Humanoid Robots Put China Ahead in Tech Race

Summary

Bloomberg's Allen Wan reports from Beijing that Chinese humanoid robot makers accounted for more than 97% of global shipments in the first half, giving China an early lead over U.S. rivals. The report highlights Beijing's policy and funding support for robotics and notes the challenge of turning demonstration robots into commercial everyday tools. U.S. curbs on foreign-made robots are a headwind, but China is betting its commercial robot industry will go mainstream faster than expected.

• Chinese humanoid robot makers controlled more than 97% of global shipments in the first half.
• Companies like Unitree are outpacing U.S. makers like Tesla in humanoid robot shipments.
• President Xi Jinping is backing the robotics industry to help beat the U.S. in the tech race.
• Robots at the World Robot Conference demonstrated sorting, laundry, and bagging tasks.
• The U.S. has introduced curbs on foreign-made robots citing national security concerns.
• Beijing's policy and funding support could help China's commercial robot industry go mainstream faster than expected.