China Accelerates Development of Humanoid Robots for Military Use

China is accelerating research into the military application of humanoid robots and planning their eventual deployment in warfare. This effort was highlighted by the PLA Daily, the official newspaper of the People's Liberation Army, which urged researchers to move cutting edge technologies from laboratories to military training fields to create robotic combatants. An analysis of over 100 documents, including military procurement notices, patents, and government records, indicates that military institutions are testing humanoids against battlefield requirements and studying how they might operate alongside troops. This work intensified in 2025 and 2026, focusing on robotic perception, manipulation capabilities, and training data.

China's commercial dominance in the sector supports these efforts, as Chinese manufacturers accounted for approximately 95 percent of global humanoid robot shipments in 2025 according to BofA Global Research. One envisioned application involves urban assault forces where humanoid robots, robot dogs, and unmanned vehicles would work with ground troops to clear buildings room by room. This trend reflects a broader global military interest in autonomous systems, similar to the use of AI drones and supply robots seen in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Despite these advancements, experts note significant technical hurdles. Aaron Johnson, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, stated that robots still require too much energy and show low reliability outside of controlled demonstrations. The unpredictable variables of combat environments continue to challenge robotic capabilities. Furthermore, there is currently no evidence that China has deployed an armed humanoid robot within an operational unit of the People's Liberation Army. The National University of Defense Technology did not respond to requests for comment.