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Tags :humanoid robot
China’s National Intellectual Property Administration has published an appearance-design patent for an “embodied intelligent robot,” naming BYD Co Ltd as the patent holder, in the first official look at the automaker’s self-developed humanoid robot. The patent description says the design is for an intelligent robot capable of walking, balancing and interaction, with potential applications in service, education or industrial settings. Patent drawings show a humanoid robot with a black-and-white body. Its head is rounded and curved, with no display screen. The torso, arms and legs feature multiple joint structures, suggesting high motion flexibility. The design closely resembles “Xiaodi,” the humanoid robot BYD previously teased.
China accounted for more than 97% of global humanoid robot shipments of about 19,100 units in the first half of 2026, up from 5,100 a year earlier, research firm Smart Analytics Global said, as IPG Capital’s Andrew Young said the country’s lead rests on its manufacturing and electric-vehicle ecosystem, making it difficult for rivals to compete and smarter to build specialized applications on Chinese hardware than to replicate it.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman confirmed during a recent podcast appearance that the company will develop its own humanoid robot hardware alongside specialized robots for data center operations. The firm has upgraded its former world-simulation project into OpenAI Robotics, targeting short-term robotic solutions to support infrastructure workers while pursuing the long-term vision of ubiquitous personal robots for everyday users. OpenAI also plans to launch its first screen-free portable AI device as early as 2027. Featuring a donut-shaped form factor, the upcoming gadget is expected to retail for more than $300.
Global humanoid robot shipments reached approximately 19,100 units in the first half of 2026, more than tripling from 5,100 units a year earlier, according to data from U.S.-based market research firm Smart Analytics Global (SAG), with Shanghai-based AGIBOT overtaking Hangzhou-based Unitree to claim the top market share. AGIBOT shipped 8,400 units in the first half of the year, accounting for 44% of global shipments, while Unitree ranked second with 5,900 units, SAG said. Both Chinese companies substantially outsold major U.S. players including Tesla, Figure AI and Agility Robotics, underscoring the rapid development of China’s humanoid robotics industry. SAG, headquartered in California, projects global humanoid robot shipments will reach approximately 60,000 units this year and rise to 500,000 units by 2030....
AGIBOT
Figure AI
UBTECH