Chinese Humanoid Robots in 2026: 7 Models Compared

We have not tested any of these robots. We chose them using:

• Shipment data: first-half 2026 estimates from IDC (reported by Forbes, 30 September 2026), Smart Analytics Global and Counterpoint Research. The three disagree on exact numbers, so we quote ranges and name the source.
• Manufacturer specifications and stores for prices and specs, checked on 26 October 2026.
• Company results and announcements, such as UBTech's half-year sales and XPeng's delivery plans.
• Buyability: we favour robots that a buyer outside China can actually order, and say clearly when one cannot be bought.

Prices exclude tax, shipping and import duty unless stated. A robot is only marked "shipping" if there is evidence customers have received units.

The numbers are lopsided. IDC estimates almost 25,000 humanoids shipped worldwide in the first half of 2026, with Chinese vendors building more than 95%. Smart Analytics Global puts the total lower, at 19,100, but agrees that AgiBot and Unitree alone account for about three quarters. By IDC's count, the US leader Figure shipped only a few dozen to customers in the same period.

Three things explain the gap:

• Supply chain: China makes most of the motors, gearboxes, batteries and sensors humanoids need, which keeps costs down. That is how Unitree can sell the R1 for $4,900.
• Government support: national and city programmes fund robot training centres, competitions and early deployments.
• A willingness to ship early: Chinese makers sell research and entertainment robots now and improve them later, while most US firms hold back until robots can do paid work.

• AgiBot (Shanghai): the volume leader, with about 8,400 to 9,700 units in H1 2026 depending on the estimate. Began a Hong Kong IPO process in July 2026. Its SHAREBOT platform rents humanoids with an operator from RMB 3,500 a day in China.
• Unitree (Hangzhou): about 5,000 to 7,000 units in H1 2026. Listed on Shanghai's STAR Market in August 2026. Sells the R1, G1, H2 and H2 Plus ($100,000) direct to anyone.
• UBTech (Shenzhen): listed in Hong Kong, sold 921 full-size humanoids in H1 2026 and opened a Liuzhou factory on 12 September 2026 designed for more than 10,000 robots a year.
• Booster Robotics (Beijing): about 1,000 units in H1 2026 by IDC's estimate, mainly small education robots.
• XPeng (Guangzhou): the electric car maker plans IRON deliveries in the first half of 2027.
• Others: Galbot, Leju, Astribot, Fourier and Galaxea each shipped several hundred units in H1 2026, according to IDC and SAG, mostly to Chinese customers.

Yes, but mainly from Unitree, and to a lesser extent AgiBot and Booster. Unitree sells through its own international store, Amazon listings and dealers in the US, UK and Europe; UK retailer Scan had the G1 in stock for next-day delivery on 26 October 2026. AgiBot sells the A2 Lite through its global store, with shipping and import taxes extra. UBTech and XPeng sell to businesses through direct deals.

Before buying, check: the exact version (base or EDU), the warranty and who repairs it in your country, whether the charger suits local mains, and the total landed cost including import VAT. Our UK buying guide covers this for British buyers.

Some buyers, especially businesses and public bodies, ask whether Chinese robots send data abroad. Any connected robot with cameras and microphones raises this question, wherever it is made. Ask the seller which cloud services the robot uses, whether it works fully offline, and whether you can run your own software on an EDU version. Research labs often choose EDU versions partly so they control the software.

Many of the clips that drive searches for Chinese humanoid robots are demonstrations, not products. Unitree's H2-X "Kung Fu Legend Guardian", shown on 21 October 2026 kicking cars and staging rescues, has no price, and TechRadar reported it is unlikely to go on general sale. Unitree advertises about 8 hours of standing endurance for it, not 8 hours of activity. Noetix Robotics' Bumi, a 94 cm child-sized robot announced in October 2025 at 9,998 yuan (about $1,370), drew headlines as the cheapest humanoid, but we could not confirm international availability. Treat demos as a sign of progress, not a product you can order.

• Learning or classroom on a budget: Unitree R1.
• University research: Unitree G1 EDU.
• Full-size research platform: Unitree H2.
• Reception or showroom robot: AgiBot A2.
• Factory deployment: UBTech Walker S2, through a direct sales process.

None of these is a home helper. For chores, the only humanoid on order is the US-only 1X NEO, and single-task robots remain better value. See all budget options in our affordable humanoid robots list.