The Global Race to Build Humanoid Robots: Who Will Win?
On a bright spring morning at the Hannover Messe in Germany—one of the world's premier industrial trade shows—a crowd gathers, not around a gleaming car or a new software tool, but around a 4'3" robot charming attendees with dance moves and martial arts poses. This is the Unitree G1, a compact humanoid robot built by Chinese tech firm Unitree. Despite its modest size, the G1 has captured global attention for its agility, price, and surprisingly human-like charisma.
The G1 is remotely operated today by Pedro Zheng, a Unitree sales manager, but is designed to be programmed for autonomous use. Spectators approach it with curiosity and amusement—shaking hands, laughing at its gestures, and occasionally apologizing if they bump into it. While much of the machinery at the trade show inspires awe, the G1 inspires connection.
But Unitree is far from alone in this field. The race to develop viable humanoid robots is heating up around the world, and the competition is fierce.
The Appeal—and Challenges—of Humanoid Robots
The dream of humanoid robots has long captured imaginations. A machine capable of walking, seeing, thinking, and even helping with household chores or factory work could revolutionize countless industries. Unlike traditional industrial robots locked behind safety barriers, humanoid robots promise adaptability in everyday environments—potentially replacing or supplementing human labor in homes, hospitals, restaurants, and warehouses.
But the challenges are immense. While robotic arms and mobile bots thrive in tightly controlled environments, humanoids face unpredictable variables. Balancing mobility, strength, and safety is no small feat. A robot that’s strong enough to carry heavy loads also poses risks if it stumbles near humans. And despite advances, the AI that powers such machines still struggles with context, logic, and complex task sequences.
As a Unitree spokesperson puts it:
“The AI simply has not yet reached a breakthrough moment. Today's robot AI finds basic logic and reasoning—such as for understanding and completing complex tasks in a logical way—a challenge.”
China's Advantage in the Robot Arms Race
According to Thomas Andersson, founder of research firm STIQ, there are at least 49 companies globally developing full humanoid robots—with legs and arms—and more than 100 if wheeled versions are included. Andersson believes Chinese firms are well positioned to lead, thanks to a deep manufacturing ecosystem, faster R&D cycles, and significant government support.
Unitree's G1 robot, for example, is aggressively priced at $16,000 (£12,500)—a fraction of the cost of many competitors—making it an attractive option for research institutions and early adopters. Chinese cities like Shanghai even boast state-backed training centers where humanoid robots are taught to perform everyday tasks, a clear signal of governmental ambition in this space.
Asia also dominates robotics funding: nearly 60% of all global investment in humanoid robots is raised in Asian countries, according to STIQ.
The Western Approach: High-Profile Projects and Practical Constraints
In the US, Tesla leads the humanoid robot charge with its Optimus project. CEO Elon Musk recently announced plans to build "several thousand" Optimus robots in 2025, aimed at performing "useful tasks" in Tesla factories. BMW is also experimenting with humanoids in its US facilities, while Hyundai has ordered tens of thousands of units from Boston Dynamics, the firm it acquired in 2021.
Europe’s response, meanwhile, leans more pragmatic. In the UK, entrepreneur Bren Pierce and his company Kinisi are working on the KR1, a robot designed specifically for industrial use. Unlike traditional humanoids, the KR1 skips legs entirely, using wheels for mobility—an intentional design choice for factory floors.
“All of these places have flat floors,” says Pierce. “Why would you want the added expense of a very complex form factor... when you could just put it on a mobile base?”
By relying on off-the-shelf components—including scooter wheels and mass-produced cameras—the KR1 is built for cost-efficiency and ease of use. More importantly, Kinisi focuses on software usability, ensuring that non-experts can train and operate the robot with minimal effort.
“A lot of companies build very high-tech robots that require a PhD to use. We’re aiming for simplicity. Our robots can learn tasks after being shown 20 or 30 times.”
The Verdict: Who Will Win the Race?
The global race to build the first mainstream humanoid robot is well underway, but there is no single frontrunner. Chinese companies like Unitree have a clear edge in scalability and cost, supported by favorable industrial ecosystems and state backing. Western firms like Tesla and Boston Dynamics bring cutting-edge innovation, while smaller companies like Kinisi offer pragmatic, near-term solutions.
Ultimately, the winner may not be the company that builds the most realistic human robot—but the one that makes useful, safe, affordable, and adaptable robots a reality in daily life.
For now, humanity’s mechanical counterparts are still learning to walk. But the day they run—perhaps right into your home or warehouse—may be closer than we think.