"This Is Why They Needed to Run Fast"... Chinese Humanoid Robots Headed for the Battlefield

Controlling 95% of Global Shipments

Chinese PLA Accelerates Military Deployment of Robots

Experts Predict "Deployment on Battlefields Within 5 to 10 Years"

China is accelerating its preparations to fully deploy humanoid robots for military purposes and position them on the battlefield.

AI-generated image to assist in understanding the article. ChatGPT

On the 7th (local time), Reuters reported that institutions affiliated with the Chinese military are testing robots designed for battlefield environments, purchasing related equipment and training technologies, and researching how to coordinate combat operations between robots and soldiers.

Humanoid robots that used to run and dance are moving from the lab to the training ground

According to more than 100 military procurement notices and government records obtained by Reuters, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense is accelerating the military research and practical deployment of humanoid robots.

After initiating bids for related services in May 2025, the military authorities have been investing approximately 300,000 dollars into systems that collect terrain data, as well as camera and radar operation data, to conduct testing tailored to battlefield environments.

On the 22nd of last month, the opening ceremony of the "2026 World Humanoid Robot Competition" was held at the National Speed Skating Stadium in Beijing, China, followed by the Tiangong humanoid robot competing in the 100m preliminary race in the large robot category. Photo by Reuters.

China's humanoid robots attracted global attention last month at the 2nd World Humanoid Robot Competition in Beijing by running faster than Usain Bolt. Unitree stated, "The maximum speed is about 10 meters per second," explaining that a robot with an 80cm leg length and a weight of 62kg, approximating an average human physique, ran at the speed of a world champion.

Immediately after the competition, the People's Liberation Army Daily, the official newspaper of the PLA, strongly urged that this cutting-edge technology should not remain in laboratories, but be swiftly transitioned to military training grounds to cultivate 'combatants.'

Concepts for urban warfare; state-owned defense companies join in

One of the primary areas envisioned by Chinese military researchers is complex urban warfare. Researchers at Xidian National University of Defense Technology proposed an operational scenario in which a platoon of six units—comprising humanoid robots, quadrupedal robots, and unmanned vehicles—work alongside ground troops to search and clear enemy buildings room by room.

In May 2024, China showcased a robotic dog equipped with a rifle on its back during joint military exercises with Cambodia. Photo by AFP

Humanoid robots are expected to perform reconnaissance and combat missions in complex environments such as building interiors, tunnels, and ships, utilizing their two arms and two legs.

The involvement of major companies is also robust. State-owned defense company NORINCO has unveiled the full-sized humanoid robot 'Fuxi,' capable of performing guard duties and all-weather reconnaissance. The robot incorporates a remote-control system to reduce the burden of autonomous decision-making and adopts a mode where it is controlled by a human operator.

Humanoid robot "Fuxi" unveiled by China's Norinco. Global Times

This movement is backed by China’s overwhelming manufacturing capability. According to Bank of America Global Research, Chinese manufacturers account for approximately 95% of the world’s shipments of humanoid robots, dominating the market.

China: "Immediate deployment to live battle is unrealistic" ... Limitations in autonomy persist

However, some point out that due to extreme battlefield uncertainty and power consumption issues, it will be difficult to deploy armed robots on a large scale in actual combat for the time being. To date, there is no evidence that armed humanoids are operating within combat units of the PLA.

Robots are marching at the opening ceremony of the 2nd World Humanoid Robot Competition held in Beijing. Photo by Xinhua News Agency

Zhang Junxing, a Chinese military expert, noted, "Currently, humanoid robots are only in the preliminary research stage for theoretical discussion and technology testing, and there are still many limitations in terms of cost and autonomy," adding, "It could easily be misunderstood that China is preparing to establish combat robot units."

Military expert Song Zhongping also predicted that, at least for now, these robots would first be used for dangerous tasks such as mine clearance, nuclear, biological, and chemical reconnaissance, or logistics support, rather than replacing soldiers.

Furthermore, major ethical and legal challenges remain for autonomous weapons, such as compliance with rules of engagement, distinguishing civilians, and recognizing surrender signals. However, experts predict that with rapid technological advancement and decreasing production costs, humanoid robots could be actively deployed on the battlefield within the next 5 to 10 years.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.