Chinese robot makers: Autonomous humanoid production ushers in a new era of automation

A revolutionary step in industrial automation has been taken in China, where the world’s first facility completely free of human labor has been launched. At this unique plant, humanoid robots not only assemble their own kind, but do so at impressive speed — a new humanoid robot rolls off the production line every 10 minutes. Located in the city of Liuzhou, the facility has the potential to mass-produce more than 10,000 such devices annually, highlighting the rapid development of Chinese robotics.

A new dimension for the factory assembly line

The 14,000-square-meter facility is the result of collaboration between developer UBtech and Digital Industries Software. A major role in designing the no-human factory was played by the German conglomerate Siemens, which created a detailed digital twin of the complex. This made it possible to calculate all logistics chains in advance and eliminate potential failures before construction even began, ensuring uninterrupted operation of the future production site.

In the factory, monotonous and physically exhausting tasks that were previously performed by people are now assigned to Cruzr Y1 and Cruzr S2 robot models. They handle unloading components, sorting them onto pallets, and transporting them through the workshops. At the final stages of the production process, autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), remotely operated manipulators, and cobots — assistant robots working in close cooperation — are brought in. Thanks to innovative 360-degree rotating workstations, the production line can seamlessly switch between producing Cruzr service robots and Walker S bipedal humanoids, demonstrating the flexibility and adaptability of the manufacturing system.

High standards of automated inspection

Quality control and warehouse logistics at this facility are also fully automated. Each finished machine undergoes thorough testing that lasts more than four hours. This stress test covers mechanical and electronic components, checking their reliability under different conditions. After that, the robot passes through a circular inspection tunnel equipped with ultra-high-resolution cameras. Here, the smallest, even microscopic, defects in parts assembly are detected. This multi-level quality control ensures that only flawlessly assembled machines reach consumers.

The finished products are stored in a vertical warehouse that, while occupying only 65 square meters, can hold 112 robots. This demonstrates highly efficient use of space and advanced solutions in warehouse logistics.

Economic performance and global trends

UBtech’s financial results are impressive. In the first half of the year, its revenue reached $178.8 million, representing growth of 104% compared with the previous year. The increase in sales of humanoid machines was especially notable at 268%, indicating growing demand for this technology. During the reporting period, the company produced more than 16.1 thousand units of robotic equipment.

Overall, the Chinese industrial robot market is showing remarkable momentum. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, local factories produced about 100,000 industrial robots in July alone, 30% more than a year earlier. In the first seven months of 2026, total output reached 635,000 machines, an increase of 29%.

This rapid growth is explained by the maturity of China’s industrial ecosystem. As UBtech vice president Pan Jianxin noted, mass production of complex components such as transmissions, drives, and sensors makes it possible to keep finished products competitively priced. This makes Chinese robots attractive on both the domestic and international markets.

Humanoid boom: from factory to the battlefield?

The rapid development of humanoid robotics in China is attracting interest beyond the industrial sphere as well. Reports are emerging that the Chinese military is actively developing humanoid robots for military purposes. The idea is for these machines to supplement infantry soldiers, helping clear buildings during urban combat. However, experts urge caution, noting that despite impressive demonstrations, modern robots are still energy-intensive and not always reliable in real combat conditions.

This humanoid boom sweeping China opens new horizons for automation, but at the same time raises difficult questions for society about the future of work, the role of humans in industry, and the potential use of these advanced technologies in various areas of life, including defense.