How to invest in the Chinese robotics industry and gain from its fast growth?
What are china's top 5 robotics companies? And which companies will be the biggest one？
The State Council executive meeting held on the 31st reviewed and approved the Opinions on Deeply Implementing the “Artificial Intelligence Plus” Initiative. 31日召开的国务院常务会议，审议通过《关于深入实施“人工智能+”行动的意见》。
The meeting pointed out that artificial intelligence technology is currently undergoing rapid iteration and evolution. It is necessary to thoroughly implement the “Artificial Intelligence Plus” initiative, vigorously promote the large-scale commercial application of AI, and give full play to China's advantages of a complete industrial system, large market scale, and rich application scenarios.
How to invest in the Chinese robotics industry and gain from its fast growth? Here is some useful information.
China's top five robotics companies in 2025, spanning both industrial and humanoid/service robotics, are generally recognized as:
Unitree Robotics 杭州宇树机器人有限公司 – Specializing in affordable, agile quadruped robots and emerging humanoid platforms for service, research, and education.
UBTECH Robotics 深圳市优必选科技股份有限公司 - Known for advanced humanoid robots for consumer, educational, and commercial use (notably the Walker series).
Siasun Robot & Automation 沈阳新松机器人自动化股份有限公司 – The leading industrial robot and automation systems developer, supplying automotive, electronics, and precision manufacturing industries.
Deep Robotics 杭州云深处科技有限公司– Focused on intelligent quadruped robots for inspection, logistics, and public safety scenarios.
EngineAI 北京众擎科技有限公司 - EngineAI focuses on the research and integration of intelligent robotic systems. The company is committed to providing efficient intelligent solutions for commercial and public service sectors, promoting the intelligent upgrade of traditional services. （fun video below）
Other notable companies include Estun Automation (industrial robots and motion control), Astribot, and AgiBot (AI-driven service and commercial robots).
Which Company Will Be the Biggest?
For industrial robotics, Siasun Robot & Automation is the largest in market share and capabilities, supported by strong government contracts and a full suite of industrial solutions.
In humanoid and service robotics, Unitree and UBTECH are leading innovation, with Unitree gaining global attention for its balance of cost and performance in both quadrupeds and bipeds, and UBTECH maintaining its longstanding position in the humanoid robot market.
Which will be "biggest" depends on sector: Siasun for industrial, UBTECH and Unitree vying for top spot in service/humanoid robots
Difference Between Unitree and UBTECH:
Summary:
Unitree is recognized for developing affordable, agile, and versatile legged robots (both quadruped and emerging humanoid platforms), making advanced robotics accessible globally for learning, research, and emerging service applications.
UBTECH focuses on more sophisticated humanoid robots for broader consumer, commercial, and educational applications, with greater emphasis on dexterity, bipedal walking, and AI-powered customer interaction.
Each has distinctive strengths—Unitree in cost-performance and robotics engineering for dynamic tasks, UBTECH in humanoid interaction, service, and global market penetration
Xbot, a Chinese coffee-making robot company. (Photo: China Decoded) How to invest in the Chinese robotics industry and gain from its fast growth?
To invest in China's robotics industry and gain from its rapid growth, international investors can explore various approaches across both public markets and private avenues.
Key Strategies for Investing in Chinese Robotics
Buy Shares in Listed Robotics Companies: Some of China's top robotics firms are publicly traded, including Siasun Robot & Automation and Ecovacs Robotics. These can be accessed via Chinese stock exchanges (SSE, SZSE) and, for some, via Hong Kong listings or foreign ADRs. There is a distinction between listed and unlisted companies, so focusing on publicly traded stocks offers greater accessibility and liquidity.
Invest via Thematic or Tech-Focused ETFs: Several China or Asia-focused technology ETFs have sizable exposure to robotics, artificial intelligence, and automation companies. Examples include the Global X Robotics & AI ETF and Chinese tech sector ETFs, which may include leading robotics players.
Venture Capital / Private Equity: Early-stage investments in emerging robotics startups (e.g. Unitree Robotics, UBTECH if privately held) offer higher growth potential. Entry usually requires accreditation and substantial capital, and is often facilitated by partnerships with Chinese VC/PE firms targeting AI and industrial automation.
Partner with or Invest in Upstream/Downstream Players: Robotics growth benefits component suppliers—not just robot makers. Investors can target companies producing AI chips, sensors, batteries, actuators, software, and materials essential for advanced robotics.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Strategic joint ventures, manufacturing partnerships, and R&D collaborations within China’s robotics ecosystem— especially in government-supported clusters like Shenzhen, Hangzhou, and Shanghai— can provide operational access and local market growth.
Growth Drivers and Opportunities
The Chinese robotics sector is growing at a projected CAGR of 20%, reaching a domestic market size of over RMB 144.7 billion ($19.9B USD) for AI chips alone, and over $20 billion for the full robotics market in 2025.
Government support through policies, subsidies, and regional innovation clusters is extensive, making it a high-priority sector for China’s “global center of excellence” ambition by 2029.
Industrial robotics (automation, manufacturing), humanoid robots (service, healthcare, logistics, B2B solutions), and smart home/service robotics (consumer applications) are leading sub-sectors for growth.
Risks and Considerations
Regulatory environment: Foreign investment in sensitive tech sectors is scrutinized and can be restricted in strategic areas. Always perform due diligence on compliance and legal access, particularly in the context of US-China tech tensions.
High competition: The market is intensely competitive, with many startups and rapid technological cycles leading to high volatility.
Private equity and venture capital investments are less liquid and higher risk but can offer higher returns if backing the next industry leader.
Action Steps for Interested Investors
Research listed robotics companies and suitable ETFs for initial exposure.
For larger-scale investors, explore direct partnerships with Chinese VCs or industrial clusters specializing in robotics innovation.
Monitor sector policy changes and new government programs to identify subsidized opportunities or emerging clusters.
Consider upstream (chips, AI, components) and downstream (integration, industry application) avenues, not just robot manufacturers themselves.
The sector is in a major upswing, supported by strong policy tailwinds and explosive demand growth—early and well-researched investment could enable significant gains if risks are well-managed.
Nice, but can any of these robots walk my dog or iron my clothes? I am not that interested in it's ability for martial arts.