Analysts from Mirae Asset Global Investments (Hong Kong) recently highlighted that the Global X China Robotics & AI ETF (02807), as an investment vehicle focusing on China's leading robotics and AI companies, covers two of the most representative AI application fields—humanoid robots and Robotaxis. The ETF is poised to benefit significantly from the triple tailwinds of humanoid robot orders, financing, and policy support, as well as the accelerated commercialization of Robotaxis, demonstrating strong growth potential.
The report notes that China's humanoid robot sector is experiencing rapid commercialization. Major manufacturers such as Zhiyuan, Unitree, and UBTECH ROBOTICS (09880) announced multi-million-dollar orders in the past two months, with UBTECH securing a record-breaking RMB 250 million order in September. Most integrators aim to deliver hundreds to thousands of units this year.
Meanwhile, financing in the humanoid robot space remains robust. Unitree completed its Series C funding in June, reaching a valuation of RMB 12 billion and reportedly initiating IPO preparations. Both listed firms (e.g., UBTECH via share placements) and private companies (e.g., Zhiyuan via strategic investments) have successfully closed their latest funding rounds. Tech giants like Alibaba (09988) and JD-SW (09618) are also investing in the humanoid robot sector.
Policy support serves as another key driver. Humanoid robots have been designated a strategically important industry by the central government, with local governments like Beijing and Zhejiang announcing targets to deploy 10,000–20,000 units by 2027. Some regions offer subsidies covering up to 30% of robot costs, further boosting industry growth.
In autonomous driving, Robotaxi commercialization is gaining momentum. China leads globally with a fleet exceeding 2,000 vehicles, including around 1,000 from Baidu Apollo Go. Robotaxi profitability is improving, with rising daily orders and average fares on the revenue side, while remote assistance costs and per-unit hardware expenses are expected to decline.
The Global X China Robotics & AI ETF invests in China’s top robotics and AI firms, with 40% of its holdings linked to the humanoid robot supply chain—spanning "brains" (Baidu, iFLYTEK), components (Inovance, Shuanghuan, ZHAOWEI), and integrators (UBTECH). It also includes Robotaxi leaders like HORIZONROBOT-W (09660), Pony AI, and WeRide, positioning it to capitalize on China’s AI-driven physical application boom.