having produced roughly 18,000 bipedal units to date.
- The same week Unitree’s Shanghai STAR‑market debut sent its shares soaring—up more than 600 % at one point and closing 460 % above the IPO price—while its founder warned that a “ChatGPT moment” for embodied AI may still be a decade away, noting current challenges in task generalisation and precise movement.
- At the 2026 World Robot Conference in Beijing, several companies demonstrated humanoids engaging in full‑contact sparring, kickboxing, ping‑pong and autonomous dance routines, underscoring a shift from scripted showcases to dynamic, real‑time interaction.
- The concurrent World Humanoid Robot Games highlighted fully autonomous competitions in sports, art and practical applications, with a forecast of 50,000 Chinese humanoid shipments this year, up from 12,000 in 2025.
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The market for human-like robots is expected to grow rapidly, with analysts projecting sales could rise from around US$2bn in 2025 to US$300bn by 2035.
However, international trade obstacles present new challenges for Chinese manufacturers seeking global market expansion.
Key facts
China dominates physical AI hardware, supplying nearly 97 out of every 100 humanoids shipped globally The market for human-like robots is expected to grow rapidly, with analysts projecting a 150-fold expansion in sales by 2035 Unitree recorded an immediate six-fold price jump on its first day of trading on Shanghai’s STAR Market, climbing up to 629% above its listing price Article
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ByDiya Joseph
August 20, 2026
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