Unitree Robotics Aims to Sell Up to 20,000 Humanoid Robots in 2026

Chinese firm Unitree Robotics is setting an ambitious goal to sell between 10,000 and 20,000 of its anthropomorphic robots in 2026, according to company head Wang Xingxing. This target signals a significant move towards the mass commercialization of humanoid robots, an industry currently dominated by research and small-scale deployments. While acknowledging that technological limitations, particularly in the robot’s cognitive abilities or “brain,” still hinder widespread adoption, the company is pushing forward with scaling its production.

A Showcase of Advanced Agility

Unitree demonstrated the impressive capabilities of its hardware at a recent New Year’s gala concert, providing a vivid example of its progress. The performance featured more than 10 humanoid robots moving in perfect synchrony across the stage, managed by a sophisticated “swarm control” technology. The robots showcased remarkable coordination and speed, reaching up to 4 m/s (9 mph).

The androids performed a complex routine that included:

• Elements of traditional Wushu, including acrobatic stunts.
• A series of somersaults on one leg.
• Flips using a wall for support and parkour-style movements.
• Simulated combat with a staff, sword, and nunchucks.
• A demonstration of balance in the “drunken fist” style, where one robot intentionally fell onto its back and then quickly rose to its feet.

Market Context and Competitive Landscape

Unitree’s sales target is aggressive when compared to the entire global market, which saw approximately 13,000-16,000 total units shipped in 2025. However, the industry is poised for explosive growth, with some analysts projecting the market to reach between $4-5 billion in 2026. Unitree is a significant player, having shipped an estimated 4,200 units in 2025, second only to fellow Chinese company Agibot.

The company’s H1 model is priced at around $90,000, making it a competitive option against rivals like Agility Robotics’ Digit (around $250,000) while offering superior mobility. The humanoid robot race includes major international players such as Tesla with its Optimus robot, Boston Dynamics’ Atlas, and Figure AI, which is focusing on AI integration and has already deployed its robots in BMW manufacturing facilities. While Tesla aims for a lower price point, potentially under $25,000 in the future, Unitree’s current offerings are already available for purchase and are recognized for their advanced locomotion.

A Look to the Future

CEO Wang Xingxing believes the industry is approaching its “ChatGPT moment,” a point where a breakthrough in embodied AI models will trigger a massive reallocation of global investment. He has stated that the key challenge is the pace of progress in large AI models for robotics, which he feels is slightly slower than anticipated but still advancing rapidly. The ultimate goal is for a robot to successfully complete about 80% of tasks given by voice or text in an unfamiliar environment. Achieving the 2026 sales target would not only be a major success for Unitree but would also mark a critical inflection point for the entire industry, accelerating the transition of humanoid robots from novelty demonstrations to practical tools in manufacturing, logistics, and eventually, daily life.