China’s Humanoid Robot Industry Surges to Commanding Global Lead: Prof. Andrés Kecskeméthy
China’s humanoid robot industry has experienced phenomenal growth, seizing a dominant global position. According to the 2026 Humanoid Robot Industry Development Report, released at the World Robot Conference, shipments exceeded 40,000 units in the first half of 2026, accounting for a staggering 97% of the worldwide total.
The industry’s revenue for major Chinese robotics enterprises reached an impressive 165.5 billion Yuan during this period, marking a substantial 24.5% year-on-year increase, solidifying its rapid commercial expansion. The Beijing E-Town is currently hosting the conference (August 19 – 23), featuring 373 exhibitors showcasing over 3,000 products across 60,000 square meters.
Prof. Andrés Kecskeméthy, President of the International Federation for the Promotion of Mechanism and Machine Science (IFToMM), shared his insights on China’s robotics advancements in an interview with China Economic Net. He praised China’s technological innovations, stating:
"The innovation of China’s robot technology is enormous. One can see many huge teams under the guidance of strong leaders devoted and striving to reach practical maturity of embodied intelligence in the close future."
Kecskeméthy acknowledged robotics’ historical progress, transforming work environments and improving various sectors over six decades. He highlighted the current wave driven by AI and bio-inspired design, pushing humanoid robots into manufacturing, elderly care, emergency response, and public services.
His research interests encompass multi-body dynamics, biomechanics, heavyweight robotics, virtual reality, and more. He identified upcoming breakthroughs, including gait devices for paraplegics, smart orthopedic aids, work exoskeletons, autonomous construction robots, and versatile grasping tools for diverse applications.
However, he also addressed global challenges: dynamic balancing, complex scenario adaptation, model-algorithm iteration, real-world data accumulation, and inadequate safety regulations, ethical frameworks, and industry standards. He urged international collaboration to refine technical norms, promote talent development, and ensure robotics benefits reach every corner of the globe.
Kecskeméthy recognized Chinese scientists as a significant pillar in international mechanism and machine design, with China contributing over 50% of key publications in IFToMM’s flagship journal Mechanism and Machine Theory, featuring five of its most prolific authors from China. He expressed enthusiasm for continued collaborations, including Humbol.
