China’s leading economic planning body has warned that its booming humanoid robot industry may be heading toward a bubble. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) expressed concern that excessive enthusiasm and speculation could outpace practical progress, echoing earlier fears of overheating in the artificial intelligence sector.
At a Thursday press briefing, NDRC spokesperson Li Chao cautioned that the industry needs to balance innovation speed with sustainable growth. Li highlighted that massive capital inflow, despite few commercial successes, may lead to inflated valuations. “We must prevent the rush of similar models and safeguard the long-term health of the sector,” Li said.
According to official data, China hosts over 150 humanoid robotics companies, many of which are startups or entrants from traditional manufacturing and tech fields. Analysts say the promise of humanoid robots has attracted venture capital at record levels, but the lack of proven profitability remains a major concern for investors and regulators alike.
Experts warn that the humanoid robotics craze mirrors earlier boom-and-bust cycles in emerging technologies, such as electric vehicles and blockchain. Excessive competition and overlapping designs could slow genuine innovation. The NDRC has urged enterprises to focus more on building practical applications, rather than chasing valuations or media visibility.
Industry insiders note that while humanoid robots could revolutionize sectors like logistics, healthcare, and household services, the technology is still far from mass deployment. Many prototypes lack real-world efficiency, and production costs remain steep. Without careful oversight, China fears its drive for leadership in robotics could be undermined by unsustainable short-term speculation.
