The Rise of the Dancing Robots

At this year’s Spring Festival Gala, China’s most-watched television show, Unitree showcased 16 H1 humanoid robots performing a meticulously choreographed Chinese folk dance.

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These robots didn’t just move—they walked, ran, and jumped on stage with remarkable agility, demonstrating a new level of precision and control in robotics.

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For global audiences watching the performance on YouTube, it may have seemed like a playful display—perhaps even pre-programmed or remotely controlled to mimic real dancing. But that misses the real significance.

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In China, the performance went viral, not just as a technological feat but as a symbol of the country’s advancement in AI and robotics, a moment that reinforced the belief that China is surpassing the U.S. in technological innovation.

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Last month, I wrote about how DeepSeek was a Sputnik moment for Silicon Valley, shaking perceptions of China’s AI capabilities. But this Unitree performance might have an even bigger impact—not just for China but for the world.

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While the implications of DeepSeek’s AI breakthroughs are still sinking in, the sight of humanoid robots performing synchronized movements, mimicking human agility, and effortlessly spinning handkerchiefs left no room for doubt. The message is clear: China’s AI and robotics revolution isn’t coming—it’s already here.

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Unitree’s H1 humanoid robots showcase the next leap in AI-driven motion technology. Equipped with 360° panoramic depth perception and AI-powered full-body motion control, they can interpret music and adjust movements in real time.

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Their maximum joint torque of 360 newton meters enables fluid and dynamic motion, while high-precision 3D laser SLAM technology allows them to navigate complex environments with ease.

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But the real significance of this moment goes beyond the technical details. For over a billion Chinese viewers, this was not just the "rise of the machines"—it was the rise of China, powered by machines.

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This marks a pivotal moment for China. Already known as the factory of the world, China has perfected the art of producing affordable, high-quality consumer electronics at scale. Now, we are entering a new era—one where AI merges with hardware to bring humanoid robots into everyday life.

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Think of it as DeepSeek AI meeting Unitree robotics. By combining China’s world-leading AI models with its expertise in robotic hardware and manufacturing, China is poised to make humanoid robots a mainstream reality.

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Humanoid robots are no longer just futuristic prototypes—they are about to become an essential part of industry and everyday life.

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According to Unitree founder Wang Xingxing, robotics today is where electric vehicles (EVs) were a decade ago—a competitive battleground waiting to be claimed. By the end of 2025, humanoid robots will reach an entirely new level, making them China’s biggest innovation trend of the year.

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China already dominates the global humanoid robotics supply chain, with 65% of key components produced domestically. Additionally, 56% of publicly traded humanoid robotics companies are based in China, and 45% of global robot integrators are Chinese.

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While China has already mastered robotic hardware, the next phase is about perfecting AI integration—ensuring that these robots move beyond labs and showcases into real-world applications.

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It is no coincidence that China’s top EV companies—BYD, Xpeng, Nio, Chery, Seres, Geely, Xiaomi, and GAC—are heavily investing in humanoid robots. These companies have a deep understanding of hardware, sensors, AI algorithms, and large-scale production, making them ideal leaders in humanoid robotics.

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Moreover, they will be among the first large-scale users of these robots, deploying them on automobile assembly lines for tasks such as wiring cars, transporting parts, and assisting other fixed robots.

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China’s key advantage in the humanoid robotics market lies in its ability to acquire and utilize data—a strategy similar to how Tesla and Chinese EV makers perfected self-driving technology.

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The more humanoids in use, the smarter they will become. As EV firms and robotics companies like Unitree, Agibot, UBTech, and DeepRobot begin mass production, China is poised to dominate. Not only will it offer the most affordable humanoid robots, but also the most intelligent and practical for real-world applications.

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By 2030, expect Chinese robots capable of cooking meals, washing dishes, and doing laundry to become a reality. Will you miss doing chores?

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Today, the Unitree G1 humanoid costs $13,600, while the more advanced H1 robot, showcased at the Chinese New Year Gala, is priced at $90,000—less than half the cost of Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot.

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By 2027, humanoid robots are expected to become 40% cheaper, making G1-type robots affordable for factories and the service industry.

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With China’s workforce shrinking by 1.4 million workers annually due to demographic decline, the demand for humanoid robots will surge—not only in manufacturing but also in elderly care and domestic services. China is not just building robots—it’s shaping the future of automation.

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As part of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), the country has set a clear goal: to become a global hub for robotic innovation. By 2027, China also aims to establish a secure and reliable industrial robot supply chain, reinforcing its technological independence.

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A major sign of this commitment came this month when Xi Jinping hosted a summit with China’s top tech leaders—his first such gathering since 2018. Attendees included the founders of Huawei, Tencent, BYD, Xiaomi, CATL, and Meituan.

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However, the biggest surprise for international media was the return of Jack Ma, marking a significant moment in China’s business landscape.

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For me, though, the most powerful takeaway was the prominent role of humanoid robotics. Among the six tech founders seated opposite Xi Jinping, four were deeply involved in humanoid robot development, including Wang Xingxing, the 35-year-old founder of Unitree.

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These executives provided direct input on strengthening China’s private sector and driving AI-driven industrial growth.

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Ren Zhengfei, the founder of Huawei said” I firmly believe that a stronger China is rising at an accelerated pace”. Lei Jun, founder of Xiaomi, said “there is nothing that cannot be overcome” in China’s progress, despite the “changes in international winds and clouds”.

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Wang Chuanfu, founder of BYD, shared his experience of building the industry “from ground zero”. Wang Xingxing, founder of Unitree told Xi that the humanoid robot developer and its team were “born and raised in China”.

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The inclusion of DeepSeek and Unitree at Xi Jinping’s summit sends a clear signal: China is making AI and humanoid robotics a national priority. The enthusiasm surrounding these companies has reignited the "animal spirits" of China's private sector, bringing renewed confidence and momentum to innovation.

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The Year of the Snake is proving to be more than symbolic. Unitree’s robots embody the snake’s agility, precision, and advanced navigation skills, while DeepSeek’s AI mirrors the snake’s patience—waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

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If you want a glimpse into which industries Beijing sees as transformative for China’s future, look at who was invited and their sectors in the graph below: Agriculture, Food, EVs, Energy, Cleantech, Batteries, Chips, Cyber, Telecom, AI, Space, Aviation, Robotics, Biotech, Chemistry, Pharmaceuticals, New Materials, smart manufacturing and big tech platforms.

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