Chinese Robots Truly at Work as Industrial Chain Accelerates Overseas Expansion

The 2025 World Robot Conference is underway at the Yichuang International Convention and Exhibition Center in Beijing, where vibrant exhibition halls and crowded walkways reflect the sector’s accelerating momentum. The event has drawn a diverse audience of international buyers, investors, and technical experts, all eager to engage with the latest advancements in robotics and strategic industry developments.

This year’s conference highlights not only cutting-edge technologies but also three defining trends: the emergence of multifunctional robotic platforms, the integration of embodied artificial intelligence, and the swift deployment of scenario-specific solutions. Concurrently, China’s robotics supply chain is entering a new phase of global expansion, signaling a pivotal shift in the industry’s direction.

Wang Lei, chairman of Qingbao Robotics, noted a dramatic increase in demand for exhibition space, making it difficult to secure the same footprint as the previous year—a clear reflection of the sector’s robust growth, he told Securities Daily. Robots showcased at the event have evolved well beyond entertainment functions such as dancing, football, and boxing. Today’s systems are highly versatile, capable of operating collaboratively across a wide range of environments. The traditional distinctions between industrial, service, and specialized robots are dissolving, giving rise to composite solutions that seamlessly perform multiple roles.

Qingbao Robotics, known for its focus on humanoid development, reported that its bipedal platforms are already deployed in cultural tourism, security, live streaming, and education, with eldercare applications currently in preparation. At the conference, Qinglang Intelligent introduced its XMAN-F1 bipedal service robot, placing it in simulated environments—including a tavern-style bar, medical station, and theater—to demonstrate immersive human–robot interaction. Founder and CEO Li Tong explained that while wheeled robots for industrial and service use are well-established, humanoid systems are transitioning from early commercial pilots to targeted scenario deployment. He emphasized a “general-plus-specialized” framework that combines large-scale AI models with embodied technologies to accelerate market integration.

Zhuoyide Robotics unveiled “Rena,” a life-sized facial-expression robot that uses advanced simulation algorithms and multimodal sensing to replicate human microexpressions in real time. The company also presented the “Walker No. 2” modular humanoid, which features bionic-tendon technology and distributed motors to enable human-like movement and terrain adaptability. Priced between RMB 160,000 and RMB 250,000, Walker No. 2 is already available for online purchase, with Zhuoyide working across its ecosystem to reduce costs and transition from custom builds to standardized production.

Magic Atom showcased its full suite of quadruped and humanoid platforms in a synchronized performance, demonstrating the real-time responsiveness of its proprietary distributed motion-control architecture. President Wu Changzheng affirmed the company’s commitment to full-scenario deployment—from industrial settings to domestic environments—while building an embodied-intelligence ecosystem to support modularity and generalization across applications.

Chinese robotics firms displayed remarkable vitality throughout the conference, reinforcing projections that the domestic market could reach USD 100 billion by 2028 as AI capabilities continue to mature. Industry leaders from consumer electronics and distribution sectors are increasingly positioning robotics as a strategic growth area. Smartphone manufacturer Honor, for example, announced plans to invest over USD 10 billion in an AI-powered terminal ecosystem over the next five years.

Capital investment and ecosystem collaboration have emerged as key drivers of commercial adoption. JD.com, in partnership with Unitree Robotics, Zhiyuan, Tiangong, Zhongqing, Xinghai Map, Zhuji Dynamics, Qianxun, and Songyan Dynamics, launched the Smart Robotics Industry Acceleration Program. This initiative pledges more than RMB 10 billion to support 100 robotics brands in surpassing RMB 1 billion in sales within three years, aiming to deploy intelligent machines across more than one million end-user scenarios.

On the manufacturing side, Yuejiang Technology has entered strategic alliances with the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and the Damo Academy, certifying its embodied-intelligence solutions for multiple international markets. Several humanoid robot manufacturers revealed plans to establish key component production facilities in ASEAN countries, extending China’s robotics supply chain beyond its borders. Unitree Robotics founder Wang Xingxing confirmed that international sales now represent approximately half of the company’s annual revenue.

Li Qingdu of Zhuoyide Robotics highlighted that lightweight design and extended operational duration are well-suited to global outdoor applications. By advancing cable-driven actuation, securing autonomy in core components through supply-chain partnerships, and validating performance in open environments, the company aims to transition the industry from isolated demonstrations to comprehensive, scalable solutions.

From localizing critical components and building integrated ecosystems to jointly exploring international markets, a new development paradigm—fueled by technological innovation, industrial synergy, and capital investment—is reinforcing China’s leadership in the global robotics arena.