About nine years ago, Boston Dynamics surprised the world with Atlas, a 150-centimetre-tall humanoid robot capable of replicating various daily activities, such as climbing stairs and navigating uneven terrain. Atlas showcased the potential for robots to assist in physical tasks and enhance everyday life, sparking global interest in humanoid robotics.

Since then, the tech landscape has evolved dramatically, with rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation allowing robots to perform increasingly complex tasks. These developments have improved performance and enhanced the aesthetics and functionalities of humanoid robots. According to Goldman Sachs, the global market for humanoid robots could reach nearly $38 billion by 2035, highlighting the sector’s enormous potential.

Asian countries like China, Japan, and South Korea are at the forefront of this development, leveraging their technological expertise and innovation ecosystems to build advanced humanoid robots. Fuelled by government initiatives and local innovations, these nations are making significant strides toward creating versatile humanoid companions that could transform industries and daily lives.

China: a leader in humanoid robotics

China is emerging as a powerhouse in humanoid robot development. Last October, the country’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology released a comprehensive report outlining plans to enhance humanoid robotics technology. By 2025, China aims to establish a robust supply chain and, by 2027, set up the infrastructure for mass production. This initiative aligns with China’s ambition to become a global leader in robotics while bolstering its domestic tech sector.

The report labelled humanoid robots as “disruptive products” that could transform human lives and various industries, including healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing. In August 2023, Beijing announced plans to invest $1.4 billion in fostering domestic robotics innovation, complementing similar initiatives in Shanghai. These investments signal a strong commitment to advancing technology and maintaining a competitive edge on the global stage.

China’s manufacturing sector has seen rapid robot deployment, achieving the fifth-highest robot density in the world. As of 2022, China accounted for over 50% of industrial robot installations globally.

Some experts suggest that this push toward humanoid robotics is partly driven by a declining labour force. Projections indicate a 20 percent decrease in China’s working-age population by 2045. This demographic shift presents challenges that humanoid robots could help address.

Humanoid robots

Leading developers like Tesla are influencing China’s humanoid robot landscape. Tesla’s Shanghai factory, established in 2019, has inspired local companies to innovate. The recent World Robot Conference showcased over 600 robotic products, including 27 humanoid models, with a significant presence of Chinese developers. Events like this help foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the robotics community.

One of the notable players is YuShu Technology, which unveiled its bipedal humanoid robot H1 in May 2024. This robot can maintain balance against external impacts and interact with humans using AI-powered software, making it suitable for various applications, including healthcare and service industries. Another key player, Sichuan Tianlian Robot Co., is mass-producing its multi-purpose metal robot T1, priced between 200,000 and 400,000 yuan ($28,000 to $56,000). This robot is designed for diverse tasks, from manufacturing to piloting aircraft, showcasing the versatility of modern humanoid designs.

In addition to full humanoids, semi-humanoid robots are gaining traction. Shenzhen-based Pudu Robotics has launched the Pudu D7, which features an omnidirectional chassis and AI capabilities that allow it to learn from service scenarios and improve performance over time. This robot is aimed at sectors like hospitality and logistics, where efficient service is crucial.

Japan: a more cautious approach

Japan has a storied history in humanoid robotics, starting with Honda’s ASIMO, the world’s first bipedal humanoid. ASIMO shocked audiences with its advanced mobility and capabilities. However, interest in ASIMO waned after Boston Dynamics showcased significant advancements with Atlas. The team behind ASIMO was disbanded in 2018, marking a shift in Japan’s approach to humanoid development.

Japanese robotics firms are now taking a more measured approach, focusing on market viability and commercial potential. The government’s “Robot Revolution Initiative”, launched in 2015, primarily emphasises industrial robots, leading many developers to pivot their efforts toward this area.

Nevertheless, Japanese companies are innovating within this cautious framework. Kawasaki Robotics recently launched the eighth generation of its humanoid robot model, Kaleido, alongside a collaborative robot called Friends. These robots emphasise social interaction, with developers striving to create machines that exhibit more facial expressions and friendly appearances, helping to reduce the psychological barriers to human-robot interaction.

Innovative projects, like the University of Tokyo’s initiative to culture living human skin tissues for humanoid robots, highlight Japan’s interest in enhancing the human-like qualities of robots. Such advancements could pave the way for robots that better mimic human behaviour and emotions, making them more relatable and effective in social settings.

Additionally, companies like SoftBank Robotics continue to explore the potential of humanoid robots in various domains, from education to healthcare. Their robot Pepper, designed to interact with people in a friendly manner, exemplifies Japan’s commitment to developing socially aware robots that can engage with users effectively.

South Korea: driven by big tech

South Korea has a rich history of humanoid robotics, dating back to 1999 with the four-legged Centaur. The first bipedal robot, HUBO, was developed in 2004 by the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology, marking a significant milestone in the country’s robotics journey. Samsung Electronics built its first humanoid robot in 2012 and is currently focusing on applications in manufacturing, food service, and retail, potentially integrating its in-house generative AI, Samsung Gauss, reports say.

The late 2010s marked significant advancements in South Korea’s humanoid robot sector, spurred by tech giants like NAVER. In 2019, NAVER Labs introduced AMBIDEX, a humanoid robot capable of playing table tennis with humans, showcasing advanced dexterity and interaction capabilities. Hyundai Motor’s acquisition of Boston Dynamics in 2020 further emphasised the country’s commitment to robotics and innovation in this field.

Although South Korea had a higher robot density than China as of 2021, over 50% of its market remains focused on manufacturing. However, growth in this sector has stagnated, with an annual growth rate of just 0.9% since 2021. Reports indicate that the robotics component market is expanding faster than the robot market, signalling a potential shift in focus toward more advanced robotic solutions.

Humanoid robots in Asia

The South Korean government is also investing in robotics education and research, aiming to nurture talent and support startups in humanoid robotics. Initiatives to collaborate with universities and research institutions are underway to drive innovation and develop cutting-edge technologies.

As global competition in humanoid robot development intensifies, Asia—particularly China, Japan, and South Korea—stands at the forefront. Each country’s unique approach is shaped by historical context, market demands, and technological capabilities.

China’s aggressive investment and focus on mass production position it as a leader in the field, while Japan’s cautious and socially oriented innovations present a different yet significant path. With its tech giants driving development and a strong emphasis on collaboration, South Korea is poised to make considerable strides as well.

The future of humanoid robotics in Asia promises not only technological advancements but also significant implications for industries and daily life, including healthcare, service sectors, and manufacturing. As these countries continue to innovate and develop, they will play a crucial role in shaping the global landscape of robotics, making it a space to watch closely.