The market for renting humanoid robots in China has experienced a significant price drop following an initial surge in interest. While daily rental rates for popular models reached tens of thousands of yuan in early 2025, they fell to between ¥2,000 and ¥3,000 by early 2026.
Current market data indicates that rental costs have continued to decline, with many offers now falling below ¥1,000 per day. On some platforms, the minimum daily rental price has reached as low as ¥289, reflecting a shift in the competitive landscape.
The decline in pricing is largely attributed to a rapid increase in the number of companies entering the rental market. This expansion in supply has intensified competition among providers, forcing them to lower their rates to attract clients.
Despite the increased availability, the practical applications for these robots remain limited. They are primarily deployed at commercial events and tourist sites for basic tasks such as dancing, greeting visitors, and shaking hands, which has led to a fading novelty effect.
As these performances become commonplace in shopping malls and tourist destinations, the business model based on short-term public curiosity is weakening. Market participants are now compelled to explore new strategies to maintain client interest and sustain their operations.
