9. Why is China currently dominating humanoid robot deployment?

China is leading the charge in humanoid robotics, in terms of both production and innovation. Zornitsa Todorova, Head of FICC Thematic Research, believes the decade of the robot (2025-2035) will belong to China. There are two principal reasons for this dominance:

1. Humanoid robotics are deeply embedded into China’s industrial policy framework, which leverages subsidies, grants, tax incentives and state-backed financing to accelerate progress. This policy is clearly bearing fruit, as analysis from Barclays Research reveals that 70% of global robotics inventions since 2000 have originated in China.⁶
2. China has a vertical supply chain for humanoid robotics. The country is building a complete ecosystem, from supply to demand. For instance, more than 90% of global refined magnetic rare earths come from China⁷ – a critical raw material for humanoid construction. China also accounts for more than 22% of global actuation exports and 45% of battery exports.⁸

For investors, this means that opportunities span the supply chain and tech stack, not just the end-product. In fact, Barclays Research analysis suggests that returns will likely concentrate in five foundational technologies: autonomy software, sensing, actuation, batteries and edge controls.