Reference News Network, March 13 report: According to the website of the German Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung on March 4, the application of humanoid robots in production, logistics, and homes is highly anticipated. Many companies are developing the necessary hardware and artificial intelligence. The United States and China are major markets, but the two countries have adopted completely different strategies.

The report states that humanoid robots have attracted great attention at the Chinese Spring Festival Gala, during the visit of the German Chancellor to China, and at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, USA.

At the 2026 CES, the US tech giant Boston Dynamics bid farewell to the Atlas robot capable of dancing and doing cartwheels and shifted its focus to industrial applications, while China attracted a large amount of media attention with groups of humanoid robots dancing. Even though this was initially "just" a performance, China's strategy may still succeed.

In China alone, more than 140 companies are developing humanoid robots, and the market is growing rapidly.

According to analysis by British Omdia, global shipments of humanoid robots reached approximately 13,000 units in 2025. China's market strength is impressive: six Chinese humanoid robot manufacturers account for 87% of the market share. American manufacturers Figure AI, Agility Robotics, and Tesla each hold 1% of the market share.

According to the report, 542,000 new industrial robots were installed worldwide in 2024, and the 13,000 units of humanoid robots shipped in 2025 represent a good start for this emerging segment of the robotics market. The issue is: what tasks will these humanoid robots perform? Because there are currently very few pilot projects running in factories.

For years, people have been familiar with Boston Dynamics' dancing robots. Now, China is precisely expanding this market on a large scale, positioning itself as a technological leader in public perception.

This design focusing on "educational entertainment" may seem unable to create industrial value at first glance. However, it has a more significant strategic significance.

The "minimum viable product" can achieve parallel development of the market and technology. A minimum viable product refers to a feasible product that can be directly applied to the market and create value. A large number of robots used in educational entertainment can collect valuable practical experience regarding the lifespan and design of drive systems, the robustness of control technology, etc. User feedback is equally important. Both of these help to accelerate the technical maturity.

In parallel with technological development, sales of tens of thousands of units have created a supply chain for parts of humanoid robots, forming a preliminary scale effect. As production increases, unit prices also decrease. At the same time, the rapid development and iteration of Chinese robot technology are promoting localized collaboration between research institutions and industry partners.

If humanoid robots step out of the dance floor and gain widespread application globally, China will be in a favorable position.

But relying solely on hardware is not enough; higher levels of intelligence are also required. Only with corresponding software can humanoid robots be effective. There is no doubt that robots must become smarter and more flexible.

In the competition of humanoid robots, China is currently leading in terms of output. Even if educational entertainment is not its real goal, China has already achieved considerable output, built the corresponding value chain, and accumulated important practical experience. (Translated by Nie Litan)

On March 3, at the Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona, Spain, a humanoid robot developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center demonstrated sorting functions. (Xinhua News Agency)

Original: toutiao.com/article/7616567173288329780/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.