In the first six months of 2026, 19,100 humanoid robots were shipped, nearly all bearing the 'Made in China' label. The Trump administration responded with a complete import ban at the end of July.
The global race in artificial intelligence development has gained a new, tangible dimension-that of humanoid robots. Bloomberg, based on a study by an American analyst, revealed that as much as 97% of all humanoid robots shipped worldwide in the first six months of 2026 came from China. Although the market is still modest, with a total of 19,100 units shipped, it is experiencing explosive growth, and Chinese manufacturers like Unitree Robotics and UBTech are flooding it at a pace that has unsettled American competitors and authorities.
In early June, specifically on June 2, 2026, employees of Unitree Robotics were preparing humanoid robots for a demonstration at the company's headquarters in Hangzhou. The event was captured by Bloomberg photographers, bearing witness to the growing power of Chinese robotics.
While Tesla with its Optimus robot, pioneer Boston Dynamics with Atlas, and well-funded American startups like Figure AI and Agility Robotics invest billions, Chinese companies have surpassed them by a wide margin in sheer shipment numbers. The expansion is so rapid that global shipments have quadrupled in just one year.
The United States' reaction was swift and sharp. At the end of July 2026, the Trump administration imposed a strict ban on importing robots from China. The restriction applies not only to humanoid robots but also includes quadruped models, sending a clear message from Washington that it does not intend to cede this market segment to its Asian rival without a fight.
The move fits into a broader pattern of American protectionism against Chinese technology. Simultaneously, according to Le Figaro, the administration is also discussing another ban project, suggesting that new restrictions could soon be on the horizon.
The figure of 19,100 units shipped in half a year may not sound impressive compared to the smartphone or automobile markets, but the trend is what worries analysts. The quadrupling of shipments compared to the same period last year suggests we are at the beginning of an exponential growth curve. If this pace continues, humanoid robots could become a common sight in factories, warehouses, and even households within a few years.
Mass production in China is already a reality, while American companies, although technologically sophisticated, are currently more focused on development and testing. The import ban gives them much-needed breathing room, but the question remains whether it will be enough to catch up with Chinese competitors who are already shipping robots to customers worldwide.
