China vs. USA: The race for humanoid robot supremacy heats up
China is boosting its commitment to advancing humanoid robot technology, with the aim of achieving global leadership. The United States does not want to fall behind, signalling intense competition. The year 2025 may prove to be crucial.
The success of companies like DeepSeek and Unitree amplifies China's efforts to emerge as a leading humanoid robot manufacturer. The technological race has begun, and the United States does not intend to lag. Will the USA succeed in surpassing China?
Futuristic show in Las Vegas
During the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, which took place on January 7th, Jensen Huang, CEO of the American company Nvidia, highlighted in his speech that the robotics industry is on the cusp of a significant breakthrough. Huang was joined on stage by 14 humanoid robots, which were meant to demonstrate the impending change. Among the 14 robots on the CES stage—including the Unitree H1 model—six companies were from China and four from the USA.
The coming period is crucial for the industry, and 2025 may bring changes and the realization of scenarios straight out of science fiction. A potential win for one of the world's economies will have global effects.
Spectacular show at the Chinese Spring Festival Gala
According to the SCMP portal, a few weeks later during the Spring Festival Gala, organized for the Chinese New Year, a unique performance was presented. Robots performed on stage alongside artists, showcasing artistic collaboration between humans and robots. Products from the Unitree company can boast coordination and skill. The machines themselves were incredibly synchronized and precise. The display of robotics achievements at the festival was no accident because the event is extremely popular, and the gala was watched by over a billion viewers.
China plans for robots to become an integral part of the industry by 2035. Guidelines supporting innovation are already being introduced, and by 2025, an innovation system related to humanoids is expected to be established.
Appetite grows with eating, and the USA does not want to lose
Both events stirred interest, moved audiences, and heightened the appetite for winning the technological race. The direction for 2025 in the robotics industry has been set, and many robot manufacturers are preparing for mass production and global commercialization. Experts predict that in the next 5–10 years, humanoids may become commonplace, and like artificial intelligence, will become a part of daily life.
Companies from around the world strive to secure their share of this spectacular yet somewhat unsettling race. Although no country seems completely dominant, China and the United States are undoubtedly at the forefront.
As the robotic revolution gains momentum, it becomes increasingly clear that it is not just a matter of technological progress, but also social and economic. The stakes involve the future of relations between humans and machines and the distribution of power in the labour market. We do not know who and which country will win this crucial race, but it is hard to deny that the competition between world economies keeps almost the entire world in suspense.
In the coming years, we can expect further development and innovation in this field. The production and commercialization of human-like robots will change the world and could affect every aspect of our lives. Regardless of our feelings, we must be prepared for a breakthrough that will impact the global economy.
