During CCTV’s Spring Festival Gala, humanoid robots developed by Hangzhou Unitree Robotics captivated audiences by performing traditional Yangko dances in festive costumes. This showcase highlighted Zhejiang Province’s strategic advancements in humanoid robotics, where automotive manufacturing expertise is accelerating innovation in next-generation automation.
China’s 2025 Government Work Report emphasized developing future industries including embodied intelligence, positioning humanoid robots as strategic priorities. Zhejiang’s Provincial Implementation Plan for Humanoid Robot Industry Innovation (2024-2027) targets ambitious growth: annual production of 20,000 humanoid robot units, core industry value of ¥20 billion, and related industry scale of ¥50 billion by 2027.
- Technological Synergy
Zhejiang’s automotive sector, producing 1.742 million vehicles in 2024 with over ¥1 trillion in new-energy vehicle cluster revenue, provides foundational technologies for humanoid robot development. “Sensors, control systems, and motion algorithms from automotive applications directly translate to humanoid robotics,” explains Gao Zelong, AI Industry Alliance expert.
Key transitions include:
- Ningbo Tuopu Group adapting EV motor technology for humanoid robot joint modules
- Changhua Holding Group leveraging precision metalwork for robotic roller screws
- Ningbo Joyson Electronic repurposing automotive safety actuators for humanoid robot limb control
At Joyson Group’s exhibition center, humanoid robot J.A.R.V.I.S demonstrates dexterous manipulation capabilities. “Our automotive-robotics synergy positions us as Tier-1 suppliers for global embodied intelligence developers,” states Joyson Electronic’s representative. The company has achieved breakthroughs across three core humanoid robot systems: intelligent decision-making (“brain”), motion control (“cerebellum”), and mechanical execution (“limbs”).
Currently, Zhejiang hosts over 100 humanoid robot enterprises, including 40+ listed companies. Wang Huajun, chief machinery analyst at Zheshang Securities, notes: “Zhejiang leads China’s humanoid robot ecosystem through policy coordination and full-chain integration, with mass production scheduled for 2025.”
- Supply Chain Integration
Established automotive partnerships accelerate humanoid robot development. “Automakers’ understanding of end-user requirements guides component innovation, while suppliers’ manufacturing expertise solves technical challenges,” says an industry insider. Automotive quality certifications like ISO 26262 are directly transferable to humanoid robot production, significantly reducing validation timelines.
Ningbo Xusheng Group exemplifies this transition. After rigorous qualification as a premium EV manufacturer’s supplier, the company now applies aluminum die-casting expertise to humanoid robot components. “Our precision manufacturing capabilities developed through automotive partnerships create immediate cross-industry advantages,” comments a Xusheng associate. Fan Zhimin, asset management director at Zhejiang Zheyin Huijin, confirms: “Firms with automotive DNA achieve faster client adoption through cost-efficient solutions.”
- Policy Framework
Zhejiang’s Implementation Plan establishes specialized regional development:
- Hangzhou and Ningbo: Focus on controllers, sensors, and electronic skins
- Wenzhou, Shaoxing, Lishui: Develop specialized motors and bearings
- Taizhou and Quzhou: Advance precision reducers and servo systems
- Huzhou and Jiaxing: Expand component manufacturing
This coordinated approach prevents redundant competition while building comprehensive humanoid robot supply chains.
- Commercialization Challenges
Despite progress, technical barriers remain. Lu Hanchen, director of Gaogong Robot Industry Research Institute, identifies interdependent challenges: “Dynamic balance control requires mechanical-algorithm co-design, embodied AI needs physical-digital integration, and data scarcity limits algorithm refinement. The commercialization tipping point arrives when humanoid robots achieve 0.1mm motion precision, comprehend complex commands, and enable real-time data iteration.”
Wang Huajun proposes dual strategies: “Short-term focus on industrial applications like automotive assembly lines, followed by logistics and security deployments. Long-term expansion into domestic and healthcare sectors requires policy incentives and user education.” Technical roadmaps emphasize domestic supply chain development for critical components like hollow-cup motors and roller screws.
- Application-Driven Growth
Zhejiang’s Implementation Plan prioritizes scenario-based innovation:
- Industrial integration: Deploy humanoid robots for material handling, welding, and quality inspection in automotive and textile sectors
- Service applications: Implement humanoid robots for reception, elderly care, household services, and retail guidance
Public demonstration projects will be established in commercial centers, transportation hubs, and future community developments. This application-first approach aims to accelerate humanoid robot adoption through practical validation rather than theoretical perfection.
Through automotive manufacturing heritage, coordinated policymaking, and scenario-driven development, Zhejiang is transforming from an industrial powerhouse into a global epicenter for humanoid robot innovation. The province’s systematic integration of existing strengths positions it to lead the emerging trillion-yuan embodied intelligence market.