Chinese humanoid robots are no longer just a novelty act. They run half-marathons faster than humans, perform kung-fu routines on national television, and are being deployed in factories, elderly care homes, and even military planning. With state backing and a clear industrial strategy, China is turning its robot dream into a competitive weapon – but the social and legal costs are rising fast.
During the Chinese New Year gala in February 2026, humanoid robots captivated audiences with complex martial arts choreography, including drunken boxing, nunchaku drills and acrobatic parkour. While critics pointed out that many units were still remotely controlled, the performance showcased the rapid progress Chinese firms have made in robotics. Robotisation is a strategic priority for Beijing, which sees it as a solution to a shrinking workforce, rising labour costs, and the need to maintain a global edge.
From the factory floor to the battlefield
In April 2026, a robot built by Honor – formerly a Huawei sub-brand – completed the Beijing half-marathon in 50 minutes and 26 seconds, significantly faster than the 2 hours 40 minutes posted by the fastest robot in 2025. Moreover, 60% of the robots in the race were still operated remotely, but the autonomous Honor unit was the clear winner in its category. Meanwhile, UniTree began selling its humanoid robots on AliExpress for around $7,000, including free shipping to the US and Japan – a clear sign of aggressive market expansion.
UBTech Robotics introduced the U1 series in three models, priced from 119,800 yuan (about $16,500) for a torso-only unit to 990,000 yuan ($137,000) for the full-body male version. These robots can talk via cloud-based language models, move their lips, track eye contact, and simulate emotions. The company targets use in hospitality, information points, schools and elderly care homes, where the human shape reduces psychological barriers.
The military is also interested. In July 2025, the People’s Liberation Army Daily published an extensive article on the military use of humanoids, arguing they should eventually replace infantry. The article envisioned a phased deployment: from remote control to motion capture to brain-computer interfaces. The goal is to reduce casualties and fill ranks as voluntary enlistment declines.
State support, legal pushback – and a warning for Europe
China’s robot boom is not purely market-driven. Companies like UniTree received $5 million in direct government subsidies since 2022, and another $11 million in tax breaks in the first nine months of 2025 alone. President Xi Jinping personally met with founders of promising robotics startups at least five times within a year. The central government regards humanoids as a key technology to transform China from the “world’s factory” into a “factory of artificial intelligence”.
Yet the damage to employment is already visible. Economists warn that robots do not consume, potentially creating a glut of goods and a tax revenue crisis. An estimated 10% of Chinese workers – about 70 million people – are at risk of displacement, with the figure rising to 14% for those under 30. In response, courts in Beijing and Hangzhou recently ruled that automation is a deliberate corporate choice, not an unforeseeable crisis. Companies cannot use AI as a legal justification for mass layoffs or wage cuts. Firms have begun quietly eliminating positions and freezing hiring to bypass the rulings.
Professor Zhu Qichao from Peking University, writing in the People’s Daily, raised fundamental legal questions: who bears responsibility when an AI system malfunctions? Are robots autonomous agents or human tools? These issues become critical when humanoids care for children and the elderly.
China’s experience offers both a mirror and a warning for Europe. The same strategy that flooded global markets with solar panels and electric vehicles is now being applied to humanoid robotics – scale, subsidy, and dominance. Polish and European policymakers must watch closely: the race may already be underway.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. EPA/JEON HEON-KYUN / PAP
