Chinese robot makers surges in IPO

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  August 19, 2026 at 16:31  |  3:52  |  CNBC
Speakers
Eunice Yoon — CNBC Correspondent

Summary

CNBC's Eunice Yoon reports on Unitree Robotics' Shanghai IPO, which surged 460% after raising about $900 million. The company is profitable, shipped 5,500 humanoid robots last year, and has strategic backing from Alibaba, Tencent, DeepSeek and state firms. Beijing's support for targeted tech sectors and upcoming robotics and AI IPOs are fueling momentum in China's humanoid robotics space.

  • Unitree Robotics shares closed about 460% higher in their Shanghai debut.
  • The stock touched a 630% gain, briefly valuing Unitree at $59 billion.
  • Unitree raised about $900 million in the IPO.
  • The company shipped 5,500 humanoid robots last year and reported $41 million profit on $250 million revenue.
  • Strategic investors included Alibaba, Tencent, DeepSeek and state companies.
  • Beijing is promoting targeted tech sectors including AI, robotics and chips.
  • Competitors LUMOS and Cherry Auto's robot unit are considering IPOs, with DeepSeek and Moonshot AI IPOs expected.
Ideas
Eunice Yoon CNBC Correspondent 0:15
Unitree Robotics has strong humanoid leadership.
Unitree Robotics had a stunning Shanghai IPO, surging as much as 630% and closing 460% higher. The company raised $900 million and has company-specific strengths: it shipped 5,500 humanoid robots last year versus Tesla's zero Optimus shipments, is one of the few profitable companies in its sector with $41 million profit on $250 million revenue, attracted strategic investors including Alibaba, Tencent, DeepSeek and state companies, and is widely viewed as a humanoid robot leader.
688836.SS HIGH
Eunice Yoon CNBC Correspondent 1:47
Beijing supports Chinese robotics and tech IPOs.
Beijing considers humanoid robotics a strategic sector, stock regulators have signaled support for targeted tech sectors, and the government is trying to build investor momentum in targeted tech such as AI and robotics. Robot conferences feature Unitree heavily, while competitors LUMOS and Cherry Auto's robot unit are considering IPOs, and DeepSeek and Moonshot AI IPOs are expected in the coming year, supporting a broader Chinese robotics and targeted tech theme.
Chinese humanoid robotics sector MED
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This CNBC video, published August 19, 2026, features Eunice Yoon discussing 688836.SS, Chinese humanoid robotics sector. 2 trade ideas extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.

Speakers: Eunice Yoon  · Tickers: 688836.SS, Chinese humanoid robotics sector