Chinese Humanoid Robots Take Center Stage as Japan Faces Growing Competition in AI Race

BY EMMANUEL OGBONNA

Humanoid robots capable of threading needles, dancing with childlike movements and carrying out industrial tasks took the spotlight Thursday at the Humanoids Summit Tokyo, where global robotics companies gathered to showcase the next phase of artificial intelligence and automation technology.

The exhibition highlighted both the remarkable progress of humanoid robotics and a shifting balance of power within the industry, with Chinese manufacturers emerging as dominant forces in a field once heavily associated with Japanese innovation.

Among the participants were major global names including and , but many attendees said the strongest attention centered on rapidly expanding Chinese robotics firms such as and .

Industry observers said Chinese companies have accelerated development by refining technologies originally pioneered in Japan and the United States while focusing aggressively on lower production costs and faster commercialization. Analysts noted the trend resembles the competitive shifts that previously transformed industries such as consumer electronics, smartphones and electric vehicles, sectors in which Japanese firms were early leaders before Chinese manufacturers captured major global market share.

Tim Hornyak, author of Loving the Machine: The Art and Science of Japanese Robots, said Japan’s robotics industry risks suffering from what is often described as the “Galapagos syndrome,” a term used to describe advanced domestic technologies that fail to adapt successfully to international markets.

Hornyak said Japan still possesses strong engineering capabilities but warned that Chinese firms have moved more quickly to commercialize humanoid systems at scale.

“I really hope that Japan can come up with a Ford Model T-version of humanoid robots,” he said during the summit. “But I think China has already stolen their lunch. It’s a bit too little too late.”

One of the most talked-about products at the event was the Mini Pi Plus humanoid robot developed by Chinese company . The compact machine danced, waved and interacted with visitors, drawing large crowds despite not yet being capable of advanced industrial labor or household chores.

Its appeal partly came from affordability. Starting at around $5,500, the robot reflected a growing push by Chinese firms to produce lower-cost humanoid machines aimed at broader commercial adoption.

The influence of Chinese robotics manufacturers was visible throughout the exhibition hall. Tokyo-based AI and robotics company demonstrated a humanoid robot intended to support cargo handling and other operational tasks for at airports.

The system was designed to replicate human movements closely enough that robots and workers could perform tasks interchangeably, an approach aimed at helping Japan address worsening labor shortages caused by an aging population and shrinking workforce.

However, much of the core robotics technology powering the machine came from Chinese robotics company , which has gained international attention for its humanoid systems and agile four-legged robotic platforms.

Unitree also showcased a dog-like robotic machine described as a “stellar explorer,” underscoring how Chinese firms are rapidly broadening their product portfolios across industrial, commercial and consumer robotics markets.

Experts at the summit said Japan’s long-standing strengths in precision manufacturing and engineering made the country a natural incubator for robotics research. Japan’s cultural openness toward robots has also historically encouraged innovation and public acceptance.

Surveys consistently show that Japanese consumers tend to view robotics and artificial intelligence more positively than populations in many Western countries. Analysts say that social acceptance could still give Japan an advantage as humanoid robots move from laboratories into daily life.

Japanese automaker , whose Asimo robot became a global symbol of humanoid robotics after its debut in 2000, demonstrated advanced robotic hands capable of handling extremely delicate tasks.

The four-fingered mechanical hands on display could screw and unscrew tiny bolts with high precision and even thread a sewing needle, showcasing engineering refinement that remains a hallmark of Japanese robotics development.

Keisuke Tsuta, an assistant chief engineer at Honda, said the company’s robotics systems emphasize durability, reliability and production quality rather than simply eye-catching demonstrations.

Tsuta acknowledged the increasing number of Chinese competitors exhibiting similar robotic hands nearby but argued that Japanese manufacturing expertise still provides a significant competitive advantage.

He said Honda’s systems were designed for long-term industrial use and built to withstand demanding operational environments, areas where Japanese engineering has historically excelled.

Despite concerns over China’s rapid rise in the sector, some veteran Japanese robotics researchers expressed confidence that Japan will continue to play a major role in the evolution of humanoid technology.

, a professor at Osaka University known internationally for developing lifelike androids including a robotic version of himself, argued that Japan’s social relationship with robotics remains unique.

“What’s significant is that Japan has a culture that’s receptive to robotics,” Ishiguro said. “If we’re going to really start using robots in society, Japan is the ideal place.”

He added that Japanese society generally does not view robots with suspicion or discomfort, which could help accelerate their integration into workplaces and public life.

Sitting beside him at the summit was his humanoid robotic clone, dressed in similar black clothing and programmed to mimic his appearance and speech patterns.

When asked about the future role of robots, the android delivered a philosophical answer in a calm, nearly human voice.

“I think robots will coexist with people,” the machine said. “Robots are the mirror of human beings.”

Ishiguro, smiling beside his mechanical counterpart, offered his own observation about the growing fascination with humanoid technology.

“No one is interested in me,” he joked. “All everyone cares about is my robot.”