Chinese robotics firm UBTech plans to release a US$20,000 household humanoid robot later this year, positioning itself as a direct competitor to Tesla’s Optimus.
The Shenzhen-based company, previously focused on high-end industrial robotics, is shifting toward consumer applications with its upcoming product aimed at supporting China’s rapidly aging population.
“Home companion robots are a bright spot in China, partly due to the growing need for elderly care,” Michael Tam, Chief Brand Officer of UBTech, told Bloomberg during the BEYOND Expo in Macau on May 23.
The firm expects to ship around 1,000 units in 2025 and scale production tenfold by 2026. While a launch date has not yet been announced, Tam noted that a robot fully capable of caregiving is still years away.
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| UBTech’s Walker C humanoid robot at the China Pavillion at Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan. Photo courtesy of UBTech |
With demand for elderly care on the rise, the Chinese government views robotics as a key component in addressing workforce shortages.
This policy backing could help UBTech secure funding and accelerate development, according to tech publication Interesting Engineering.
UBTech is best known for its industrial humanoid robots, which have been used by companies such as automaker BYD and electronics manufacturer Foxconn. These robots reportedly cost around $100,000 each. The company also produces robots for educational purposes.
In March, it deployed its Walker S1 humanoid at Audi’s electric vehicle plant in China, marking the first time a humanoid robot has been integrated into a global Audi production line.
Now, it is targeting the consumer market, also eyed by Tesla. CEO Elon Musk said last year that Tesla’s Optimus robot would be designed to perform household chores and could be priced between $20,000 and $30,000, with production beginning in 2026.
Musk recently posted videos of the Optimus on his X account, calling it Tesla’s “biggest product ever.” The footage showed the robot dancing with human-like agility and handling domestic tasks like cooking, vacuuming, and cleaning, all operated via voice command.
Source: https://e.vnexpress.net/news
