The US ban on new Chinese humanoid robot imports highlights a deeper concern—China’s rapid emergence as the world’s manufacturing and innovation powerhouse in next-generation robotics.
China’s rapid rise in humanoid robotics has become the latest flashpoint in the escalating technology rivalry with the United States. Washington has banned imports of new Chinese-made humanoid robots, citing national security and supply chain risks, while Beijing has condemned the move as an attempt to curb fair competition under the guise of security. Beyond the diplomatic standoff, the decision reflects growing global concern over China’s expanding leadership in robotics, following its dominance in solar panels, batteries and electric vehicles (EVs).
According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), China accounted for 54 per cent of global industrial robot installations in 2024, deploying nearly 295,000 units and taking its installed base to more than two million robots. The country’s momentum is even stronger in humanoid robotics, with industry estimates indicating that Chinese companies contributed nearly 90 per cent of global shipments in 2025.
Manufacturers such as AgiBot, Unitree and UBTech have rapidly scaled production, leveraging China’s mature supply chain for batteries, electric motors, sensors, cameras and precision electronics to lower costs and accelerate commercialisation. At the same time, Chinese firms are strengthening their innovation credentials, with several startups ranking among the world’s leading humanoid robotics companies by patent strength.
Unlike conventional industrial robots built for specific functions, humanoid robots are designed to operate in environments made for humans, enabling them to perform diverse tasks across factories, warehouses, logistics hubs, retail outlets and healthcare facilities. Although the market is still in its early stages, analysts expect it to expand significantly over the coming decade.
The biggest concern for competing economies is not merely that China may produce the most advanced humanoid robots, but that it could manufacture them at unmatched scale and affordability. If that happens, the global robotics industry could witness a transformation similar to what occurred in the solar and EV sectors.
The shift is expected to push governments and manufacturers worldwide to rethink industrial policies, strengthen domestic robotics capabilities and build more resilient supply chains as humanoid robots emerge as the next major strategic technology race.
