The battle for AI leadership is rapidly moving from chatbots to robots, and China has just scored a major victory. Chinese startup Spirit AI announced that its Spirit v1.6 model ranked No.1 on the RoboArena benchmark, outperforming NVIDIA and other leading competitors. 

Spirit v1.6 achieved a score of 1,924, outperforming NVIDIA’s Cosmos3-Nano-Policy, which scored 1,881, and DreamZero, another NVIDIA-backed model, which scored 1,763. The achievement marks the first time a Chinese embodied AI model has reached the No.1 spot on the benchmark.

Why RoboArena Matters

RoboArena is designed to measure how effectively AI systems can translate decisions into real-world robotic actions. Unlike traditional AI benchmarks that focus on language or reasoning, RoboArena evaluates physical task execution, including object manipulation, navigation, tool usage, perception, planning, and adaptability in unfamiliar environments.

The benchmark is widely respected because it uses randomized environments, adversarial testing scenarios, and strict anti-overfitting measures, making it difficult for companies to optimize specifically for the test.

The Growing Physical AI Race

The result highlights how competition in artificial intelligence is increasingly shifting beyond chatbots and large language models toward physical AI. These systems serve as the “brains” behind humanoid robots, robotic arms, autonomous vehicles, and industrial automation platforms.

Spirit AI’s success is being viewed as evidence that efficient model design and high-quality training data can be just as important as massive computing power. The company’s model reportedly demonstrated strong performance in object handling, autonomous navigation, complex tool use, and adapting to new situations with minimal fine-tuning.

China’s Expanding Advantage

China has also been gaining ground across several other embodied AI benchmarks. Companies including Manifold AI, AgiBot, and DexForce currently lead categories related to world modeling, robotic perception, and robotics data generation.

At the same time, investment in the sector continues to surge. Spirit AI recently raised 1.5 billion yuan (about $222 million), while other Chinese robotics startups have secured large funding rounds over the past year.  China’s growing strength in robotics data, funding, and benchmark performance suggests the global race is becoming more competitive than ever.

Read More:

• ASUS Launches ROG Harpe II Extreme Edition 20 Gaming Mouse With 24K Gold-Plated Design
• Why Nvidia’s H2+ Humanoid Robot Has the Tech World Talking
• US Expands AI Chip Restrictions Worldwide: What It Means for China

(via)

The post US- China Tech War: China Just Beat NVIDIA in the Next Big AI Race appeared first on Gizmochina.

Nvidia has announced a major step forward in humanoid robotics with the launch of the H2+ reference robot platform, developed in partnership with China’s Unitree Robotics and Singapore-based Sharpa. The announcement was made by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang during his Computex 2026 keynote in Taipei.

The project is attracting industry attention because it combines advanced AI, robotics hardware, and software into a unified platform designed to speed up the development of real-world humanoid robots. 

Rather than being a finished commercial robot, H2+ is a reference design that researchers, universities, and robotics companies can use as a blueprint to build and customize their own humanoid robots. Nvidia says the platform is designed to simplify every stage of robot development, from data collection and AI training to real-world deployment.

Combining Hardware and AI

The H2+ platform brings together several technologies into a single package. It uses Unitree’s H2 Plus humanoid robot body, Sharpa’s Wave robotic hands, and Nvidia’s Isaac GR00T AI models. Powering the system is Nvidia’s new Jetson AGX Thor T5000 computer, which is based on the Blackwell GPU architecture.

The robot stands nearly six feet tall and offers a total of 75 degrees of freedom, including highly dexterous robotic hands with 22 active joints. Nvidia says the Jetson AGX Thor T5000 delivers up to 2,070 FP4 TOPS of AI performance and includes 128GB of memory, allowing the robot to process complex tasks in real time.

Nvidia Introduces Cosmos 3

Alongside H2+, Nvidia also introduced Cosmos 3, a new physical AI world model designed to help robots better understand and learn from their environments.

According to Huang, one of the biggest challenges in robotics is collecting enough useful training data. Cosmos 3 can understand both third-person and first-person perspectives, helping generate robot-centric training data that can improve learning and decision-making.

Expansion Beyond China

Nvidia also revealed plans to expand its humanoid robot partnerships beyond China. The company is looking to work with robot makers in the United States, Europe, and South Korea, although partner names have not yet been announced.

The goal is to create standardized robot platforms with built-in security features such as Secure Boot and Confidential Computing, helping ensure that only verified software can run on the machines.

Growing Humanoid Robot Market

The announcement comes as interest in humanoid robots continues to grow. Analysts at Morgan Stanley expect China’s humanoid robot sales to exceed 28,000 units in 2026, potentially making it the world’s largest market for the technology.

With H2+, Cosmos 3, and new international partnerships, Nvidia is positioning itself at the center of the rapidly expanding humanoid robotics industry, supplying the AI hardware, software, and development tools that could power the next generation of intelligent machines.

Read More:

• US Expands AI Chip Restrictions Worldwide: What It Means for China
• Xiaomi is repairing its rainstorm-affected phones, laptops, and accessories for free in China
• China vs US in Robotics: Nvidia CEO Reveals the Real Power Shift

(via)

The post Why Nvidia’s H2+ Humanoid Robot Has the Tech World Talking appeared first on Gizmochina.

Unitree Robotics is set to launch its cheapest humanoid robot, the R1, in global markets next week. What makes this launch stand out is the sales strategy. Unitree is taking humanoid robots directly to online platforms, starting with AliExpress. This marks a shift from traditional enterprise sales to a more accessible, e-commerce-driven approach.

The initial rollout will cover North America, Europe, Japan, and Singapore. The company is also joining Alibaba’s Brand+ channel, which brings benefits like free shipping, free returns, and better global visibility. More online and offline sales channels are expected to follow.

R1 Robot: Built for Motion, Priced for Access

The R1 was first launched in China in 2025 at a starting price of 29,900 yuan (around $4,370), making it one of the most affordable humanoid robots available. While global pricing is still unannounced, the company is expected to keep it competitive.

Standing 123 cm tall and weighing over 27 kg, the R1 is designed for dynamic movement. It can perform cartwheels, run downhill, stand up from the ground, and execute complex routines. The “Born for sport” positioning highlights its focus on agility and motion rather than industrial tasks.

From Labs to Online Buyers

Unitree’s move to sell robots online signals a major shift in how humanoid machines are marketed and distributed. Until now, most robots were sold through enterprise deals or research contracts. By listing on platforms like AliExpress, Unitree is opening access to developers, educators, and even early consumers globally.

This builds on its existing customer base, where around 70% of shipments in 2025 went to universities and research institutions. The online model could further expand this ecosystem.

Scaling Fast with a Low-Cost Strategy

The company shipped over 5,500 humanoid robots in 2025, far ahead of competitors like Tesla, Figure AI, and Agility Robotics, which delivered around 150 units each. Unitree now aims to ship 10,000 to 20,000 units in 2026.

Its cost advantage comes from a highly localized supply chain, with over 80% of components sourced within China. This allows it to price robots far below global averages, where similar machines can cost up to $300,000.

A New Phase for Consumer Robotics

Unitree’s online-first global launch could reshape the humanoid robotics market. By combining low pricing with e-commerce accessibility, the company is testing real-world demand beyond labs and factories.

If successful, this approach could accelerate adoption and bring humanoid robots closer to mainstream buyers much faster than expected.

Read More:

• Alibaba’s Qwen Dominates Open-Source AI: Nears 1 Billion Downloads
• Xiaomi Mijia Robot Vacuum Mop 4 launches with 10000Pa suction, LDS system, long battery life
• Humanoid Robots Are Scaling Fast, And AGIBOT from China Is Leading the Charge

The post China’s Unitree Sells Cheapest Humanoid Robots Online with R1 Global Launch appeared first on Gizmochina.

On February 8, 2026, AGIBOT hosted AGIBOT NIGHT in Shanghai. The 60-minute event was livestreamed globally and featured humanoid robots as the sole on-stage performers and hosts. According to the company, this was the first large-scale live event in which robots led the entire program without human presenters.

Why AGIBOT Organized the Event

AGIBOT said the event was intended to show that embodied artificial intelligence systems are ready to operate beyond controlled laboratory and industrial environments. The company used the live format to test system stability, coordination across multiple robots, and sustained operation under real-world conditions. The event also explored how robots might function in social and cultural settings rather than purely technical roles.

Robot-Led Segments Including Dancing, and Comedy

The program consisted of robot-led segments such as group dance performances, runway-style walks, and choreographed routines requiring synchronized movement. Humanoid robots also handled hosting-style roles, including transitions between segments and on-stage interactions. Additional performances included comedy skits, music-based acts, and illusion performances, all carried out entirely by robots without human intervention.

Human–Robot Joint Performances on Stage

Several segments featured humans performing alongside robots. These included joint dance routines where humans and humanoid robots moved in synchronized patterns, as well as shared illusion and card magic performances. The segments required real-time alignment between human motion and robotic movement, highlighting coordination rather than pre-recorded or isolated demonstrations.

Performances Involving Multiple Robot Types

In addition to humanoid robots, quadruped robots participated in coordinated routines on stage. These performances involved interaction between different robot form factors, with humanoid and quadruped robots operating together in shared choreography and movement-based segments. Multiple robots performed simultaneously without visible interruptions.

Robot Models Demonstrated During the Event

AGIBOT used the event to showcase its range of robot platforms. Full-sized humanoid robots were used for hosting, navigation, and large-scale stage performances. Smaller humanoid models focused on expressive movement and interaction. Industrial humanoid robots demonstrated controlled manipulation capabilities, while quadruped robots were used for mobility-focused routines.

What the Event Demonstrated Technically

The company emphasized reliability over isolated technical feats. Robots operated continuously throughout the 60-minute program without resets or performance breaks. According to AGIBOT, more than 5,000 humanoid robots had been delivered globally by the end of 2025, positioning the event as evidence of scalable deployment rather than a one-off showcase.

Cultural Timing and Public Setting

AGIBOT NIGHT was held during the Chinese Spring Festival period, when entertainment events typically focus on family and shared experiences. By staging the event at this time, AGIBOT placed humanoid robots within a familiar cultural context, presenting them as participants in public life rather than industrial tools.

What This Signals for Humanoid Robotics

The event reflects a broader shift in the humanoid robotics industry toward systems capable of operating at scale in live, public environments. Rather than focusing on prototypes or controlled demos, AGIBOT NIGHT positioned humanoid robots as coordinated systems able to perform reliably in real-world cultural settings.

The post No Humans on Stage: Inside the World’s First Robot-Led Live Event by AGIBOT appeared first on Gizmochina.

Humanoid robots crossed a commercial threshold in 2025, and 2026 will be the year the industry begins to scale, according to Counterpoint Research. The firm estimates that around 16,000 humanoid robots were installed globally in 2025, with China accounting for more than 80% of deployments, underscoring the country’s early dominance.

The market is already consolidating fast. Counterpoint notes that the top five manufacturers control 73% of the global share, four of them Chinese. AGIBOT leads with 31%, supported by over 5,000 units produced and active deployments in hotels, entertainment, and industrial logistics. Unitree Robotics follows with 27%, leveraging cost-efficient designs and rapid go-to-market execution. UBTECH, Leju Robotics, and Tesla each hover around the 5% mark, with Tesla expected to gain momentum as Optimus production ramps.

Looking to 2026, Counterpoint expects a shift from early commercialization to capacity expansion and cost compression. Larger factories, falling component costs, and growing adoption of Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) models are set to lower barriers for enterprise customers.

By 2027, Counterpoint forecasts the global installed base will exceed 100,000 units, with logistics, manufacturing, and automotive sectors absorbing 72% of new annual capacity, positioning humanoid robots as a meaningful force in global industrial productivity.

Humanoid Robot Market Snapshot (2025)

Read More:

• Honda Changes Its Iconic Logo After Decades: New ‘H’ Debuts for EV Era
• Xiaomi Mi 17 Ultra Update Brings New Zoom Ring Leica Camera Features and Charging Fixes
• New 7-Seat Tesla 2026 Model Y Launches in US, but Families May Still Look Elsewhere

(via)

The post Why 2026 Will Be the Year of Humanoid Robots, Counterpoint Report appeared first on Gizmochina.