China's Humanoid Robot Wave Accelerates as Startups Flood Market, GenAI Fuels New Entrants

More than half of the world's 174 humanoid robot makers are now based in China, with the vast majority emerging as venture-backed startups in the past two years as breakthroughs in generative AI dramatically lowered the barrier to entry. The surge reflects how large language models and machine learning have transformed robotics from an expensive, highly specialized field into an accessible frontier attracting hundreds of new builders seeking applications in manufacturing, logistics, and service sectors.