Unitree Robotics, a global leader in humanoid robotics from China, caused a stir in financial markets as its shares soared over 600% on their first trading day at the Shanghai Stock Exchange. This followed an initial public offering (IPO) that raised over 900 million US dollars, signaling strong investor confidence in future technology industries amid intense technological competition between the US and China.
Shares of Unitree Robotics, also known as Yushu Technology and based in Hangzhou, China, surged as much as 629% at market open today (19 Aug), reaching 1,100 yuan per share. After the initial surge, the price settled around 900 yuan. The company raised over 900 million US dollars through its IPO, priced at 150.80 yuan per share.
Listing on the STAR Market, the Shanghai Stock Exchange's technology board often compared to the US Nasdaq, marks the first time a Chinese humanoid robot manufacturer has been listed on the mainland market. This milestone reflects the Chinese government's efforts to promote the robotics industry.
Founded in 2016, Unitree produces a range of products from sensors and robotic arms to quadruped and humanoid robots. The company delivered over 5,500 humanoid robots last year and is one of the few profitable players in the industry, reporting a net profit of 278 million yuan in 2025.
The company has attracted significant attention for developing robots priced lower than US competitors. Unitree's products are used by both Chinese academics and major US tech firms such as Nvidia, Google, and Amazon.
On Monday, Unitree unveiled a new humanoid robot called 'Superman.' The company claims it can jump up to 2 meters and run at a top speed of 12.66 meters per second. If it maintains this speed over 100 meters, it would surpass the world record held by Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt.
Unitree gained global attention last year during the Chinese New Year gala, where its robots wore traditional Chinese vests and performed backflips, kung fu moves, and table jumps. This year, the company's robots participated in the 2026 World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, competing in running, soccer, unboxing, and book arranging events.
The Chinese government designates the robotics industry as strategic, noting that last year more than 140 companies launched over 330 humanoid robot models. Massive investments are flowing into Physical AI technology, enabling robots to move, perceive, and interact autonomously with the real world.
Experts believe robots may help address China's aging population and future labor shortages. However, widespread use of humanoid robots in homes will take years due to limitations in battery life, data security, privacy, and reliability. Initially, key markets are expected to be factories, hospitals, and businesses.
Unitree's price advantage is notable, with its robot dogs starting at about 2,700 US dollars, compared to Boston Dynamics' quadruped Spot priced around 70,000 dollars. Experts emphasize that the two products do not have fully equivalent capabilities.
Unitree's success comes amid US-China technology competition. The Trump administration imposed restrictions on imports of Chinese humanoid and quadruped robots, citing national security and protecting US manufacturing. China accuses the US of using security concerns as a trade tool.
In June, Unitree was added by the US to a list of companies accused of aiding the Chinese military. These controls make the robotics industry another front in the technology rivalry between the two global powers.
Analysts view Unitree's stock market debut as a key test of investment demand in the humanoid robotics sector and a potential benchmark for other companies preparing IPOs, such as UBTech, Leju Robotics, and AgiBot.
However, experts caution that the sharp initial share price rise does not guarantee long-term industry success, as it remains to be proven whether robots can be widely adopted amid tough competition from US companies like Tesla, Amazon, and Boston Dynamics.
Unitree's stock surge reflects not only the vibrancy of China's capital markets but also signals that the race for leadership in robotics and artificial intelligence between China and the US is entering a new phase. Some experts believe the US may no longer lead in robotics, with China rapidly becoming a major global player.
. BBC/ AFP