The global humanoid robot market came close to 25,000 units shipped in the first six months of 2026, up 432.1% year on year, according to data from research firm IDC (International Data Corporation) cited by AGIBOT. The Chinese manufacturer tops the ranking with more than 8,600 humanoid robots shipped over the period, or around 35% of global shipments according to IDC.
The figure needs some context: these are units shipped, not necessarily robots in continuous operation. IDC also describes the market as moving beyond technical validation alone toward broader commercial deployment, expanding into manufacturing, retail, logistics, tourism and consumer use.
AGIBOT production: 20,000 robots built by September 2026
AGIBOT attributes its top position to its production ramp-up. The company says it reached 20,000 robots produced in total in September 2026, when its 20,000th unit came off the line, according to its press release. That total covers its entire catalogue, which includes humanoid robots, quadrupeds, grasping systems and cleaning solutions, with no breakdown by model.
AGIBOT describes 2026 as the start of a deployment phase for embodied AI. In this phase, the focus shifts from what a robot can demonstrate to its ability to perform tasks reliably within everyday workflows.
Where AGIBOT robots are deployed: 300+ at Hengqin, 100 X2 units in stores
Two deployments illustrate this direction. In September, AGIBOT and Chimelong began putting more than 300 robots into service at the Chimelong Spaceship Park in Hengqin. According to the manufacturer, the robots handle entertainment, visitor guidance, sales services, education, reception and sports interactions in a busy public setting.
In retail, AGIBOT says it has deployed 100 X2 humanoid robots in stores of the ASD chain. There, the robots greet customers, provide product information and direct shoppers to aisles. The manufacturer presents these uses as a testing ground alongside existing staff, without specifying how much of the work is autonomous and how much is remotely operated.
Humanoid robot market forecast: 750,000 units by 2030
IDC believes the market is entering a stage where environmental understanding, task planning, manipulation and continuous learning become decisive as robots move into complex environments. The firm expects more than 750,000 units to be shipped worldwide by 2030, driven by industrial applications, commercial services and consumer use.