China’s AI and Humanoid Robot Sectors Surge With New Firms

Generative AI and humanoid robotics attract thousands of new businesses as China’s emerging technology sectors accelerate

China’s AI and Humanoid Robot Sectors Surge With New Firms


China’s emerging technology sectors continued to attract strong business activity in the first half of the year, with 55,000 new generative artificial intelligence companies and 116,000 humanoid robot firms registered, according to the country’s top market regulator.

The State Administration for Market Regulation said the figures highlight growing investment and entrepreneurial activity in frontier industries that are increasingly expected to become new engines of economic growth.

The generative AI sector recorded 55,000 new companies during the first six months, representing a 28 percent year-on-year increase. The humanoid robotics sector expanded even faster, with 116,000 new companies registered, up 9.5 percent from the same period last year.

At the same time, China experienced an orderly exit of businesses from several established new-energy industries. During the first half of the year, 7,632 new energy vehicle-related companies, 5,089 photovoltaic companies and 155 lithium battery firms were deregistered. The figures increased 4.6 percent, 8.3 percent and 12.3 percent year-on-year, respectively.

The contrasting trends indicate a continued shift in business activity toward emerging technologies, while some segments of the new-energy industry undergo market adjustments.

China’s high-tech manufacturing sector also maintained its expansion. By the end of June, the country had 330,000 high-tech manufacturing enterprises, including 15,000 new firms established during the first six months of the year.

Several advanced manufacturing industries recorded particularly strong growth. New companies involved in spacecraft and launch vehicle manufacturing surged 185.7 percent year-on-year, while optical fibre and cable manufacturing increased 129.4 percent. Integrated circuit manufacturing companies also recorded a 24.2 percent year-on-year increase.

The rapid expansion across artificial intelligence, humanoid robotics, aerospace, communications and semiconductor manufacturing reflects China’s continued focus on developing high-value technology industries and strengthening its high-tech manufacturing base.