The humanoid robot rental business is gaining steam in China as these complex artificial machines spark significant interest across industries and consumer markets. A quick search on major e-commerce and second-hand platforms reveals a growing number of vendors offering humanoid robot rentals, ranging from CNY2,500 to CNY100,000 per day. Industry observers noted that the increasing number of rentals shows the growing applications and surging demand for humanoid robots across commercial and entertainment industries. This trend, they say, brings us one step closer to the vision where “every household could own a humanoid robot.” One vendor said that the Unitree G1 humanoid robot, suitable for exhibitions, corporate events and commercial activities, is available for rent at CNY5,000 per day, with an additional CNY500 deposit. The Global Times noticed that the types of humanoid robots are rich and diverse, and the prices range from a toy robot of about CNY1,000 to a professional robot of hundreds of thousands of yuan.
In the past, humanoid robots were mostly confined to laboratories or specific industrial scenes and were difficult for the public to access, Guo Tao, an angel investor and senior AI expert, told the Global Times. Humanoid robots are now being used in a wide range of industrial settings, from car manufacturing to live performances. Beyond that, there are also humanoid robots and robotic dogs capable of running, jumping, navigating rough terrain, flipping in the air, avoiding obstacles and even trekking through challenging landscapes.
As humanoid robot applications expand, manufacturers are continuously introducing innovations with increasingly advanced capabilities. Shenzhen-based EngineAI released a video showcasing a humanoid robot performing a front somersault stunt. The company said this feat marks the world's first robotic front flip. The robot, PM01, stands at 138 centimeters tall and weighs around 40 kilograms. Equipped with 24 degrees of freedom, it can move at a speed of up to 2 meters per second. Currently customers are mainly scientific research universities and institutions.
Recently, humanoid robot “Tiangong” achieved a world-first by climbing 134 outdoor stairs at the Haiziqiang Park in Beijing's Tongzhou district. This marks the first time a humanoid robot has demonstrated such advanced mobility in a complex outdoor environment. Humanoid robots are expected to see significant demand in the future, whether in industrial production, the service sector, or household use. The development and innovation in this industry are progressing at an extremely rapid pace. As mass production increases, the cost of humanoid robots is expected to drop significantly, the Global Times reports.
