China's Unitree Launches IPO Amid Humanoid Robot Advancements

Beijing (ANTARA) - Chinese robotics firm Unitree Robotics has commenced the initial public offering (IPO) process to list on the Shanghai STAR Market, following the sustained momentum of China’s humanoid robotics industry. According to an announcement released on Thursday (30/7), the Hangzhou-based company plans to issue 40.45 million shares, representing 10 per cent of its enlarged share capital. The IPO will consist of strategic placements, offline institutional orders, and online public offerings. Initial pricing is scheduled for 5 August, while online and offline bookings will commence on 10 August, though Unitree has not yet disclosed its official trading debut date.

Following its listing on the Shanghai STAR Market, Unitree founder Wang Xingxing and related parties will hold 31.29 per cent of the company’s shares and 65.31 per cent of the voting rights. Founded in 2016, Unitree Robotics has grown into one of China’s leading robotics firms, specialising in the development of quadruped and humanoid robots. In 2025, the company’s humanoid robot deliveries exceeded 5,500 units, securing the top global ranking. Driven by strong demand for embodied artificial intelligence and the continuous expansion of its business operations, Unitree expects revenue for the first half (H1) of 2026 to reach between 1.052 billion yuan and 1.128 billion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 35.62 per cent to 45.41 per cent.

After gaining widespread attention when its humanoid robots appeared during the China Spring Festival Gala, Unitree filed for its IPO on 20 March and obtained regulatory registration approval just 104 days later, marking the fastest time for a listing on the STAR Market. Analysts suggest this demonstrates regulatory recognition of the strategic importance of embodied intelligence. This IPO move reflects a broader trend in China as embodied AI and humanoid robots move closer to large-scale commercialisation. Two other companies, Leju Robot and Deep Robotics, also received approval for their listing applications in May. China has identified the robotics industry as a key frontier for achieving strategic technological advantages. According to data from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Chinese-made quadruped robots accounted for nearly 70 per cent of total global sales in H1 2026. Furthermore, the International Data Corporation predicts that global humanoid robot shipments will exceed 510,000 units by 2030, indicating a compound annual growth rate of nearly 95 per cent.