Robots in China

Main article: Robots (robotics)

Industrial robots in China

Main article: Industrial robots in China

History

2025

Humanoid delivery robots began to work in China

At the end of September 2025, it became known that humanoid robots began to be used in China to deliver goods to customers. The role of the courier is played by the Agibot Lingxi X2 machine, presented in the spring of 2025. Read more here.

In China, burning skyscrapers extinguish UAVs

At the end of August 2025, it became known that the Chinese company DJI, one of the world's largest manufacturers of unmanned aerial vehicles, has developed specialized drones to extinguish fires. These drones can be used to eliminate fires in high-rise buildings. Read more here.

Opening of the first World Games of humanoid robots in Beijing

In August 2025, the first ever World Games of Humanoid Robots started in Beijing, where more than 500 androids from 280 teams in 16 countries will demonstrate their capabilities in various sports disciplines, including football, running and boxing. The opening ceremony was held on August 14, 2025 and included performances by robots who performed hip-hop dances, demonstrated martial arts techniques and played musical instruments.

At the opening ceremony, humanoid androids demonstrated a wide range of skills, including playing keyboards, guitar and drums. Some robots performed acrobatic elements, including backflips, mimicking performances at actual sporting events.

The first World Games of humanoid robots opened in Beijing

Part of the ceremony program was dedicated to the fashion industry, where robots showed off stylish hats and clothes in conjunction with live models. This combination of artificial intelligence and human creativity highlighted technological advances in robotics.

The event was not without the technical failures characteristic of innovative technologies. In one episode, a robot model lost her balance and fell, after which two people had to carry her off the stage for maintenance.

The demonstration of football skills also revealed the limitations of modern robots. One robot footballer was only able to score after several attempts, causing the robot goalkeeper to fall to the ground from a collision with the ball. Another player fell during the game, but was able to climb on his own without assistance.

The main program of the competition began on Friday, August 15, 2025. Participants from the USA, Germany, Japan and other 13 countries will compete in various sports disciplines specially adapted for humanoid robots.^[1]

In the Chinese metro, they began to use courier robots - they walk around stations, cars and use elevators

An innovative delivery system using autonomous courier robots has been launched in the metro of the Chinese city of Shenzhen. Compact mechanical devices with a height of about one meter independently move around the stations, use elevators, enter and exit metro cars to replenish goods in 7-Eleven stores. Robots run in subway cars during periods of least congestion of the transport system. This became known in July 2025. Read more here.

Hosting the world's first football match between humanoid robots

In China, at the end of June 2025, the first football match in the history of the country was held between fully autonomous humanoid robots controlled by artificial intelligence without human participation. The Robo League tournament was held in the Beijing Yizhuang Technology Zone with the participation of teams of the country's leading universities, where robots demonstrated their ability to independently make decisions and game strategy. The event was a preparation for the upcoming 2025 World Android Robot Games.

In the final match, the TU Robotics team from Tsinghua University defeated the Mountain Sea team from the Chinese Agricultural University with a score of 5:3. Each team fielded three main robots and one reserve player for the match.

Autonomous robots play football in Beijing for the first time

The game was played under the adapted rules of football with two halves of 10 minutes each and a five-minute break between them. Robots performed all the main football actions - walking, running, hitting the ball and tactical maneuvers exclusively using built-in sensors and artificial intelligence systems.

The technical characteristics of the robots allow them to detect the ball at a distance of up to 20 meters with an accuracy of over 90%. Androids are able to navigate the playing space, recognizing field markings, gates, allies and opponents in real time.

Tournament Executive Director and Deputy Head of Shangyicheng Technology and Culture Group Dow Jing called the event "a combination of technological innovation and industrial application." He emphasized the importance of the event to popularize robotics in the daily life of society.

The organizers recognized the imperfection of robots in some aspects of the game. Androids have difficulty avoiding moving obstacles, which required adjusting the rules of the tournament. The umpires were not punished for some collisions between the robots during the match.^[2]

Hundreds of robots have moved an entire residential neighborhood in Shanghai

In Shanghai, the first stage of the project to move the Huayanli residential complex, made in the traditional shikumen style, weighing 7,500 tons, has been completed. This became known on June 6, 2025. The work was carried out using 432 robotic platforms to free up the territory for the construction of an underground engineering facility. According to the city authorities, the completion of the movement is scheduled for June 7, 2025. Read more here

China hosts world's first humanoid robot boxing tournament

In May 2025, the Chinese robotics company Unitree held the world's first humanoid robot boxing tournament. The event, called the Mecha Fighting Series, took place in Hangzhou City, Zhijiang Province with the participation of G1 robots. Read more here.

China has created a state fund to invest $138 billion in robots

In late March 2025, China's National Development and Reform Commission announced a state venture capital fund focused on robotics, artificial intelligence and advanced development. The new structure is expected to attract about 1 trillion yuan ($138 billion) of capital from local authorities and the private sector within 20 years. Read more here.

In China, presented a cyberdog with air defense against drones

In early January 2025, it became known that a robotic dog with a rocket launcher was created in China. The system is designed to combat unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The robot itself looks like a standard robop. On his back is mounted an air defense system with the ability to turn. The ammunition consists of four missiles, which can be used to hit targets flying at an altitude of up to 1000 meters at a speed of up to 200 km/h. Thus, the system is suitable for combating not only drones, but also helicopters.

In China, presented a cyberdog, equipped with an air defense system to combat drones

The advantage of the complex is mobility. Cyberdog can move around rough terrain and hide in thickets, striking the enemy from a convenient and hidden position. There is a variant robot with an assault rifle mounted on the back. Such a dog is equipped with a special mount for a machine gun QBZ-95 for a 5.8 mm cartridge. The robot is capable of performing tasks in the field for two to four hours.

It can become a new participant in urban combat operations, replacing our people to conduct reconnaissance, identify the enemy and defeat the target, says a soldier identified as Chen Wei.

One exercise demonstrated how a robot firing a rifle leads an infantry unit into a simulated building. Such a dog walks, jumps, lies down and moves in the right direction under the control of a remote operator. As a result, when performing certain tasks, risks to soldiers can be minimized. A robot with a rifle can penetrate enemy shelters and hit targets. As of the beginning of 2025, nothing has been reported about how accurate shooting through such a car is.^[3]

2024

State purchases of humanoid robots in China soared 45 times in a year and reached 214 million yuan

At the end of 2024, government purchases of humanoid robots and related technologies reached 214 million yuan (about $29.7 million at the exchange rate as of May 20, 2025). This is about 45 times more than in 2023, when costs were estimated at 4.7 million yuan. Such data are provided in Reuters materials released in mid-May 2025.

PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA actively develops the direction of humanoid robots, allocating generous subsidies to companies that conduct research and development in the relevant field. In 2023, the municipal government Beijing established a robotics fund to support enterprises in the sector. The introduction of humanoid robots in manufacturing is expected to help address a number of challenges, such as labor shortages and slowing growth.

State purchases of humanoid robots in China soared 45 times in a year

Some analysts believe that the humanoid robot segment could follow the path of electric vehicles, the cost of which has plummeted thanks to the rapid expansion of the industry and various incentive programs at the government level. Chinese authorities are actively supporting the electric vehicle industry: subsidies for the purchase of such cars, tax breaks for manufacturers and investments in charging infrastructure are provided. Similar support measures can be used in the robotics sector. According to estimates, the average cost of components for a humanoid robot will be about $35 thousand by the end of 2025, but may fall to $17 thousand by 2030.

Liang Liang, deputy director of the Beijing Economic and Technological Development Zone, home to one of China's largest technology centers, said humanoid robots could improve productivity and safety at enterprises. Such machines will also work in dangerous conditions. But they are not able to completely replace a person, according to Liang.^[4]

Chinese police began to use a robot and cars without drivers in the service

Chinese police have adopted robotic dogs that help patrol the streets. In addition, law enforcement officers in the PRC use self-driving cars and all kinds of unmanned aerial vehicles. These high-tech devices allow faster response to incidents and improve security in general, as stated in materials released in mid-December 2024. Read more here.

A robot appeared that catches criminals himself. VIDEO

In mid-October 2024, it became known that a police robot appeared on the streets of China, which is capable of independently catching criminals. The machine with artificial intelligence algorithms has a spherical shape, and its speed reaches 35 km/h.

Unlike Western counterparts, which are mostly used for surveillance purposes, the Chinese robot cop can function effectively in a wide variety of environments. It is capable of moving both along city streets and rough terrain. In addition, the machine can swim, as well as act in a group, performing complex tasks.

The robot itself catches criminals

The robot is equipped with video cameras and all kinds of sensors. Thanks to its solid body, it is not afraid of blows and falls. The center of gravity is shifted to the lower part, which ensures high stability. The machine uses adaptive algorithms and an intelligent control system that makes it possible to act autonomously, adjusting the trajectory of movement depending on the changing environment. Moreover, an automated police officer can conduct patrols in the absence of satellite navigation signals. It is noted that the robot can be used in a variety of areas - from airports and train stations to water management and energy facilities.

In addition, China the introduces the E-Patrol police robot, which can track and prosecute potential criminals or suspicious people using means. face recognition This guard of order has a height of about 1.6 meters. It is oriented in space using a system of cameras and sensors. The robot is able to monitor air quality and temperature, as well as identify safety threats and possible fires.^[5]

In the port of Guangzhou, all the hard work is carried out by robots, unmanned vehicles and AI. VIDEO

In early October 2024, it became known that robots and unmanned equipment are doing all the hard work in the port of Guangzhou in the Chinese province of Guangdong. This allows you to abandon manual labor and increase the level of safety. Read more here

The walking-wheeled robot Tencent has been released, which helps the elderly in everyday life. VIDEO

At the end of September 2024, the Chinese company Tencent introduced a robot called Xiao Wu, which is designed specifically to help the elderly in everyday life. A feature of the machine is a unique design that allows you to walk and move on wheels. Read more here

Beijing launches $1.4 billion state fund to create humanoid robots

In mid-August 2024, it became known that Beijing launched a state fund with a budget of $1.4 billion to stimulate developments in the field of robotics. We are talking, in particular, about the creation of humanoid robots with autonomous power, which are expected to be able to replace people when performing certain tasks at enterprises.

According to the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economics and Information Technology, the fund will be used to incubate the latest technology, develop promising commercial projects, and finance mergers and acquisitions of local companies. The Beijing authorities also intend to use the fund to provide subsidies in order to accelerate the formation of a supply chain for components and equipment in the field of robotics.

Beijing launches $1.4 billion state fund to boost robotics development

The fund is part of a broader China effort to make Beijing an international industrial hub for robotics. In accordance with the tasks set, by 2025, about 500 robots should operate in the PRC for every 10,000 workers.

According to Reuters, Shanghai announced plans to create a fund for the humanoid robot industry: as in the case of the Beijing fund, the budget of this structure will be $1.4 billion. China's offensive against the emerging humanoid robot market is based on the same model that helped the country emerge as a world leader in electric vehicle production: government support, fierce price competition among a large number of new entrants and an advanced supply chain.

The Chinese humanoid robot industry shows clear advantages in terms of supply chain integration and in the ability to mass produce such machines, says Arjen Rao, an analyst at the Chinese research institute LeadLeo.[6]

A humanoid robot with emotions for caring for the elderly is presented. It has an open architecture

In early July 2024, the first full-size general-purpose humanoid robot in China, a machine called Qinglong, was presented at the Zhangjiang High-Tech Park in Shanghai. The development has an open architecture, which is expected to accelerate innovation in robotics and artificial intelligence. Read more here.

Chery introduced a humanoid robot

On April 23, 2024, the Chinese automotive company Chery announced the development of a humanoid robot Mornine with the appearance of a long-haired girl with glasses. The anthropomorphic machine was created in collaboration with Aimoga specialists. Read more here.

2023

In China, the production of robops began, which shoot from a machine gun as professionals

In early March 2024, it became known that the production of robops began in China, which are capable of shooting from firearms like a professional military. Such four-legged vehicles also participate in combat exercises.

It is noted that various countries are trying to adapt dog robots to combat conditions. For example, Boston Dynamics developed a four-legged robot for the US Army. However, due to excessive noise and other shortcomings, the technology never went beyond the experimental project.

In China, the production of robops has begun, which are capable of shooting from firearms

Chinese robot dogs initially lagged behind American counterparts in technological terms. But then the developers of the PRC began to rapidly close the gap. As of early 2024, Chinese robopses are capable of navigating stairs, performing acrobatic tricks such as backflips, navigating rough terrain, and maintaining continuous running for nearly four hours while carrying a 20-kilogram load.

Chinese experts installed a 7.62-mm machine gun on a robotic dog. This gun is capable of firing 750 rounds per minute. Optical-electronic sight, shock-absorbing installation and automatic reloading system are used. During the tests, the robot dog fired queues of 10 shots at a target the size of a person located at a distance of 100 meters. The robot demonstrated high accuracy of shooting: the maximum distance from the center of the target to the five closest bullet holes to it was 5 cm. In other words, if the dog aimed at a person's chest, most bullets would hit the heart. For comparison, the M16 assault rifle, known for its accuracy, has a accuracy of 12cm at a distance of 100 meters.^[7]

In China, they introduced robots that are difficult to distinguish from humans. Video

In mid-August 2023, Chinese tech companies unveiled humanoid robots that are virtually indistinguishable from humans. Such machines are capable of imitating human expression, reproducing fine hand motility with high accuracy and performing complex actions.

In particular, EX Robots demonstrated "animatronic" heads with synthetic skin, complemented by motorized hands. According to Li Boyang, CEO of the company, these machines are great for interacting with the public - for example, in museums, exhibitions and other public places. Such robots are able to wink, grimace, nod their heads and imitate the expressions of visitors.

It shows how a group of humanoids with extremely flexible joints are able to create spectacular figures, performing complex Chinese choreography "with a thousand hands." At the same time, the artificial intelligence-driven Tora robot, developed by PaXini Tech, has demonstrated its strength and tactile abilities. This machine can feel the shape, temperature, stiffness and roughness of the object. According to the developers, specialized versions of Tora have already been used in cargo sorting, hotel services and in caring for the elderly.

In general, Chinese companies have made very significant progress in the development of humanoid robots with different functionality. It is planned to use such machines in a variety of areas - from entertainment to intellectual industries. Some developers offer rather unusual areas of use for their mechanized creations. For example, Data Robotics has programmed Cloud Ginger robots to play basketball: as in real life, such machines do not always throw the ball into the basket.^[8]

Gas stations with robots started working in China instead of gas stations

At the end of December 2022, the country's first explosion-safe refueling robot developed by China National Petroleum Corporation was launched at the gas station of Lhasa Airport in the Chinese region of Tibet. Robotic hands of the robot automatically refuel the car. Read more here.

2022

The announcement in China of a combat robot dog with an automatic gun

In early November 2022, at one of the exhibitions in China dedicated to aviation and aerospace development, the Chinese manufacturer introduced a robotic combat dog with an automatic gun on its back.

The Chinese defense industry has unveiled a new robot dog armed with an automatic gun mount. The installation of an automatic gun on a Chinese robot is a serious technical problem due to the weight of the weapon and the recoil effect when firing. But the military PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA continues to show great interest in using this type of military equipment with heavier weapons, capable of performing combat missions with remote control or in a fully autonomous mode.

According to information the Chinese publication Xinhua, the military industry of the PRC robots significantly benefits from the current increase in tension in the world. Given China the tasks set by the leadership as a whole to complete the technical modernization of the PLA by 2035, turning it into a technically advanced army of the world, the Chinese defense industry is entering a new period of rapid development.

It is stated that the robot carries a cannon weighing 14 kg. The dog is controlled using an app on a military tablet. There are also 360 ° built-in cameras.

In addition to giant military-industrial corporations, China retains a number of smaller state-owned military-industrial companies of regional subordination. Examples are the Anhui Military-Industrial Group, the Nanjing Company of Special Equipment "Jihua 3521" and a number of others. Regional enterprises are smaller in scale, which are either represented at low levels of production cooperation, or produce relatively simple final products ammunition for small artillery weapons, grenade launchers, mines, special chemistry, equipment and uniforms for military personnel, etc.

In 2022, China already demonstrated a dog robot armed with a machine gun that can be dropped using a standard aerial drone. The robot dog was armed with a QBB-97 light machine gun that can fire 650 rounds per minute at a range of 400m.

The use of robots for military purposes causes a negative reaction from activists, because a drone error can lead to innocent victims. Human rights organizations and many robotics companies have written an open letter to the UN Convention asking for a ban on the development and use of autonomous robots.^[9]

Announcement of a cyberdog in China with a machine gun on its back, which is landing from a drone

At the end of October 2022, a robotic dog with a machine gun was introduced in China, which can be transported using a drone.

In the video, a drone dog is dropped from a drone onto the roof of a building. After the UAV flies off, the cyberdog, on the back of which there is a machine gun, gets on its feet and begins to inspect the landing zone for the presence of the enemy in the defeat zone. According to a report from Kestrel Defense Blood-Wing, this type of drone can be used to attack weakly protected positions behind enemy lines or to occupy roofs, which will allow a three-dimensional attack.

According to WarZone, the weapon can be a light Chinese QBB-97 machine gun, including an assault rifle and a light machine gun. QBB-97 is capable of firing up to 650 rounds per minute at an effective distance of up to 400 m. It includes an assault rifle and a light machine gun. The weapon is made according to the layout of the bullpads and uses (in the basic version) a new Chinese 5.8-mm intermediate cartridge.

Combat robots are not only automatic devices with anthropomorphic action, which partially or completely replace humans, but also operate in the air and water environment. For October 2022, most combat robots are telepresence devices, and only very few models have the ability to perform some tasks autonomously, without operator intervention.

Cyberdog was also seen wandering the streets of Shanghai during the lockdown of the city of COVID-19 in March 2020. One of the cyberdogs carried a loudspeaker on her back, paving her way through the regions of China and transmitting instructions related to the blocking of the area in connection with the coronavirus pandemic.^[10]

China develops "world's largest" four-legged military bull robot

On January 16, 2022, a bionic powered bull robot was unveiled in China to assist the military in cargo delivery and reconnaissance missions, the largest four-legged robot in its class. This was reported by the state information publication of China Global Times.

The robot can carry up to 160 kg, and can run at speeds of up to 10 km/h. The mechanical yak is equipped with sensors that allow it to monitor the surrounding area and environment. The yak robot showed in testing a high ability to adapt to various types of terrain, including steps, trenches and cliffs, as well as on dirty roads, meadows, deserts and snowfields. Thanks to 12 sets of joint modules, the robot can stably move forward and backward, turn, walk diagonally, run and even jump.

The four-legged bionic robot can be deployed to deliver cargo, including ammunition and food, in conditions such as tablelands, mountains, deserts and forests, where conventional vehicles travel with difficulty. A potential application also includes close reconnaissance, since a bionic yak robot can constantly collect battlefield intelligence and track the movement of targets in difficult conditions that have proved too difficult for humans, such as on high-altitude plateaus, in icy areas and dense forests.

If necessary, the robot can be equipped with weapons and conduct armed reconnaissance, like unmanned aerial vehicles, but only on the ground. The Global Times separately notes that until 2025, China will develop more types of bionic robots and use their advantages in battle. As of January 2022, in addition to the bionic yak robot, the Geda mechanical dog has also been developed.^[11]

2017

How robots leave millions of Chinese out of work

Between 2015 and 2017, companies in the country cut an average of 30% to 40% of jobs due to the introduction of automation and robots, according to the China State Research Institute China Development Research Foundation. Such data in February 2019 was published by the South China Morning Post in an article on the problem of replacing people with machines. Read more here.

Robotics

Notes