China’s AgiBot has overtaken its domestic rival Unitree Robotics to become the world’s largest humanoid robot vendor in the first half of 2026, according to a report by San Francisco-based research firm Smart Analytics Global (SAG).

Shanghai-based AgiBot captured 44% of the global market after shipping approximately 8,400 humanoid robots from January to June. The company’s shipments surged 562% year on year, supported by a diversified product portfolio including full-size bipedal A-series models, compact X-series units, and wheeled G-series robots.

In contrast, Hangzhou-based Unitree fell to second place, shipping about 5,900 units and securing 31% of the global market. Unitree’s shipments remained concentrated in its flagship G1 model, with a significant share deployed in education, research, and performance sectors.

Both companies are preparing for public listings amid growing interest in physical AI. Unitree is set for a highly anticipated initial public offering on Shanghai’s Star Market, pricing shares at 150.8 yuan each and aiming to raise roughly 6.1 billion yuan (US$904 million), according to a recent filing.

This market shift highlights the intensifying competition in China’s humanoid robotics sector as it moves towards capital markets and broader commercial adoption.

Sources