The Rapid Rise of Robots Is Transforming China’s Manufacturing
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A multibillion-dollar supply ecosystem is emerging as humanoid robots near mass production. Chinese manufacturers are seizing this opportunity and rapidly retooling production lines to meet new demand — a move that could redefine global robotics supply networks.
Industry experts see 2025 as the watershed year when humanoid robots move into mass production. This pivotal shift comes as a result of critical advancements in robotics technology coinciding with manufacturers’ enhanced capabilities for large-scale production systems. Leading Chinese robotics companies such as UBTech Robotics Inc., Unitree Robotics and AgiBot have announced ambitious plans to deliver thousands of humanoid robots to market by the end of the year.
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- A multibillion-dollar supply ecosystem is forming as humanoid robots approach mass production, with Chinese manufacturers retooling to meet rising demand by 2025.
- The mass production of robots is driving upstream investment, with companies like RoboSense repurposing lines for advanced components, and Tesla aiming for 500,000 to 1 million units by 2027.
- Chinese firms are gaining market share in critical robot components, lowering costs rapidly and challenging previously dominant Japanese manufacturers while aligning future profitability with the auto sector.
- 2021：
- Japan held 42.9% share in China's harmonic reducer market.
- 2022：
- Japanese RV reducers had a 55% market share in China.
- 2022：
- Global roller screw market valued at 8.5 billion yuan, with China accounting for 440 million yuan.
- By the end of 2023：
- Japanese RV reducers' market share in China contracted to 44%.
- Early 2024：
- Japan's share in China's harmonic reducer market decreased to 41.6%.
- Since 2024：
- Boom in humanoid robot sector drove up valuations of most upstream suppliers.
- 2025：
- Expected watershed year for mass production of humanoid robots.
- By the end of 2025：
- Chinese companies plan to deliver thousands of humanoid robots to market.
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