Chinese robotics firms, including notable names like Unitree Robotics and Engine AI, drew attention at a technology conference in Macau as enthusiasm for the industry grows despite ongoing scepticism about product capabilities. The Beyond Expo, held from Wednesday to Saturday, featured over 20 companies producing robots and related components designed for diverse tasks such as rehabilitation and coffee making.
Engine AI, based in Shenzhen, showcased its 1.38-metre humanoid robot, PM01, which demonstrated its mobility across the exhibition floor. Priced at around US$13,700, this robot primarily serves cultural and tourism sectors and research institutions, according to company representatives.
Beijing’s Noetix presented its robot head, Hobbs, capable of simulating a broad range of facial expressions with applications in scientific research and elderly companionship. Despite its high price tag of about US$41,600, the company has reportedly secured dozens of orders.
The significant presence of these firms underscores fierce competition in China’s fast-growing robotics sector, which has expanded rapidly following the surge in artificial intelligence (AI) development. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics, cited by the commerce ministry, showed an 87 percent increase in online sales of intelligent robots in China in the first four months of this year compared to the same period last year.
Investment activity in robotics has outpaced other key industries such as semiconductors and new materials. According to ITJuzi, a market research firm, the first quarter of 2025 saw 98 investment deals in robotics, marking a 113 percent rise year on year. Shenzhen, a leading technology hub in southern China, announced two new investment funds worth a total of 7 billion yuan aimed at supporting robotics and smart device startups.
Despite the growing momentum, Chinese companies face notable challenges. More than 10 firms are planning mass production of robots this year, even as doubts persist about their technical progress. A recent humanoid robot half-marathon revealed the limitations of current models, with only six out of 20 participants completing the race due to frequent stumbles and falls.
Unitree CEO Wang Xingxing highlighted a key industry challenge during a Shanghai conference, pointing to the lack of a mature, unified “end-to-end” AI system. Such a system would allow robots to perform general tasks autonomously rather than relying on developers to program each specific action, marking a critical hurdle for future development.
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