- Province aims for 20,000 annual humanoid robot output and 50 billion yuan related industry by 2027
- Plan focuses on factory adoption, supply chain development and real-world applications
Zhejiang has set one of China’s most ambitious regional targets for humanoid robots, aiming to build a large-scale industry around the technology as local governments shift focus from research breakthroughs to commercial deployment.
By 2027, Zhejiang plans to establish 10 humanoid robot training facilities and demonstration production lines, develop 30 “humanoid robot-plus” application scenarios, and increase annual robot production to more than 20,000 units.
Additionally, the private-sector powerhouse will build a core industry worth 20 billion yuan ($3 billion), with related industries exceeding 50 billion yuan.
The targets were outlined in the province’s newly released Action Plan for Advancing Innovation and Development of the Humanoid Robot Industry, issued on July 31 by the Zhejiang Manufacturing High-Quality Development Leading Group Office.
It marks the first time Zhejiang has set province-level quantitative goals for the sector.
From labs to factories
The plan outlines five priorities: building a complete industrial innovation ecosystem, strengthening robot manufacturers, improving collaboration between robot makers and component suppliers, accelerating commercial applications, and creating a supportive development environment.
A major focus is moving humanoid robots into real-world operations.
The province plans to accelerate “factory workers” applications by encouraging robot manufacturers to work with automobile, home appliance and machinery companies to establish training facilities and demonstration production lines.
Initial industrial uses will target tasks such as welding, painting, assembly, material handling, sorting and packaging — areas where robots can operate in structured environments and deliver measurable productivity gains.
At the same time, Zhejiang will explore consumer-facing applications, including smart logistics scenarios such as parcel sorting and last-mile delivery.
Building the technology stack
To strengthen technological capabilities, the plan calls for a new evaluation and funding mechanism for major humanoid robot projects and provincial-level research initiatives.
Key research priorities include general-purpose intelligent models, high-power-density motion control systems and multimodal precision sensing technologies.
The province aims to build an ecosystem covering the entire humanoid robot stack — from AI “brains” and control systems to motors, sensors and mechanical components.
A regional robotics map
Zhejiang will continue its development strategy centered on Hangzhou and Ningbo, while encouraging coordinated growth across other cities.
Hangzhou will focus on general-purpose humanoid robots and intelligent systems, including robot “brains” and “cerebellum” control technologies. The city is already home to two world-class legged robot startups, namely, Unitree (宇树科技) and DEEP Robotics (云深处科技).
Ningbo will concentrate on industrial humanoid robot manufacturing, while Wenzhou, Shaoxing and Lishui will leverage their existing strengths in motors, bearings and other key components to develop supporting industries.
The province will also include humanoid robots in its future industry development programs.
Zhejiang plans to allocate 1.5 billion yuan annually in special funding for three consecutive years to support deeper integration between emerging technologies and traditional industries.
Humanoid robots have also been included in provincial major science and technology programs, with one project focused on dexterous humanoid robots and industrial demonstrations receiving total investment of 840 million yuan.
China’s race for robot applications
Zhejiang’s plan aligns with a broader shift in China’s humanoid robot strategy — from showcasing prototypes toward building commercial ecosystems and securing application scenarios.
Rather than focusing solely on hardware breakthroughs, the province is attempting to combine policy support, industrial supply chains and manufacturing demand to accelerate adoption.
For global robotics companies, Zhejiang represents more than a potential sales market. It is becoming a testing ground where robot makers can validate technologies alongside some of the world’s largest manufacturing ecosystems.
With companies such as Unitree moving toward its coveted IPO and automakers including Geely deploying humanoid robots in factories, Zhejiang is betting that a combination of government support and industrial demand can help it establish a leading position in the global humanoid robot race.
