China launches national ID system for humanoid robots

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced the Humanoid Full Lifecycle Management Service Platform, a national programme that will assign every domestically manufactured humanoid robot a unique digital identity code. The code consists of a two‑digit national segment, a four‑digit manufacturer segment, a six‑digit model segment and a 17‑digit serial number, enabling tracking from production through use to recycling. The initiative, led by the Humanoid Robotics and Embodied Intelligence Standardization committee, applies to manufacturers, service providers, sellers, users and recycling facilities, aiming to improve safety, oversight and accountability as the Chinese humanoid market expands rapidly. Over 100 Chinese manufacturers already produce more than 28,000 robots, and the market grew 508% last year, positioning China as a leader in the sector.