Published 23/04/2025 16:02 | Edited 23/04/2025 16:05
A recent report released by Leaderobot reveals that China is about to consolidate its position as a global leader in the production of humanoid robots. With forecasts to manufacture more than 10,000 units by 2025 and generate revenue of US $ 1.14 billion (about R $ 6.5 billion), the country advances rapidly in a sector considered strategic for the future of the global economy. The study points out that the Chinese industry can replicate the success achieved in the electric vehicle market, where Beijing is already hegemonic.
This leadership is not only the result of technological innovation, but also of a meticulous plan of industrial automation and massive investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. While Western countries face challenges such as scarcity of qualified labor and resistance to automation, China advances without significant obstacles, thanks to the centralized control of the Communist Party.
“Made in China 2025”: the engine of industrial transformation
The “Made in China 2025” program, launched a decade ago, has been the pillar of this transformation. The plan identified ten priority sectors for national development, including robotics, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing. Since then, the Chinese government has encouraged local companies to adopt cutting -edge technologies while buying foreign suppliers to transfer technical knowledge to the country.
Automation is revolutionizing Chinese factories. Companies such as Zeekr, an electric vehicle automaker, already operate with hundreds of robots in “dark factories” – fully automated facilities that work without light or human intervention. These units reduce costs, increase efficiency and guarantee global competitiveness, even in the face of commercial tariffs imposed by US, EU and other countries.
In addition, small businesses are also benefiting. In Guangzhou, Elon Li, owner of a workshop that manufactures barbecues and ovens, plans to purchase a robotic arm equipped with AI for $ 40,000 – a fraction of the cost of similar systems four years ago. This example illustrates how the dissemination of technology is democratizing automation, making it accessible even for small businesses.
Humanoid robots: the new border
Humanoid robots are emerging as a new strategic area. According to the report, China is expected to dominate about 50% of the global market of these devices later this year, with projected revenue of 8.24 billion yuans ($ 1.14 billion). Ubtech Robotics, one of the industry’s leaders, has announced that 20 of its humanoids will be used in industrial activities in the first half of 2025.
He Liang, founder of Yunmu Intelligent Manufacturing, states that humanoid robots have the potential to create a new industry as profitable as that of electric cars. “It’s a national strategy,” he said, highlighting Beijing’s commitment to becoming the main global technological power by 2027.
Although they are still in the early stages, humanoid robots are already being tested in various areas. Over the weekend, Beijing City Hall organized a half marathon with 12,000 human corridors and 21 humanoid robots. Only six machines completed the race, but the event served as a public demonstration of Chinese technological advances.
The role of government and strategic investments
The Chinese government has played a crucial role in this process. In February 2025, the action plan for scientific innovation and industrial cultivation of incorporated intelligence was launched to accelerate the development of high technology products. In addition, the country’s main economic agency has created a $ 137 billion risk capital fund to fund robotics, IA and other emerging technologies.
Over the past four years, Chinese state banks have granted $ 1.9 trillion on loans for industrial modernization, allowing companies to expand their operations and adopt new technologies. At the same time, Chinese universities form about 350,000 mechanical engineers annually, a much higher number than about 45,000 graduates in the US.
Social and economic impacts
Accelerated automation has brought significant economic benefits, but also concerns about employability as robots take on tasks previously performed by humans.
However, the demographic crisis faced by China makes automation inevitable. The number of births has fallen dramatically since 1987, and two thirds of young people choose to enter universities, distancing themselves from the manufacturing work. “China’s demographic dividend is over,” Stephen Dyer of AlixPartners consultancy told New York Times. “Now the country is experiencing a demographic deficit, and the only way out is to increase productivity.”
Global leadership with challenges
China is clearly overcoming the robotic race, solidifying its position as a world leader in automation and artificial intelligence. With massive investments, government support and a highly qualified workforce, the country is shaping the future of manufacturing and global technology.
China not only wants to lead; She wants to redefine the rules of the global game. With China determined to conquer global technological leadership, the world watches a new era of competition and unprecedented innovation.
Main Report Numbers
- Production of humanoid robots (2025): More than 10,000 units.
- Projected recipe (2025): US $ 1.14 billion (R $ 6.5 billion).
- Incorporated intelligence market (2030): 103.8 billion yuans (R $ 80 billion).
- Mechanical engineers formed annually: 350 thousand in China vs. 45 thousand in the US.
Source: vermelho.org.br
