Key facts
- China's military is accelerating research and planning for the wartime deployment of humanoid robots.
- The PLA is testing humanoids for battlefield roles and seeking technologies for training.
- Chinese manufacturers dominate the global humanoid robot market, providing access to expanding industry capabilities.
- Research includes urban warfare scenarios where robots would work with ground troops to clear buildings.
- The U.S. Army is also exploring militarized humanoid capabilities for roles like reconnaissance and urban combat.
- Norinco's Fuxi robot is designed for sentry duty, reconnaissance, and dangerous roles, controllable via teleoperation.
China is rapidly advancing research and development of humanoid robots for potential military applications, including combat roles, according to a review of various Chinese defense and academic materials. Following demonstrations at the World Humanoid Robot Games, the PLA's official newspaper urged faster integration of robotic technologies into military training.
Military institutions are actively testing humanoids for battlefield requirements, seeking to acquire robots and technologies for training, and studying their integration with human troops. This work has intensified since 2025, focusing on perception, manipulation, and training data. China's commercial dominance in humanoid robot shipments, accounting for approximately 95% in 2025, provides the PLA with access to an expanding industrial base for developing military applications.
Researchers at NUDT have modeled urban warfare scenarios involving 'combat robots' clearing buildings, and PLA commentary suggests missions could evolve from support to primary combat roles, potentially with authorization to fire on verified targets. The PLA Eastern Theater Command has also released AI-generated montages depicting military robots overwhelming Taiwan's defenses.
Globally, the U.S. Army is also exploring militarized humanoid capabilities for roles such as reconnaissance, security, and urban combat. However, the U.S. robotics industry reportedly lags behind China in developing legged machines.
Chinese military interest in humanoid robots has been growing since 2024, with NUDT and the Academy of Military Sciences hosting forums on the topic. Competitions have simulated scenarios like infiltration behind enemy lines and security patrols. Procurement records indicate the PLA has sought to purchase humanoid robots and systems for perception, manipulation, and training data collection.
Norinco, a state-owned defense conglomerate, has developed the Fuxi robot, described as capable of sentry duty, reconnaissance, and fulfilling dangerous roles, with teleoperation capabilities.