Chinese humanoid robots wowed the audience with synchronized backflips on America’s Got Talent. All four judges voted “YES”. It was another stunning moment showcasing Chinese robotics prowess to the world.
Behind the spectacular performances lies fierce competition on factory floors, in warehouses and production lines.
Amid the national media campaign “High-Quality Development Tour for Private Enterprises · Intelligent Manufacturing in Guangdong”, robotic firms across Guangdong have achieved rapid growth. The region boasts the world’s highest shipment volume of collaborative robots, alongside veteran enterprises specializing in core controller research and development (R&D). Innovation is the fundamental strength that makes Chinese robotic products well-received worldwide.
A solid industrial foundation for growth
Guangdong’s robust industrial ecosystem underpins its competitive edge. As of November 2025, the province is home to over 3,700 enterprises engaged in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. Among them, more than 2,000 focus on core AI technologies. There are over 350 national-level “Little Giant” enterprises specializing in niche, sophisticated and innovative sectors, plus over 150 listed companies in related fields. All these figures rank first across China.
Sustained investment secures future development. In 2025, Guangdong’s total R&D investment reached an estimated 535 billion yuan, with the R&D intensity hitting 3.6%. The province has maintained the country’s top ranking in comprehensive regional innovation capacity for nine consecutive years. The Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster now leads the world.
Heavy investment has delivered tangible results. In 2025, Guangdong manufactured 336,300 industrial robots, accounting for 43.5% of China’s total output and leading the national ranking for six years running. The output of service robots stood at 15.1821 million units, taking up 81.7% of the national total.
This solid industrial groundwork has nurtured a vibrant environment for innovation.
From product sales to trusted partnerships
Shenzhen Yuejiang Technology Co., Ltd. ranks first globally in collaborative robot shipments, with overseas revenue making up over 50.0% of its total business. In 2025, the company’s operating revenue rose by 31.7% year on year. Its cumulative robot shipments exceeded 100,000 units. Revenue from its flagship six-axis robots surged more than 44.0% year on year.
“Overseas clients no longer merely ask about prices. They care more about durability and operational stability”, said a senior executive of Yuejiang. The company earns global trust through full-stack independent R&D.
Its One Brain, Multiple Bodies embodied intelligence platform is powered by the self-developed Kongyi Large Model. The platform drives a full range of robotic hardware. Yuejiang’s products have been deployed on production lines of global automakers including Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, BYD and Toyota. Its humanoid robots perform fully autonomous and precise operations on new energy production lines at leading auto component factories.
Proven reliability in industrial scenarios has earned the company dozens of international certifications. It has also built local sales and service networks across Europe, America and Southeast Asia.
Dedication to R&D and long-term vision
“An intelligent robot will be similar to a smartphone in the future,” said Zhang Jian, General Manager of the Customer Service Center at Guangdong Topstar Technology Co., Ltd. “It can tighten screws today and do cleaning tomorrow. Users only need to install new data packages to update its functions.” His words paint a clear picture of the future of embodied intelligent robots.
Topstar is one of China’s few enterprises that independently develop core components for industrial robots, including controllers and servo drives. Starting with injection molding equipment, the company has transformed itself into an embodied intelligent technology firm over a decade. Steady increases in R&D investment have supported this remarkable transition.
Today, Topstar runs subsidiaries in Vietnam and Mexico. It has set up customer service centers in Thailand, India and Indonesia. Its sales network covers more than 50 countries and regions, serving over 15,000 clients in total.
“Investing in R&D may mean short-term commercial losses, but it prevents technological bottlenecks in the long run,” Zhang Jian noted. This long-term mindset has helped Topstar gain independent pricing power and industry influence.
Practical demand: The best passport for global expansion
Shenzhen Pudu Technology Co., Ltd. has shipped over 130,000 robots, with its business reaching more than 85 countries and regions. Commercial cleaning robots have become its core growth driver, contributing over 70.0% of total revenue.
“Cleaning is an essential demand for all walks of life,” said Zhang Tao, founder of Pudu Technology. Advanced technology is key to capturing market opportunities. The company’s self-developed embodied large model integrates robot movement, manipulation and human-computer interaction.
Pudu’s delivery robot Bella has become a local sensation after being adopted by Carrefour stores in Poland. Local netizens have created intellectual property (IP) images for robots, and many people travel specially to see it in person. In Japan, the robot has been licensed for figure production and even featured in teaching materials.
Pudu is building an “app store” for robots. Clients can install new functional modules just like downloading mobile applications. This design greatly lowers the barriers to global deployment.
More than four decades ago, Chinese manufactured goods started its global journey with socks and shirts.
Today, Chinese robotic products work in auto factories, Japanese hotels and Polish supermarkets. They sail along the same maritime trade routes as early Chinese goods, yet carry entirely different value. Inside are self-developed algorithms, controllers and intelligent solutions. They also tell inspiring stories of Chinese private enterprises pursuing innovation and global excellence.