Chinese Robotics Companies Race to Develop Humanoid Robots with AI Technology

Unitree CEO Wang Xingxing predicts AI technology for humanoid robots will reach mainstream level in 1-3 years. He likens current environment to ChatGPT's breakout moment in 2022. Chinese companies are racing to make affordable robots, but lack good AI models for humanoid robots. Unitree's R1 bot starts at $5,900, while Engine AI's robot starts at $5,400. Humanoid robots have been featured in events such as half-marathons and football matches in 2025.

Artificial intelligence technology remains a key challenge for the humanoid robot sector, according to Wang Xingxing, CEO of Hangzhou Unitree Technology Co Ltd. In a recent statement at the World Robots Conference in Beijing, Wang likened the current environment to the ChatGPT breakout moment in 2022, predicting that the sector could reach mainstream levels within one to three years [1].

Despite significant advancements, a major obstacle to large-scale deployment of humanoid robots is the lack of good AI models. Companies like Unitree and Engine AI are striving to make their products affordable, but the real-world applications remain vague [1]. Unitree's R1 bot, priced at 39,900 yuan ($5,900), and Engine AI's upcoming robot, starting at 38,500 yuan ($5,400), illustrate the push towards affordability [1].

Morgan Stanley estimates that a single humanoid robot costing $5 per hour could match the productivity of two human workers earning $25 per hour, creating an economic value of approximately $200,000 per unit over its working life [2]. This suggests a significant economic potential for humanoid robots, driving adoption based on cost and safety factors [2].

In 2025, humanoid robots have been featured in various events, including half-marathons and football matches, showcasing China's ambitions to catch up with and surpass the US in cutting-edge technologies [1]. However, these events have not been technological triumphs, highlighting the need for further advancements in AI models [1].

China's push into robotics is backed by substantial government support. A new robot store in Beijing, offering over 100 robots for sale, reflects this commitment. The store aims to provide a complete ecosystem for robotic purchases, from sales to maintenance services, with a price range starting from 2,000 yuan (approximately $278) and reaching several million yuan [3].

Fourier's GR-3 humanoid robot, unveiled recently, is designed with a focus on emotional connection, redefining human-machine interaction. Equipped with a Full-Perception Multimodal Interaction System, GR-3 integrates vision, audio, and tactile feedback into a unified real-time emotional processing engine [4].

As the sector progresses, the challenges and opportunities in humanoid robotics are clear. Companies like Unitree and Engine AI are racing to make affordable robots, while the government provides substantial support. The economic potential, as highlighted by Morgan Stanley, suggests a promising future for humanoid robots. However, the lack of good AI models remains a significant hurdle to overcome.

References:
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-09/humanoid-robots-still-lack-ai-technology-unitree-ceo-says
[2] https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/1-humanoid-robot-at-5hour-can-do-the-work-of-2-humans-at-25hour-ms-4180688
[3] https://theoutpost.ai/news-story/beijing-s-new-robot-store-showcases-china-s-ai-and-robotics-ambitions-18787/
[4] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/meet-gr-3-beyond-function-designed-to-care-fourier-to-unveil-its-first-care-centric-humanoid-302523202.html