China is on the brink of a technological transformation, with its humanoid robotics industry accelerating at a remarkable pace. Following the recent production of the 5,000th mass-produced humanoid robot at the AgiBot factory in Shanghai, the country’s ambitions in automation are becoming increasingly clear. This surge in robotics not only aims to enhance manufacturing efficiency but also poses significant implications for the global workforce.
A Robotics Renaissance in China
In the bustling city of Shanghai, Guchi Robotics stands out as a beacon of innovation in the automation sector. Founded by Chen Liang in 2019, the company focuses on automating complex tasks in car manufacturing, such as the installation of wheels, dashboards, and windows. Chen’s vision is ambitious: to automate the final assembly process, which he estimates is currently only 20% achieved. As he remarked, “Our goal is to liberate workers by enhancing efficiency through robotics.”
The Chinese government has invested heavily in this technological quest. In 2025, a staggering £100 billion fund was established to support strategic technologies, including robotics. Currently, around 140 companies are vying to develop humanoid robots, with cities like Shanghai and Beijing leading the charge. The lunar new year festival showcased some of these innovations, featuring robots performing acrobatic feats and comedic acts, signalling a bold new era for robotics in China.
The Race for Humanoid Automation
During a recent visit to Guchi’s operations, I witnessed firsthand the intersection of ambition and pragmatism. A team from General Motors was testing Guchi’s wheel-installation machines, showcasing the international interest in Chinese robotics. One engineer from GM, who preferred to remain anonymous, candidly stated, “Eliminating human operators is a key part of our production strategy.” The shift towards automation, while beneficial for efficiency, raises important questions about the future of employment in manufacturing.
Chen highlighted the stark contrast between Chinese and American engineers. “The difference lies in cost and speed,” he explained. “In China, we can deploy thousands to tackle a problem, while in the US, that number is often much smaller.” This concentration of talent and resources in China is propelling the country to the forefront of the robotics race.
Inside the Guchi warehouse, robots were hard at work, mounting parts with precision. The atmosphere was a blend of excitement and uncertainty—could this technology truly replace human workers in the near future? As Chen pointed out, the younger generation in China is increasingly unwilling to endure factory drudgery, suggesting a shift in societal attitudes towards work.
The Vision-Language-Action Model
At Galbot, another prominent player in the humanoid robotics space, the focus is on developing robots capable of understanding and navigating complex environments. Founded in 2023, Galbot aims to create humanoids that can perform simple but essential tasks, such as picking and placing objects. Their approach is predicated on a sophisticated vision-language-action (VLA) model, which enables robots to learn and adapt to new situations much like humans do.
In a recent meeting, Galbot’s engineers demonstrated their progress. They highlighted the deployment of their robots in pharmacies and retail environments, emphasising the need for comprehensive training data to enhance robot performance. Chen, who was present, offered his expertise, suggesting ways to improve the robots’ capabilities for factory settings.
However, the technology remains in its infancy. While Galbot’s robots can perform controlled tasks, they struggle with flexibility in unpredictable environments. The promise of humanoid robots that can seamlessly integrate into daily life remains a distant goal.
The Teleoperation Workforce
A significant aspect of China’s robotics landscape is the teleoperation workforce, comprising individuals trained to guide robots through tasks. Working conditions for these teleoperators raise ethical questions about the future of human labour in an automated world. Many are young workers employed through labour dispatch companies, performing repetitive actions to gather data for training robots.
Ulrik Hansen, co-founder of Encord, noted that the rise of teleoperations is indicative of a shift in manufacturing jobs. “For every 15 to 20 robots, you need a person to manage them,” he explained. This suggests that while automation will displace certain roles, it may also create new opportunities in robot management.
Nonetheless, concerns about the dehumanising nature of teleoperation work persist. Reports from former teleoperators suggest a regimented environment that strips away individuality, resembling the experience of lab rats. As China’s technological ambitions continue to grow, the treatment of these workers will likely come under scrutiny.
Why it Matters
China’s aggressive push into humanoid robotics holds profound implications for the global manufacturing landscape. As the country continues to automate its factories, the potential displacement of millions of workers raises critical questions about the future of employment not only in China but worldwide. The race to develop advanced robotics is not merely about technological superiority; it reflects broader societal shifts and the urgent need for new frameworks to address the challenges posed by automation. As the world watches, the balance between innovation and human employment will define the next chapter in the story of global manufacturing.
