Humanoid robots, as a combination of artificial intelligence and mechanical technology, are gradually becoming an important field in modern technology. These robots can not only perform simple tasks but also possess the ability to interact with humans, playing significant roles in various areas such as services, healthcare, and education. With the increasing demand for automation and intelligence, companies around the world are investing resources to develop humanoid robots to enhance productivity and service quality.
Last week, Tesla showcased its highly anticipated humanoid robot, Optimus, at the “We, Robot” conference, where Elon Musk revealed that the production cost for the robot is expected to range between $20,000 and $30,000. Optimus not only demonstrated remarkable technological advancements but also provided beverage service to attendees on-site, sparking excitement for its future applications. Meanwhile, numerous companies in China are actively developing humanoid robots, with many already launching their products. Next, let’s take a look at the humanoid robot companies in China and their innovative achievements. (Ranking is not in any particular order.)
Top Humanoid Robot Companies in China
XIAOMI Cyberone
Web:https://www.mi.com/cyberone
CyberOne is Xiaomi’s first full-sized humanoid bionic robot, launched on August 11, 2022. CyberOne has high emotional intelligence, capable of perceiving human emotions. It also features sharp vision for 3D virtual reconstruction of the real world, advanced “cerebellum” for bipedal motion and posture balance, and powerful limbs with a peak torque of 300 Nm. Powered by artificial intelligence and built in a standard humanoid form, CyberOne is equipped with Xiaomi’s self-developed Mi-Sense deep vision module. Combined with AI algorithms, it offers comprehensive 3D spatial awareness and can perform functions such as identity recognition, gesture recognition, and facial expression recognition.
LEJU Robot
Web: https://www.lejurobot.com/
The Kuavo humanoid robot is the latest generation humanoid robot developed by Leju (Shenzhen) Robotics Technology Co., Ltd., launched in December 2023, with its first appearance at Huawei’s HDC 2024 Developer Conference on June 21. It is China’s first open-source HarmonyOS humanoid robot capable of jumping and walking across various terrains. Weighing approximately 45 kg, the robot has 26 degrees of freedom and can walk at speeds of up to 4.6 km/h. It can perform rapid, consecutive jumps with a jump height of over 20 cm. Equipped with self-developed integrated joints and a depth camera, it provides comprehensive visual perception and has efficient imitation learning and memory capabilities.
Ubtech Robotics
Web: https://www.ubtrobot.com/cn/
UBTECH’s new generation industrial humanoid robot, Walker S1, is developed based on UBTECH’s full-stack humanoid robot technology. It incorporates key embodied intelligence technologies such as a multimodal large model for general tasks, semantic VSLAM, and learning-based motion control. These advancements give Walker S1 a smarter “brain” and more agile “cerebellum,” enabling it to meet the generalized application needs of industrial scenarios and accelerate the commercialization and industrialization of humanoid robots. Walker S1 has already been deployed in automotive factories for practical training, working collaboratively with Level 4 autonomous logistics vehicles, unmanned forklifts, industrial mobile robots, and smart manufacturing management systems. This represents the world’s first industrial solution where a humanoid robot works in tandem with autonomous logistics vehicles.
Unitree Robotics
Web: https://www.unitree.com/
Unitree Technology has released the mass production version of the G1 robot. The G1 humanoid robot stands approximately 127 cm tall and weighs around 35 kg, offering high flexibility and portability. It features between 23 and 43 joint motors (depending on the configuration of different versions), with a wide range of joint movement angles that allow it to perform complex dynamic actions such as standing up dynamically, sitting down and folding, and stick dancing. It can run at a speed greater than 2 m/s, close to a human jogging pace, showcasing exceptional athletic capabilities. The starting price for the G1 robot is 99,000 RMB.
Shanghai AgiBot Innovation Technology
Web: https://www.agibot.com/
At the 2024 annual new product launch event of AgiBot, ZhiHuiJun introduced two major families, “YuanZheng” and “Lingxi,” comprising a total of five commercial humanoid robots. This includes the interactive service robot YuanZheng A2 and the flexible manufacturing robot YuanZheng A2-W. During the event, the robots showcased a series of impressive operations, such as playing mahjong, unpacking deliveries, and lifting 30 kg weights.
UniX AI
Web: https://www.unix-group.ai/
UniX AI is a general-purpose humanoid robot company that integrates research and development, manufacturing, and sales. They have launched several robotic products, including the commercially viable bipedal humanoid robot, Martian. Martian features a highly biomimetic torso design and humanoid motion control, covering the main degrees of freedom of the human body. With a maximum joint peak torque of 360 N/m, it possesses capabilities for fast walking, agile obstacle avoidance, robust uphill and downhill movement, and resistance to impact interference, making it an ideal platform for general artificial intelligence.
EXROBOTS
Web: https://www.exrobots.net/
Unlike other companies that focus on “humanoid” robots, EXROBOTS is making strides in “human-face” robots, with bionic humanoid robots becoming its core product. “In terms of core technology, what sets us apart is the robot’s intelligent facial expressions and dexterous hands. On the software side, we focus on emotion-based, multimodal large models for perception, along with intelligent decision-making and human-like interaction capabilities in voice, facial expressions, and movement,” said EXROBOTS CEO Li Boyang.
According to Li Boyang, the company’s bionic humanoid robots have already entered mass production. “Our robots can be customized or produced as standardized mass products, ready for large-scale application in various scenarios. The entire production line is still under construction, but once it’s up and running, we will achieve real-time delivery from mass production.”
Currently, EXROBOTS has over 200 bionic humanoid robots, with a target of mass-producing over 500 units this year. The main application scenarios for the company’s products include exhibitions, unmanned retail, children’s education, and elderly companionship. They are already being used in fields such as culture, tourism, art, history, and education.
Beijing Innovation Center Embodied Intelligence Robot
Web: https://www.worldrobotconference.com/ex/company/214.html
Beijing Innovation Center Embodied Intelligence Robot has launched the nation’s first general-purpose robot platform, “TIANGONG,” achieving the world’s first humanoid running with a fully electric, full-sized embodied intelligent robot. “TIANGONG” stands 163 cm tall, weighs 56 kg, has 42 degrees of freedom, and is equipped with multiple visual perception sensors, six-dimensional force sensors, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), and 3D vision sensors. It boasts a computing power of 550 trillion operations per second and can run steadily at a speed of 6 km/h.
Currently, “TIANGONG” has achieved a full-link embodied intelligence capability, covering the entire process from perception to task execution. It can perform complex actions like voice interaction and unstructured object grasping. In the future, “TIANGONG” will undergo continuous technological iterations and functional upgrades to adapt to more complex scenarios, serving industries such as manufacturing, business, and home environments, thus contributing to the development of new productive forces.
Noetix Robotics
Web:https://noetixrobotics.com/index.html
Dora is the latest generation bipedal humanoid robot developed by NOETIX Robotics. It features high-performance bionic joints with characteristics such as high torque density and wide torque bandwidth, achieving a peak torque of 120 Nm. The robot has a lightweight design, with a total weight of 25 kg and a height of 1.2 meters. Equipped with a high-performance lithium-ion battery with a high discharge rate, it can operate for over 2 hours. Powered by NOETIX Robotics’ self-developed reinforcement learning motion control algorithm, it can perform humanoid-like running and climbing stairs, with a maximum speed of over 2 meters per second. Dora also has capabilities such as navigation and obstacle avoidance, visual recognition, voice interaction, task execution based on large language models, drag-and-teach, and remote operation.
Qingbao Robot
Web:https://www.qingyun-robot.com/zh/home/
Shanghai Qingbao Robot, founded on August 26, 2022, is a tech company that combines humanoid robot hardware with artificial intelligence. The team possesses core technologies such as cloud-based brain systems, joint servo motors, motion control, micro facial expressions, autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance, and large language models for voice interaction. Qingbao’s humanoid and IP cartoon robots are widely used in airports, commercial complexes, universities, hospitals, chain coffee shops, hotels, and e-commerce live streaming.
The Beta 0.4 high-realism humanoid robot features a customizable head and face to meet specific needs.
Robotear
Web: https://www.robotera.com/cpjs
Robotear focuses on the field of embodied general intelligence and has independently developed a humanoid robot based on perception-driven actuators. The robot features self-developed high-torque density modular joints and an integrated structural design, utilizing advanced materials such as high-strength alloys, carbon fiber, and engineering plastics. This combination enhances structural strength and stability while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance. In terms of intelligence, the company is integrating large language models with advanced force control algorithms, allowing the “Xiao Xing” family of robots to achieve high dynamic performance while better understanding and serving humanity.
Ti5robot
Web: https://www.ti5robot.com/
Ti5robot is a high-end hardware and integrated solution provider for robotics, focusing on the development of next-generation advanced electric drive units. The company offers a range of hardware solutions, including standardized integrated joints, ultra-lightweight collaborative robots, and humanoid robots, catering to clients in industries such as humanoid robotics, industrial automation, service robotics, specialized applications, and future transportation.
Limx Dynamics
Web: https://www.limxdynamics.com/
As China’s first humanoid robot capable of dynamically climbing stairs based on real-time terrain perception, the Limx Dynamics CL-1 has successfully achieved a full-stack closed loop that encompasses real-time terrain sensing, gait planning, and full-body control. It can perform complex actions such as climbing stairs, descending slopes, and walking or running indoors and outdoors. As a cutting-edge technology platform, the CL-1 aims to unleash the powerful generalization capabilities of humanoid robots, positioning itself as the ideal platform for future AGI in the physical world.
Booster Robotics
Web: https://www.boosterobotics.com/
“Booster Robotics” has introduced the “Booster T1,” a bipedal humanoid robot that stands 1.1 meters tall and weighs 29 kg, demonstrating impressive mobility and stability during movement. At this year’s World Robot Conference, “Accelerated Evolution” showcased various scenarios of robots playing soccer. The Booster T1 can perform impressive feats such as push-ups, voice-controlled ball throwing, and kicking a soccer ball, while also maintaining continuous and stable operation over extended periods. In terms of commercialization, “Accelerated Evolution” has already received commercial orders for the humanoid robot and plans to conduct small-batch production deliveries within the year.
Shanghai Kepler Exploration Robot
Web: https://www.gotokepler.com/
The technological advancements in humanoid robots are accelerating. Kepler has been developing humanoid robots for over three years, and the fifth generation of their humanoid robot is set to begin small-batch production in Q4 of this year, with shipments to some early customers. The Pioneer series of general-purpose humanoid robots is independently developed by the Kepler brand and is designed for future commercial mass production. It features a highly biomimetic humanoid structure and motion control, with up to 40 degrees of freedom across its joints.
Kepler’s humanoid robots are being developed for various fields, including smart manufacturing, warehousing logistics, specialized industries, and research and education. The company has a systematic process for deploying application scenarios, starting with demand analysis, followed by experimental scenario validation (POC), simulated environment deployment, and finally, actual production line implementation. Throughout this process, the evaluation of the robot’s capabilities includes factors such as arm reach workspace, load-bearing capacity, hand and finger dexterity, navigation ability, visual capabilities, walking ability, working endurance, and stability.
Vihero
Web: http://www.vihero.com/
ViHero focuses on the research and application of intelligent humanoid robots and three-dimensional intelligent vision systems. The company’s core product, the intelligent humanoid robot, is designed for everyday life, incorporating biomimetic principles in its arms, hands, legs, and visual systems. The robot possesses capabilities such as object recognition, object grasping, and autonomous walking.
Vihero Xiao Wei is a new generation bipedal humanoid robot characterized by its powerful features of “natural learning + embodied intelligence.” In settings such as homes, hotels, supermarkets, and hospitals, Xiao Wei can provide various assistance, collaboration, and information interaction services. Additionally, it can play a significant role in industrial collaboration for tasks like assembly production, material handling, and production cooperation.
PaXini Technology
Web: https://www.paxini.com/
The 2024 World Robot Conference opened on August 21 in Beijing, where PaXini Technology launched the second generation of its multidimensional tactile humanoid robot, TORA-ONE. TORA-ONE features dual hands that integrate nearly 2,000 self-developed ITPU multidimensional tactile sensing units, enabling it to capture and analyze subtle deformations and multidimensional tactile information on contact surfaces. The robot’s degrees of freedom have been increased to 47, paired with a 26-degree-of-freedom biomimetic dexterous hand, supporting the self-developed VTLA-Model for visual-tactile multimodal perception and an AI vision system.
TLIBOT
Web: https://www.tlibot.com/
Founded in 2012, TLIBOT successfully developed core products and technologies, including harmonic reducers, frameless torque motors, drivers, encoders, robot controllers, and machine vision systems. At various robot exhibitions this year, TLIBOT showcased the TLIBOT T1 robot, which stands 160 cm tall and weighs 43 kg (including the battery). The robot features 71 degrees of freedom and can perform a single-leg weighted squat of 65 kg and a double-leg weighted squat of up to 145 kg.
Fourier
Web: https://www.fftai.cn/
Fourier is collaborating with various enterprises and research institutions to explore the potential of humanoid robots across different fields. Currently, the GR-1 has been experimentally applied in scenarios such as welcoming guests, research and education, industrial manufacturing, and rehabilitation medicine. Recently, Fourier launched the GR-2 general-purpose humanoid robot, which retains the biomimetic design language of the GR-1 while further optimizing its overall proportions. The upgraded GR-2 stands at 175 cm tall, weighs 63 kg, and features 53 degrees of freedom. Its single-arm payload capacity has reached 3 kg, enabling it to perform more complex operations.
The new generation battery capacity has doubled, extending the endurance to 2 hours. In addition to direct charging support, a detachable battery swap solution has been added to fully meet movement demands.
The GR-2 supports various upper limb teaching methods, including VR remote control, drag teaching, and host computer end control. It allows for rapid action creation and records multidimensional data such as upper limb movement trajectories, joint angles, force, dexterous hand movements, and tactile information, providing strong support for collecting more real training data and helping developers bridge the gap between simulation and reality.
Dataa Robotics
Web: https://www.dataarobotics.com/
This year, Dataa Robotics unveiled its latest generation humanoid robot, the XR4, which is now available for pre-order starting at 399,000 RMB. The robot is equipped with the embodied intelligence large model, RobotGPT, and is primarily designed for research applications.
The XR4 stands 168 cm tall and is constructed from carbon fiber composite materials. It features over 60 intelligent flexible joints and can move at a speed of 3.5 kilometers per hour, with arms capable of carrying loads up to 10 kg. The robot has mimicking learning capabilities and reinforcement learning based on digital twins, making it suitable for various fields, including industrial manufacturing, elder care, and commercial services.
Astribot
web: https://astribot.com/
Humanoid Robot (Shanghai)
On July 4, at the 2024 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, Humanoid Robot (Shanghai) unveiled its full-size open-source humanoid robot, “Qinglong,” for the first time.
The Qinglong humanoid robot stands 185 cm tall and weighs 80 kg, featuring 43 active degrees of freedom for a fully integrated design from head to hands, arms, legs, waist, and ankles. Its leg system prioritizes lightweight construction, high stiffness, and low coupling, equipped with high-torque-density axial motors to ensure stable movement on complex terrains. Additionally, Qinglong is outfitted with a seven-degree-of-freedom robotic arm and a five-finger dexterous hand with integrated tactile sensing capabilities, providing robust support for fine manipulation and complex tasks.
In terms of computing power and control, the Qinglong humanoid robot is equipped with a 400 TOPS high-performance embodied intelligence controller. It integrates a five-sense fusion design—vision, hearing, touch, smell, and motion—allowing it to deeply perceive and integrate surrounding environmental information for more intelligent autonomous decision-making and control. Through the collaboration of the “Zhuque” embodied brain and the “Xuanwu” cerebellum model, the Qinglong robot can independently complete the entire process from language understanding to action execution.
FAQ
What is the price of humanoid robots?
The prices of humanoid robots vary significantly based on the company, model, configuration, application scenarios, and the level of customization. Here’s a reference list of the pricing for several humanoid robot companies currently on the market:
- Unitree Technology: The G1 humanoid robot starts at 99,000 RMB.
- Tesla (Elon Musk) has updated the production information for the Optimus humanoid robot, stating that its production price will be around 20,000 to 30,000 USD (approximately 140,000 to 210,000 RMB).
- Zhuji Dynamics: The first multi-modal bipedal robot, TRON 1, is available for a pre-sale price starting at 69,800 RMB.
- Zhiyuan Robotics: Some products are priced between 500,000 and 600,000 RMB.
Mass production of humanoid robots?
A senior executive from a robotics company stated that while humanoid robots no longer face technical bottlenecks, mass production is still more of a gimmick. Although humanoid robots have been developed, they have not yet reached the stage of solving specific problems. During the commercialization process, the price of humanoid robots is also a significant issue that manufacturers need to consider.
Why develop humanoid robots?
A senior executive from a robotics company stated that the classification of robots generally includes industrial robots, service robots, and special-purpose robots. Some robots are designed for specific scenarios, such as industrial robotic arms, crawling robots, and cleaning robots.
The ultimate goal of creating robots is to free humans from dirty, complex, and tedious tasks. The most straightforward approach is to create robots that can completely replace humans, starting with a design that resembles a human form. In human production and daily life, the invention of various tools and the formulation of processes are centered around human capabilities. When a humanoid robot replaces a human, its impact on the surrounding environment is minimized, and significant changes to existing production scenarios and tools are unnecessary.
On the other hand, from the perspective of accepting new species, humans have an innate aversion to unusual forms. Therefore, when humanoid robots are applied in homes, service industries, and elder care, their acceptance is likely to increase if they resemble humans. Even if a robot with three arms could work more efficiently, humans might still struggle to accept such an entity as part of their lives.
What are some suitable scenarios for the application of humanoid robots?
One category of humanoid robots is designed for specialized environments such as civil explosives and rescue missions, focusing on enhancing the robot’s safety protection capabilities, intelligent generation of complex tasks, and high-precision operational abilities to reduce the risks faced by human operators.
The other category targets key areas in manufacturing, particularly in the 3C (computer, communication, and consumer electronics) and automotive sectors. Creating demonstration production lines and factories for humanoid robots in these industries is a significant focus. This is why automotive manufacturing has become a crucial development area for the humanoid robot industry; the entire production process is relatively clear, allowing for easier identification of tasks that can be automated. Once humanoid robot companies have mastered automotive manufacturing, they can then apply their expertise to the 3C industry.
As the ToB (business-to-business) applications of humanoid robots mature, they will gradually be able to enter household settings, providing services for home care and elder support, among other functions.
