About 7,000 humanoid robots were sold worldwide last year, but many were used in research institutions or to generate data for improving AI models rather than in industrial workplaces. The International Federation of Robotics counted the 2025 sales and, for the first time, tracked humanoids as a separate category. Pilot projects at carmakers remain small. IFR cautioned sales totals do not show actual deployment, usage frequency or value creation.

China is positioning robotics as a core pillar of its AI strategy in its next five-year plan, shifting emphasis from software to hardware. It plans to unveil next-generation robots at the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference. Analysts expect large subsidies and rising private investment, while China’s production share is seen as dominant. Industry groups and research institutes say gaps remain between demos and real-world use, and costs and dependencies persist.