By Blessing Nweke
Chinese humanoid robotics maker Unitree Robotics surged in its stock-market debut on Wednesday, highlighting intense investor enthusiasm for the country’s rapidly expanding robotics industry.
Unitree began trading on the Shanghai Stock Exchange’s STAR Market after pricing its initial public offering at 150.80 yuan ($22.35) per share. The company raised about 6.1 billion yuan, or roughly $900 million, giving it a valuation of around $9 billion.
Investor demand for the offering had been exceptionally strong. Retail investors subscribed for shares more than 8,000 times the amount available, setting one of the most dramatic demand levels seen on Shanghai’s technology-focused market.
Unitree, based in Hangzhou, has gained international attention for its humanoid and quadruped robots, which can walk, run, dance and perform complex movements. The company has become one of China’s most prominent robotics manufacturers as Beijing pushes to develop artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.
The listing also marks a significant milestone for the global humanoid robotics sector. Unitree is among the first pure-play humanoid robot companies to reach a major public market, giving investors a direct way to bet on the industry’s future.
However, analysts warn that the excitement surrounding humanoid robots comes with significant risks. Commercial applications remain relatively limited, while companies face high research costs, intense competition and uncertainty over how quickly robots can become profitable products.
Unitree’s strong debut nevertheless signals growing confidence in China’s ambition to become a global leader in robotics and embodied artificial intelligence.
Original article
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