Korean media: China has 25 “robot unicorns,” while South Korea—despite loud claims of innovation—has none.
On September 27, the Korean newspaper *Culture Daily* reported that as of this year, China has amassed 25 unicorn companies in the physical artificial intelligence sector—including humanoid robots—ranking first globally. The center of gravity in global AI technology is shifting from software to physical AI. Yet despite repeated assertions about innovation, South Korea has so far failed to nurture a single unicorn enterprise in this domain. A unicorn company refers to a privately held startup valued at over $1 billion.
Chinese humanoid robots are no longer demonstrating technical capabilities solely through performances such as martial arts or running; they are now being deployed across industrial sites. In stark contrast, some analysts point to the obstacles posed by aggressive labor unions and pro-union policies, which hinder the accumulation of practical experience within South Korea’s robotics ecosystem dominated by large conglomerates—contributing to an accelerating gap between South Korea and China.
In the first half of this year alone, 19 new physical AI firms in China achieved unicorn status, including Yunsheng Deep Technology, Zhi Ping Fang Technology, and Qianxun Intelligence. Seven additional companies have valuations exceeding $3 billion. The leading humanoid robot firm, Unitree Robotics, was excluded from the total count after going public this year. Industry estimates suggest China’s total number of physical AI unicorns lies between 20 and 25—a figure five times greater than that of its main competitor, the United States (with 5 to 8 such firms). By comparison, South Korea has yet to produce any unicorn in the physical AI space, aside from companies focused on semiconductors, models, and software-based AI.
Humanoid robots from Chinese unicorn firms are increasingly transitioning from demonstration platforms into functional work robots, being deployed across industrial facilities. At the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, Zhiyuan Robotics partnered with JD.com to showcase a humanoid robot performing continuous loading and stacking operations in a logistics center around the clock, without requiring night-shift personnel.
Some analysts argue that China’s physical AI unicorns benefit from supply chains inherited from the electric vehicle industry, enabling cost competitiveness that fuels the expansion of startup ecosystems. EV component manufacturers—specializing in batteries, motors, sensors, and more—are being integrated into robotic supply chains. This hardware cost advantage attracts capital, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of industrial growth.
Experts note that South Korea’s physical AI ecosystem, centered on large corporate groups, struggles to match the pace and cost efficiency demonstrated by China’s startup-driven model.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1877484337180684/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.