Unlike the Cold War period, where rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union played out in the military and ideological arena, today’s power struggle is more prominent in scientific and technological domains. At the forefront of the new “Power Shift” is China, which has surpassed key players like Russia, Japan, and even the U.S. whether in manufacturing, modern transportation, current AI buzz or futuristic space missions.
China’s ambitions in space exploration have seen remarkable progress, with successful missions that include moon landings, deep-space probes, and the establishment of its own space station. While the U.S. has traditionally dominated artificial intelligence, Beijing has proven to be a formidable competitor with the emergence of Chinese tech firms developing cutting-edge AI models, such as DeepSeek, to challenge giants like Nvidia and OpenAI, signaling a new phase.
READ: China disrupts AI market with DeepSeek: A better, cheaper version of ChatGPT? (January 27, 2025)
With fewer boundaries in scientific exploration, China is now heavily investing in robotics, particularly humanoid robots. This move mirrors Japan’s strategic response to economic conflicts with the U.S. during the late 20th century. Japan pioneered robotics to address its aging population and declining birth rate, transforming the 21st century into the era of automation. Today, China is following a similar trajectory, driven by the need to mitigate economic pressures caused by U.S. trade tariffs, which currently stand at 10% to 25% and could rise to 100% if the BRICS nations fail to comply with dollar dominance.
China’s aggressive push in robotics is evident, with daily announcements of new humanoid robot models. Major corporations and startups alike are entering the field, accelerating automation in the next wave of industrialization. The latest example is Ant Group, the Alibaba-affiliated fintech giant, which recently ventured into humanoid robotics through its subsidiary Shanghai Ant Lingbo Technology, launched at the end of 2024 with a capital of 100 million yuan ($13.73 million).
Humanoid robots, designed to mimic human movement and behavior, have become a major investment trend in China. Tech companies, electric vehicle manufacturers, and industrial firms are all exploring their potential. The Chinese government’s official recognition of humanoid robots as a “new productive force” to drive economic growth further cements the sector’s importance. Leading robotics firms such as UBTech and Unitree have gained prominence, with the latter making headlines for its advanced robots capable of walking, climbing, and carrying loads.
Unitree’s achievements were highlighted when its founder was given a front-row seat at a recent meeting with President Xi Jinping, emphasizing the state’s commitment to fostering robotics innovation. Major companies such as Meituan and Xiaomi have also invested in the sector, with Xiaomi debuting its first full-size humanoid robot, CyberOne, in 2022. Tencent, another tech giant, has been involved since 2018, when it invested 50 million yuan in Leju Robot, a Shenzhen-based startup.
The Rise of Consumer Robotics
The market for humanoid robots within China is growing rapidly. On Feb. 12, Hangzhou-based Unitree Robotics launched two humanoid models, Unitree H1 and Unitree G1, for sale on JD.com. Both models sold out immediately despite a price tag of 99,000 yuan ($13,800) each.
As production scales up, prices are expected to drop significantly, making robots accessible to everyday consumers. Industry experts predict that quadruped robots could eventually be priced at 3,000–4,000 yuan ($413 to $551), while humanoid robots would need to be available at a similar price point to achieve mass-market adoption. Although humanoid robots are not yet household staples, technological advancements and cost reductions are expected to integrate them into daily life in the near future.
A report by Guotai Junan Securities suggests that 2025 could mark a breakthrough year for the mass production of humanoid robots. Beyond direct sales, the rental market for these robots is also expanding, with daily rental rates ranging from 1,000 ($138) to 15,000 yuan ($2,066), depending on the model and functionality. The Unitree G1 humanoid robot, in particular, is the most rented model, frequently used for business events, exhibitions, and performances. Rental packages often include transportation, setup, and technical support, ensuring seamless experiences for businesses incorporating robots into their operations.
In fact, China’s technological leadership was on full display at the 2025 Global Developer Conference (GDC) held in Shanghai’s Xuhui District. One of the highlights was a humanoid robot from Unitree Robotics walking a robotic dog, captivating attendees. The event, organized by the Shanghai AI Industry Association (SAIA), brought together around 100 developer communities from around the world, besides showcasing China’s prowess in robotics manufacturing.
READ: Winford Wealth to uplift financial advisors with AI-driven solutions (January 9, 2025)
Further, China has taken a leading role in setting international standards for elderly care robots.
On Jan. 17, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) released a global standard for elderly care robots, titled “IEC 63310: Functional Performance Criteria for AAL Robots Used in Connected Home Environment,” establishing benchmarks for the design, manufacturing, testing, and certification of elderly care robots. These guidelines aim to facilitate the global industry’s healthy development. Based on the level of assistance required, the standard classifies elderly care robots by function and performance.
According to the World Health Organization, the global population of individuals aged 60 and above is expected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050, including 426 million over the age of 80. As aging leads to physical and cognitive declines, elderly care robots can significantly ease the caregiving burden on families and society. More importantly, these robots enable seniors to maintain independence and dignity in their own homes.
China’s aggressive push into robotics and AI signals a fundamental “Power Shift” in the global technological landscape. With state-backed investments, private sector participation, and rapid technological advancements, the country is positioning itself as a leader in the next generation of automation. From space exploration to AI breakthroughs and humanoid robots, China is redefining the contours of innovation and competitiveness despite frequent ranting of sanctions from the Trump regime.