China's most-watched television show, the CCTV Spring Festival Gala, became a global stage for Beijing's technological ambitions. In a blend of tradition and science fiction, four leading robotics startups - Unitree Robotics, Galbot, Noetix, and MagicLab - demonstrated the rapid progress of Chinese "Embodied AI."
Market Dominance and Industrial Policy
Behind the spectacle lies a hard-nosed industrial strategy: Beijing is betting on robotics to boost productivity despite an aging workforce.
- Global leadership: China was responsible for 90% of the approximately 13,000 humanoid robots delivered worldwide last year.
- Growth forecast: Morgan Stanley expects sales of Chinese humanoid robots to more than double to 28,000 units this year.
- Political tailwind: President Xi Jinping met with five robotics startup founders last year - visibility typically reserved only for sectors like semiconductors or e-mobility.
The Players and Their Roles
The gala served as a "direct pipeline" from industrial policy to the spotlight, often securing government contracts and investor interest for the companies.
| Company | Performance | Status / Details |
|---|---|---|
| Unitree Robotics | "WuBOT" Martial Arts & Acrobatics | Plans IPO 2026; G1 model costs approx. $17,990 |
| Noetix | Comedy skit with actors | Focus on interaction in social scenarios |
| MagicLab | Synchronized dance | Song: "We Are Made in China" |
| Galbot | Integration into sketches | Specialized in everyday and service applications |
Reality Check: Hype vs. Hardware
Despite the impressive show, technical hurdles remain:
- "Brains" vs. bodies: While hardware (motors, joints, balance) is making enormous progress, AI intelligence ("cortex") still lags behind.
- Data shortage: The industry faces a "data scarcity" for real work scenarios, as simulations alone are not sufficient.
- Stage vs. reality: The controlled environment of the gala (flat floor, constant light) is a "comfort zone" scenario that is not yet replicable in factories or households.
Elon Musk, who sees his biggest competition in Chinese companies, recently described China's progress as "ass-kicker next level."
China's Humanoid Output in Numbers
In October 2023, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) set a clear target: "Mass production of humanoid robots by 2025." Two years later: mission accomplished.
Three companies dominate:
- AgiBot: 5,168 units
- Unitree: 4,200 units
- UBTECH: 1,000 units
China has now surpassed the United States in 2025 as the world's largest producer of humanoid robots. The number of manufacturers nearly doubled within a single year, from 79 to more than 150. MIIT now counts over 330 different humanoid robot models.
Productivity is still only at 30-40% of a human worker, and battery life lasts just 2-3 hours. But the playbook is familiar: In 2009, Chinese EVs were considered a joke. Today, BYD sells more cars than Tesla. Same government strategy, different industry.
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