The Rise of Humanoid Robots: A Global Race Ignited at CES 2025
A Groundbreaking Introduction in Las Vegas
On January 7, 2025, at the highly anticipated Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang captivated the audience by presenting 14 humanoid robots. This demonstration marked what Huang described as a "ChatGPT moment for general-purpose robots," signifying a breakthrough in humanoid robotics and artificial intelligence.
A Cultural Spectacle in China
Shortly after CES, during China’s Spring Festival Gala, a spectacular televised event seen by over a billion viewers showcased 16 H1 robots from Unitree Robotics performing a traditional folk dance. These humanoid robots displayed intricate movements powered by advanced cloud computing and AI-driven motion controls, including graceful spins and elegant handkerchief throws.
The Race for Robotics Supremacy
These landmark showcases reveal a growing trend in 2025: the prominence of humanoid robots, particularly driven by advancements from the U.S. and China. The spectacle at CES, where out of the 14 showcased robots, 8 were American and 6 were Chinese, raises an intriguing question: which nation is leading the charge in humanoid robotics?
The Battle of Intelligence vs. Hardware
Experts suggest that while the U.S. excels in AI technology—the essential "brain" behind humanoid robots—China has taken the lead in hardware development, crafting increasingly agile and robust robotic bodies. In the U.S., Tesla, Boston Dynamics, and Figure AI are at the forefront of AI-driven humanoid robotics. Meanwhile, China boasts a faster-growing market, showcasing significant competition among firms like UBTech, Unitree, EngineAI, and Agibot.
Notable Advancements from Chinese Innovators
Chinese robotics companies have achieved remarkable milestones in recent years. For instance, Unitree’s G1 and H1 models exhibit extraordinary balance and agility, performing tasks ranging from martial arts to graceful dancing. EngineAI’s PM01 can perform front flips, while its SE01 model stands out with an impressively human-like gait. Notably, RobotEra’s XBot-L made headlines by climbing the Great Wall of China.
American Robotics: A Glimpse into the Future
In the U.S., Tesla’s Optimus has showcased its versatility, performing a variety of tasks from sorting colored blocks to executing yoga poses. Additionally, Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot is making waves in production environments, particularly at the Hyundai Motor Group’s facilities in South Korea, performing high-efficiency repetitive tasks.
Illustration of humanoid robots between the U.S. and China. Photo by xAI Grok
China’s Manufacturing Edge
China’s position as the "world’s factory" grants it a significant cost advantage in manufacturing humanoid robots. The International Federation of Robotics highlights that over half of all robots installed globally in 2023 were produced in China. This dominant manufacturing capability allows Chinese firms to offer competitive pricing while benefiting from an extensive supply chain.
Competitive Pricing Driving Innovation
The fierce competition among Chinese robotics firms has pushed prices down to below 200,000 yuan (approximately US$27,825), according to He Liang, a professor from Northwestern Polytechnical University. Agibot, which announced plans for mass production of humanoid robots in December 2024, aims for 962 units in 2025, while Unitree recently unveiled its H1 and G1 models on JD.com, priced at 99,000 yuan and 650,000 yuan, respectively.
U.S. Plans for Mass Production
On the American side, Tesla is ramping up its efforts, continuing tests for its Optimus robots with an eye on mass production by the end of 2025. CEO Elon Musk has ambitious plans to produce thousands of units, with projected prices ranging between US$20,000 and US$30,000. Moreover, Agility Robotics has secured $150 million from Amazon to establish a factory for its Digit robot, although production timelines for 2025 have yet to be confirmed.
The Value of AI Technology in Robotics
A significant portion—approximately 80%—of a humanoid robot’s value is derived from the AI chips and software it employs. This area remains a stronghold for the U.S., where companies like OpenAI, Boston Dynamics, and Nvidia continue to push the frontiers of AI technology, solidifying America’s edge in the intelligence of humanoid robotics.
Innovations Introduced at CES 2025
At CES 2025, Jensen Huang unveiled Cosmos, a sophisticated deep-learning model tailored for next-generation robotics. Moreover, Nvidia collaborated with Carnegie Mellon University to introduce ASAP, a simulation model enabling robots to master complex, human-like movements. Partnerships with various American universities bolster efforts to integrate cutting-edge AI into humanoid robotics research.
Emerging Competitors in AI Software
While the U.S. currently leads in AI technology, China’s advancements in this area cannot be overlooked. The launch of DeepSeek, a low-cost yet powerful AI competitor to top-tier Western models, indicates that China is on a promising trajectory in humanoid robotics software development.
Insights from Industry Leaders
In an interview with the Financial Times, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt emphasized the escalating competition in AI between the U.S. and China, underscoring that "[DeepSeek’s] algorithmic innovations remind us that China and the U.S. are neck and that our technological edge isn’t guaranteed, pushing our industry to make AI more efficient."
Conclusion: A New Era of Robotics Awaits
The unveiling of humanoid robots at both CES 2025 and China’s Spring Festival Gala marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of robotics. As the U.S. and China continue to innovate and compete, the future of humanoid robots looks promising. With advancements in AI technology and robotics hardware, the landscape is rapidly evolving. The coming years are set to deepen this rivalry and unlock exciting capabilities that could transform various industries across the globe. As we witness these technological leaps, the world watches closely, eager to see which nation will emerge as the leader in humanoid robotics.
