China accelerates military humanoid robot development

humanoid robots military robotics People's Liberation Army AI warfare robotics manufacturing

China is rapidly expanding its robotics sector, transitioning from commercial dominance to military integration. In 2025, Chinese manufacturers accounted for approximately 95% of global humanoid robot shipments. This commercial success, highlighted by Unitree's $13 billion IPO, is being leveraged by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to develop advanced combat capabilities.

Research and development for military applications are intensifying throughout 2025 and 2026. Investigations into military procurement records and patents suggest the PLA is planning the deployment of humanoid robots for high-risk urban combat, such as building-clearing operations. Proposed strategies include using mixed teams of bipedal and quadrupedal robots to operate in unpredictable environments.

Beyond the battlefield, China's robotics advancements are visible in public and medical sectors. In Shenzhen, humanoid robots are being trialed for police patrol assistance and surveillance. Additionally, medical teams have successfully performed complex cardiac procedures using AI-driven robotic systems, marking a significant milestone in surgical technology.

Entities

China · People's Liberation Army · Reuters · Shenzhen · Unitree

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] A medical team performed a complex cardiac procedure using an AI-driven robotic ultrasound system. www.presse-citron.net
[● 2 SOURCES] Researchers proposed using mixed teams of bipedal and quadruped robots for urban building-clearing operations. fr.businessam.be · businessam.be
[○ 1 SOURCE] Humanoid robots are being tested for police patrol assistance and surveillance in Shenzhen. www.latestly.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The PLA is investing in infrastructure to transition humanoid robots from commercial to military use. fr.businessam.be · businessam.be · www.sgtreport.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Chinese manufacturers accounted for approximately 95% of global humanoid robot shipments in 2025. sondakikakibris.com · amgreatness.com · businessam.be · www.sgtreport.com
[● 2 SOURCES] A review of over 100 military procurement notices, patents, and academic studies indicates the PLA is planning eventual battlefield deployment of robots. amgreatness.com · www.sgtreport.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The robotics company Unitree raised 13 billion dollars in its IPO. sondakikakibris.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Robot exports from Shenzhen reached approximately 1.03 billion USD in the first half of the year. tchadvision.com