China Leads Global Humanoid Robot Shipments With 97% Share in H1 2026

Chinese manufacturers now produce the vast majority of the world's humanoid robots, with new data showing they supplied more than 97% of global shipments in the first half of 2026. According to a report from Smart Analytics Global, worldwide shipments surged 272% year-over-year to approximately 19,100 units during the period. This rapid growth underscores China's commanding lead in the emerging industry, even as questions persist about the real-world utility of many deployed machines.

The report highlights a significant shift at the top of the market. Shanghai-based startup AgiBot overtook former leader Unitree, shipping about 8,400 units to capture a 44% global market share. Unitree, based in Hangzhou, followed with roughly 5,900 shipments. Together, the two companies accounted for three-quarters of all humanoid robots delivered worldwide. Behind them, a long tail of Chinese competitors, including Galbot, UBTECH, and Leju, are also scaling production.

This volume is being absorbed primarily by China itself. The report indicates that Chinese buyers generated more than 85% of global demand. Government-backed programs are actively moving thousands of humanoids into factories and...