Lack of sophisticated artificial intelligence identified as primary obstacle for widespread robot adoption by Unitree's founder in China
In the heart of China's technological advancement, the field of robotics AI is making rapid and multifaceted progress, with a strong focus on humanoid robots, agile multi-agent collaboration, and real-world application deployment. This was evident at the World Robot Conference (WRC) 2025, where China showcased humanoid robots capable of complex tasks and human interaction, multi-robot collaboration in industrial settings, and pioneering service robots in medical, elderly care, and assistive roles [1][2][3].
Unitree Robotics, a leading Chinese company, was a prominent feature at the 2025 WRC. The company showcased highly capable robots, including two quadruped robots that competed in a combat match, demonstrating agility, robustness, and sophisticated control algorithms [2][5]. Unitree's products are now integrated into broader robotics marketplaces, such as the Robot Mall in Beijing, offering sales, servicing, and spare parts for humanoid and quadruped robots from over 40 brands, illustrating the commercialization and ecosystem development around embodied intelligence in China [2].
35-year-old Wang, a key figure in the industry, made these remarks at a recent interview published in the People's Daily, the official newspaper of the Communist Party of China. Wang highlighted that while Unitree and other robotics businesses have performed well in the first half of the year, the industry has not yet reached a critical threshold for widespread adoption [4]. He reiterated his earlier assertion that the "ChatGPT moment" for the robotics industry has not yet occurred [4].
Despite this, Wang remains optimistic about the future of robotics in China. He believes that breakthroughs in the field of robotics AI can happen at any time [4]. He also stated that the challenge of widespread adoption of robotics AI is a common one worldwide, with many people working to overcome it [4].
Wang emphasized the benefits of the heightened attention for the robotics sector, stating that it is beneficial for the entire industry [4]. He pointed out that China is investing heavily in robotics with centralized funding, targeting AI integration in robotics and establishing innovation centers like the HUMANOID center to accelerate humanoid robotics development [4].
In conclusion, Unitree Robotics exemplifies China's breakthroughs in embodied intelligence through its development of agile, interactive quadruped robots that compete and cooperate in complex environments, benefiting from and contributing to China’s rapidly expanding industrial and commercial robotics sector [2][5]. The future of robotics in China remains promising, with continued investment, innovation, and commercialization driving the sector forward.
In the ongoing progress of China's technological advancement, the role of artificial intelligence in business organically expands, as demonstrated by Unitree Robotics' integration into the broader robotics marketplaces. Furthermore, the potential of robotics AI to breach critical thresholds for widespread adoption promises a prosperous future for this field in China.
