Chinese robotics firm Unitree is expected to command a market valuation exceeding 7.4 billion yuan (approximately $1 billion) after its planned initial public offering, according to an estimate from Citic Securities.
The projection underscores rising investor appetite for China’s fast-growing robotics sector, where domestic firms are racing to commercialise quadruped and humanoid machines for industrial, commercial and consumer use.
Founded in Hangzhou, Unitree has emerged as one of the country’s most prominent developers of legged robots, gaining international attention for its agile robot dogs and humanoid platforms. The company’s push toward public markets reflects a broader wave of listings among Chinese hardware and artificial intelligence firms seeking capital to scale production.
Citic Securities noted the valuation estimate as part of its assessment of the company’s market prospects ahead of the offering. The figure highlights how quickly Unitree’s profile has grown as demand for automation intensifies across manufacturing and logistics.
The company earlier moved to price its Shanghai listing at a valuation that drew a stake from AI developer DeepSeek, signalling strong backing from established players in China’s technology ecosystem.
China’s robotics industry has expanded rapidly in recent years, though it has also faced headwinds. Firms have contended with pricing pressure, supply-chain constraints and shifting demand, even as government policy continues to prioritise advanced manufacturing and automation.
This development comes as competition among domestic robot makers sharpens, with companies vying to demonstrate commercial viability beyond research demonstrations and trade-show showcases.
Unitree’s listing is anticipated to provide fresh capital for research, manufacturing capacity and international expansion. A successful debut could further validate investor confidence in China’s push to lead the global humanoid and legged-robot market.