Adapted by:
Javier Lacort
Senior WriterI write long-form content at Xataka about the intersection between technology, business and society. I also host the daily Spanish podcast Loop infinito (Infinite Loop), where we analyze Apple news and put it into perspective.
Alba Mora
WriterAn established tech journalist, I entered the world of consumer tech by chance in 2018. In my writing and translating career, I've also covered a diverse range of topics, including entertainment, travel, science, and the economy.
Following its successes in the electric vehicle sector, China is actively promoting the development of humanoid robots as part of its next major technological revolution. According to Nikkei, Shenzhen, a city in the southeast of the country, has launched a plan to foster advancements in components, AI chips, and biomimetic technologies through funding and policy support.
Why this matters. This initiative aligns closely with Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s ambitions for his company, which is set to begin production of the Optimus robot later this year. The robot will initially be used internally, with commercialization expected to start in 2026.
This convergence is significantly related to Tesla’s entry into China and its transformative effect on the country’s electric car industry.
Data. According to a Morgan Stanley report, around 56% of the 100 listed companies involved in robotics are based in China. Moreover, 45% of the companies that customize robots for end users are Chinese.
Context. Shenzhen’s initiative comes alongside several similar efforts announced in 2023. For instance, Shanghai aims to establish a $137 billion robotics industry this year, while Beijing has introduced a $13 billion fund focused on robotics and a humanoid innovation center.
Paul Gong, the head of automotive research at UBS Investment Bank, describes Musk as the industry’s “spiritual leader,” a role he’s also taken on in the electric vehicle sector. Gong also notes that the introduction of the humanoid robot concept has prompted many Chinese companies to explore this technology.
Potential threats. Escalating geopolitical tensions could have significant repercussions. Lu Hanchen, the director of Shenzhen Gaogong Industry Research, warns that the U.S. may impose restrictions on the export of Optimus robots to China. He also says that due to security and data management concerns, American authorities may prevent Chinese humanoid robots from entering the U.S. market.
Looking ahead. Projections from Bernstein Research suggest that humanoid robots could reach the following milestones:
- By 2025: Fewer than 10 million units will be produced for entertainment, research and development, and education.
- By 2028: Tens of millions of units will be designed for specific tasks in general environments.
- By 2035: More than 100 million units will be capable of performing general tasks in hospitals and restaurants.
- By 2050: More than 1 billion robots will execute a majority of human tasks.
Tesla will need to collaborate with Chinese suppliers. At the same time, Chinese companies are working to reduce their dependence on foreign components.
This creates an interesting paradox. While Washington and Beijing’s relationship is becoming increasingly strained, their industrial ecosystems remain tightly intertwined. The competition for humanoid robots represents another scenario where mutual dependence and intense rivalry between the two blocks must coexist. In this context, Musk’s role will become increasingly significant.
Image | Possessed Photography
Related | This Curious Image Puts Humanoid Robots Side-by-Side in a Pseudo Police Lineup
View 0 comments