China Made Nearly 90% of 13,000 Humanoids Delivered Last Year as Shanghai Stages Robot Carnival
Updated
Updated · MIT Technology Review · Aug 25
China Made Nearly 90% of 13,000 Humanoids Delivered Last Year as Shanghai Stages Robot Carnival
3 articles · Updated · MIT Technology Review · Aug 25
Summary
Shanghai’s robot carnival drew holiday crowds to watch humanoids and other machines perform stunts, make coffee, fold T-shirts and climb stairs, turning embodied AI into a public showcase.
Nearly 90% of the more than 13,000 two-armed, two-legged robots delivered globally last year were made in China, underscoring the country’s lead as it pushes AI into daily life.
More than 100 robotics companies operate in the Shanghai R&D hub hosting the event, including firms building practical machines for heavy transport and sewage-pipe inspection alongside consumer-facing humanoids.
Chinese companies are promoting humanoids despite safety, cost and battery-life concerns that have slowed adoption elsewhere, with malls, tourist sites and even Beijing half-marathons featuring bipedal robots.