AgiBot has surpassed Unitree as the leader in the global humanoid robot market, capturing 44% market share in the first half of 2026.
In the first half of 2026, AgiBot, a Chinese company, has claimed the top position in the global humanoid robot market, according to a report from Smart Analytics Global (SAG). The company shipped approximately 8,400 units, securing a 44% market share, while its competitor, Unitree, held second place with around 5,900 units, representing 31% of the market.
Overall, a total of 19,100 humanoid robots were delivered in the first six months of the year, marking over a threefold increase compared to the same period last year. Notably, Chinese manufacturers dominate the sector, responsible for 97% of global shipments.
Market Transformation
The report highlights a significant shift in the market dynamics, moving from research-focused applications to industrial and commercial uses. The share of robots used in these sectors has surged from about 50% in early 2025 to over 70% in 2026. Robots are increasingly deployed in production lines and warehouses, automating repetitive tasks.
However, the growth is not solely attributed to autonomous robots. Companies are also providing platforms for pilot projects and developing application software, indicating that high shipment volumes do not always equate to substantial revenue growth or widespread market adoption.
Competitive Landscape
AgiBot and Unitree are leading the global shipments but are employing different strategies. Unitree is known for its affordable robots, appealing to researchers and developers, while AgiBot targets a wider range of industrial applications. This approach enabled AgiBot to outpace Unitree by approximately 2,500 units in the first half of the year, altering the competitive landscape.
The report also notes a geographical expansion in the industry, with Chinese manufacturers increasingly exporting and vying for contracts internationally against American and European robotics firms.
Future Projections
SAG forecasts that global humanoid robot shipments could reach nearly 60,000 units by the end of 2026, generating around $1.6 billion in revenue. By 2027, the market is expected to grow to nearly $3 billion, with projections suggesting shipments could hit 500,000 robots by 2030.
Despite these optimistic forecasts, analysts warn that growth will hinge on technology maturity rather than just increased production capacity. Key challenges include:
- Insufficient real-world data for training;
- AI model capabilities;
- Robot reliability;
- Precision in manipulations;
- Safety and cost issues.
The shift in focus from showcase robots to those that can reliably operate in real-world conditions represents a critical transition for the industry.
Geopolitical factors also pose risks, particularly with recent U.S. restrictions on importing foreign-made robots, which could hinder Chinese firms' access to developed markets and complicate supply chains and partnerships. Additionally, regulatory uncertainties regarding realistic humanoids and human-AI interactions present further challenges.
While the market for domestic robots remains nascent, SAG does not expect significant advancements in universal humanoids for home tasks in the next five years due to the complexities of household environments.
Additionally, Morgan Stanley anticipates that shipments of Chinese humanoid robots will reach 50,000 units in 2026.
