Chinese monopoly: humanoid robots are taking over the market

China is rapidly strengthening its position in the humanoid robot industry, effectively establishing dominance in the global market. In the first half of 2026, companies from the PRC accounted for more than 97% of global shipments, while American developers lag significantly behind in mass production scale.

Humanoid Robot Shipment Statistics in 2026

According to a report by Smart Analytics Global, the global robotics market is experiencing a real boom. In the first six months of 2026, approximately 19,100 humanoid robots were delivered globally. This figure is more than three times the sales volume for the same period in 2025. Analysts project that by the end of 2026, total shipments will reach approximately 60,000 units, and by 2030, the industry could hit 500,000 robots annually.

Market Leaders and Key Players

Chinese companies dominate the manufacturer rankings entirely:

• Agibot — the undisputed leader, which shipped 8,400 robots in six months, capturing 44% of the market.
• Unitree Robotics — secured second place with 5,900 units sold.

Against this backdrop, well-known American brands like Tesla, Figure AI, and Agility Robotics are significantly trailing Chinese developers in mass production scale.

Success Secrets and Market Strategy

Aggressive government funding and comprehensive national-level support are fueling the growth of China’s robotics sector. The Chinese government views this industry as a future economic driver. In response, the US imposed strict restrictions in late July, banning the import of Chinese humanoid and quadruped robots, as well as certain components for them, citing cybersecurity concerns.

China’s dominance in the humanoid robot market is becoming one of the most notable technological trends of 2026. While the US attempts to curb the development of Chinese robotics through import restrictions, manufacturers from the PRC continue to ramp up mass production and find practical applications for “physical AI.” If growth rates hold, humanoid robots could evolve from experimental technology into a full-fledged multi-billion dollar industry in the coming years.