China’s Unitree Targets $7 Billion IPO Amid Intensifying Humanoid Robot Competition

Unitree Robotics Sets Ambitious IPO Valuation Amid Growing Humanoid Robot Market

Unitree Robotics, a prominent Chinese technology startup specializing in humanoid robots, is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) that could value the company at up to 50 billion yuan (approximately $7 billion). This move aims to solidify Unitree’s position as a global leader in the emerging humanoid robotics sector.

Company Background and Market Position

Based in Zhejiang province, Unitree has distinguished itself as a frontrunner in China’s humanoid robotics industry. The company’s humanoid robots, powered by artificial intelligence, mimic human appearance and movement and are deployed in industrial and service applications. Unitree has garnered significant investment from major Chinese conglomerates including Alibaba, Tencent, and Geely.

According to sources cited by Reuters, the planned IPO valuation marks a substantial increase from Unitree’s previous funding rounds earlier this year. The company announced on its social media platform X in late August that it is actively preparing for the IPO and intends to submit application documents in the fourth quarter of 2025. While the exact amount Unitree aims to raise remains undisclosed, the company reported profitability since 2020 and revenues exceeding 1 billion yuan (about $140 million).

Context: China’s Strategic Push in Humanoid Robotics

Unitree’s IPO plans coincide with Beijing’s intensified support for domestic artificial intelligence and robotics enterprises. Earlier in 2025, Unitree’s founder, Wang Xingxing, reportedly participated in a high-profile meeting with President Xi Jinping, underscoring the government’s focus on advancing this technology sector. Furthermore, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has issued guidelines targeting mass production of humanoid robots by 2025.

Competitive Landscape

Unitree competes in a rapidly evolving market alongside Chinese peers such as Agibot (Zhiyuan Robotics) and Galbot, which are actively deploying humanoid robots in manufacturing environments, including automotive production lines at companies like BYD and Geely.

Independent analyst Lian Jye Su of Omdia recognizes Unitree as one of the leading global vendors in mobile and humanoid robots, citing its substantial market share behind Agibot domestically. Industry estimates project global humanoid robot shipments to reach 18,000 units in 2025, up from 2,500 the previous year, reflecting accelerating demand.

International Competition and Technological Ecosystem

Globally, the humanoid robot sector is heating up. The U.S. market features significant players like Boston Dynamics and Figure AI, with Tesla’s Optimus robot leading in commercial readiness. Tesla plans to produce approximately 5,000 units in 2025, with a higher price point than Unitree’s robots.

Analysts note that China holds an early advantage in commercial humanoid robot deployment and pricing. Morgan Stanley highlights Unitree’s G1 robot as likely the most widely used humanoid robot worldwide, priced from $16,000, compared to Tesla’s Optimus Gen2 at an expected starting price above $20,000. Unitree’s recently launched R1 model, priced at $5,900, aims to gather data to improve future models.

Despite China’s lead in commercial products, the U.S. maintains a robust ecosystem with strengths in AI chipsets (Nvidia, Intel), hyperscale cloud providers (Google, Meta), and robotics software firms. Notably, Chinese robotics companies, including Unitree, leverage Nvidia’s Jetson AGX Thor platform to enhance real-time intelligent interactions.

Outlook

Unitree’s upcoming IPO could be one of the largest Chinese tech listings in recent years, reflecting both the company’s growth trajectory and the broader revival of China’s stock markets after regulatory tightening. The offering will be closely watched as a bellwether for China’s ambitions in AI-driven robotics and its ability to compete on the global stage.