China has accelerated the development of humanoid robots for military applications throughout 2025 and 2026. The People's Liberation Army is currently testing these machines for battlefield conditions, focusing on AI-driven perception, object manipulation, and data collection to improve troop interaction.
Research by the National University of Defense Technology in August 2025 outlined scenarios where humanoid robots operate in assault teams alongside soldiers to clear buildings. Military experts anticipate these units could eventually navigate tunnels and ship interiors, leveraging their mobility and ability to climb.
The country's military modernization strategy, emphasized by President Xi Jinping in July 2026, prioritizes the integration of unmanned and intelligent systems. According to BofA Global Research, Chinese manufacturers accounted for approximately 95% of global humanoid robot shipments in 2025.
Industry forecasts from Morgan Stanley suggest that China could reach an annual production volume of nearly 450,000 robots by 2030. Current efforts are focused on scaling production of high-end models, with plans to transition toward more affordable and practical units for both civilian and potential military use.
