China’s Humanoid Robot Rental Boom

In a captivating event held in Hangzhou, a major tech hub in eastern China, a group of humanoid robots captivated the audience with their extraordinary synchronized dance. The robots, moving rhythmically to lively music, showcased the latest innovations in robotics technology, garnering enthusiastic applause from the crowd.

This impressive display highlights a rising trend in China, where both businesses and individuals are increasingly opting to rent humanoid robots for various occasions, including performances, exhibitions, and livestreams, to attract public attention.

The popularity of these humanoid robots surged in early 2025 when a team from Unitree Robotics, a Chinese startup, wowed viewers with their coordinated dance performance at the Spring Festival Gala, one of the country’s most-watched television events.

As a result of this newfound attention, the market for renting robots has seen significant growth. "Orders for Unitree’s G1 humanoid robot rentals have been consistently increasing since February, with bookings already scheduled through late March," revealed Gao Lai, an entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in the robot rental industry. His company was responsible for providing the robotic performers at the recent Hangzhou show.

The daily rental rates for these humanoid robots vary from 8,000 to 15,000 yuan (approximately USD 1,115 to USD 2,091). With such a surge in interest, Gao anticipates that his earnings will rise by as much as 80% this year.

For those interested in purchasing a humanoid robot, the starting price for Unitree’s G1 model begins at 99,000 yuan, while the more advanced H1 model is priced at 650,000 yuan.

Industry experts noted that the increasing demand for humanoid robots at business events, trade shows, and entertainment venues is driving the expansion of the rental market, which presents vast opportunities. On Xianyu, one of China's largest platforms for second-hand goods, individuals can rent a Unitree robot for several thousand yuan, usually including transportation, robot adjustments, and on-site support.

In Hangzhou’s Yuhang District, where the event took place, local officials are planning to host more robotic shows and workshops in rural areas by utilizing rented robots. "Dancing with robots attracts attention, and we hope to collaborate with companies to introduce artificial intelligence to rural communities," stated Zhang Jingcan, a district official.

While humanoid robots have been a point of interest since the development of the first one in Japan during the 1960s, recent advancements in artificial intelligence are accelerating their evolution. Wang Xingxing, CEO of Unitree Robotics, mentioned, "We have enhanced the software algorithms in our humanoid robots to improve their agility and dancing abilities."

Despite these advancements, challenges remain as humanoid robots are used in more complex environments, particularly in homes and businesses that require flexible human-robot interactions. "Humanoid robots may reach new milestones by the end of this year," Wang continued, "and if everything goes well, we could see them in service or industrial sectors as soon as next year or the year after. However, the adoption of home-use models may proceed more slowly due to heightened security requirements."

Emphasizing safety in human-robot interactions, Xiong Rong, a professor at Zhejiang University and head of the Zhejiang Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, expressed, "Ensuring the safety of human-robot interactions, along with the robot itself and the data, is crucial for achieving large-scale deployment."

Many inside the industry agree that the ultimate goal is to develop humanoid robots capable of functioning as general-purpose robots that can adapt to various environments and perform numerous tasks without needing specific locations or equipment. Achieving this goal necessitates advancements in artificial intelligence, cutting-edge manufacturing, and the use of innovative materials, supported by cooperation between academic and industrial sectors.

With rising demand and continuous technological breakthroughs, the market for humanoid robots in China is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, capturing a considerable share of the global market. According to a report presented at the 2024 World AI Conference in Shanghai, China's humanoid robot market was estimated at 2.76 billion yuan last year, and projections suggest it could soar to 75 billion yuan by 2029, representing 32.7% of the global market.

robots, rental, technology