The humanoid robot sector has received multiple positive developments.
On November 5, several key updates emerged: XPeng unveiled its next-generation humanoid robot, UBTECH Robotics and DOBOT secured major robotics contracts, ByteDance reportedly entered the humanoid robot race, and China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) pledged to advance technological upgrades in the field.
At the 2025 XPeng Tech Day in Guangzhou, the company introduced its latest humanoid robot, IRON. XPeng CEO He Xiaopeng highlighted IRON’s advanced features, including a human-like spine, biomimetic muscles, full-coverage flexible skin, a 3D curved display head, lifelike shoulders, and dexterous hands with 22 degrees of freedom. XPeng aims to achieve mass production of high-end humanoid robots by late 2026.
UBTECH Robotics won a ¥159 million contract for its Walker S2 humanoid robots in a public tender by Sichuan’s Zigong Digital Investment. This marks UBTECH’s second major order after securing a ¥250 million deal in September, bringing its total Walker series orders this year to over ¥800 million.
Meanwhile, DOBOT partnered with Lens Technology, which committed to purchasing 1,000 embodied intelligent robots by 2025.
At the Hongqiao International Economic Forum, Leng Xiaokun, Chairman of Leju Robotics, predicted that industrial humanoid robot deliveries could exceed 10,000 units per company by next year.
Reports suggest ByteDance’s Volcano Engine team is recruiting high-profile experts in embodied intelligence for humanoid robot R&D, offering monthly salaries of ¥95,000–120,000.
Yao Jia, Deputy Director of MIIT’s Science and Technology Department, emphasized humanoid robots as the next-generation super terminal, following smartphones and EVs. MIIT plans to accelerate R&D in key technologies like vision, language, and motion models.
### Market Impact Open-source securities noted that mass production of humanoid robots is imminent, with Tesla, Unitree, and Zhiyuan expected to scale output by 2026. The sector could mirror the early growth trajectory of batteries and EVs from 2015–2017.
Data shows 15 humanoid robot-related stocks saw over ¥1 billion in net financing inflows since H2 2025, led by Shenghong Tech, CATL, Northern Rare Earth, Sanhua Intelligent Control, and Huagong Tech.
Shenghong Tech confirmed partnerships with leading humanoid robot firms, while Sanhua Intelligent Control, a Tesla supplier, is speculated to provide core components for Optimus robots.
Among 20 profitable humanoid robot stocks with steady growth, Shenghong Tech, Northern Rare Earth, JL MAG, Smartsens, and Ecovacs reported over 100% YoY net profit increases.
Northern Rare Earth cited humanoid robots as a key driver for rare-earth magnet demand, while JL MAG noted growing interest in neodymium magnets for robotics, though current revenue impact remains minimal.