According to a report by China Daily on March 8…
China’s humanoid robot industry is rapidly moving from lab demonstrations to practical applications, with training centers across the country preparing robots for real-world tasks ranging from factory logistics to home care.
At a “robot school” in Jinan, Shandong province, dozens of humanoid robots are learning to carry trays, fold clothes, and fetch bottled water under human supervision. The center, led by Su Kairui, trains robots across 11 application scenarios, including industrial operations and domestic services. “Our ultimate goal is to enable them to perceive and adapt to environments like humans,” Su said.
Robots Enter the Spotlight
Humanoid robots have captured public attention beyond laboratories. For the second year in a row, they starred at China’s most-watched Spring Festival Gala, performing complex gymnastic and martial arts routines. Hangzhou-based Unitree Robotics showcased formations from drunken fist to Thomas Flair, demonstrating coordination, perception, and adaptability—skills directly transferable to industrial and service scenarios.
The performance drew international visitors, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, highlighting China’s growing visibility as a global hub for robotics innovation.
Turning Technology into Practical Use
Companies say the gala and other public demonstrations are not just for show—they reflect real advances in robotics technology. Algorithms that allow multiple robots to coordinate on stage, for instance, can be adapted for warehouse scheduling. Similarly, adaptive balance and perception systems are essential for safe operations in factories, hospitals, and homes.
Training centers are expanding rapidly in Shandong, Zhejiang, and Anhui provinces, and early commercial orders have begun. Li Dezheng, general manager of Xingjie Innovation Robotics in Binzhou, said humanoid robots are already deployed in chemical parks, data centers, shopping malls, and schools. Corporate customers account for roughly 70 percent of demand, with government purchases and educational institutions making up the remainder.
Emerging Applications
Industry leaders identify three immediate sectors for humanoid robots:
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Intelligent manufacturing – automating repetitive production tasks
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Smart warehousing – improving logistics efficiency
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Emotional companionship and care – assisting in healthcare and service industries
Guo Jishun, GM of Gelanruo Robotics in Wuhan, said that AI capabilities and high-performance computing are driving the surge in humanoid deployment, enabling robots to operate in complex, dynamic environments.
Policy Support and Industry Growth
The Chinese government has prioritized future industries like embodied AI in the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–30), fostering an environment for technological innovation and market adoption. By 2025, China had more than 140 humanoid robot manufacturers and over 330 models. A Morgan Stanley report shows that over the past five years, China filed 7,705 humanoid robot patents—five times the number in the U.S.—and accounted for 54 percent of global industrial robot installations.
Pilot bases, largely funded by state capital, support collaboration between companies, identify new application scenarios, and accelerate deployment. “Government involvement is critical,” said Li Xingteng of Hangzhou Embodied Intelligence Pilot Base Technology Co. Ltd. “It’s difficult for a single enterprise to achieve these results alone.”
Global Implications
Experts note that early public exposure and government-backed application programs give China an edge over overseas peers. “If you don’t train robots in real-world scenarios, you can’t truly advance the technology,” said Li Chao, co-founder of DEEP Robotics.
As humanoid robots transition from demonstrations to practical use, China is positioning itself as a global leader in embodied AI and intelligent robotics, offering opportunities for foreign investors, technology partners, and industrial adopters seeking to tap into the country’s expanding AI-driven automation market.