Summary
During China's Spring Festival Gala, humanoid robots showcased advanced movements, highlighting China's growing expertise in this technology. China has become a leader in both industrial and humanoid robots, with significant contributions from its hardware supply chain. Although impressive, some robot performances raised questions about the extent of their true autonomy versus being controlled remotely.
Key Facts
- Hangzhou-based Unitree Robotics displayed humanoid robots at China's Spring Festival Gala.
- In 2024, China installed almost 300,000 industrial robots, making up 54% of the world's total.
- More than 451,000 companies in China registered in intelligent robotics by the end of 2024.
- The registered capital for these companies totaled about $884 billion.
- China's Pearl and Yangtze River delta regions are central to its hardware supply chain.
- China shipped 90% of humanoid robots sold globally last year.
- Unitree’s humanoid robot, G1, is priced at $16,000, cheaper than Tesla’s Optimus Gen2.
- Some performances at the gala were likely remotely controlled rather than fully autonomous.
