Why it’s nearly impossible to build a robot without China

straitstimes.com Jun 22, 2026

Why it’s nearly impossible to build a robot without China

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jun 22, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Japan's long-standing lead in robotics has been overtaken by China, with Chinese manufacturers dominating the humanoid robot supply chain. Chinese start-ups, such as Unitree Robotics, are producing thousands of humanoids at a pace and price that competitors in Japan and elsewhere struggle to match. Chinese companies now supply key components, including sensors and joints, which were previously sourced from foreign suppliers. This shift has made it nearly impossible to build a humanoid robot without parts from Chinese companies.

💡 Why It Matters

· China's dominance in the humanoid robot market is a wake-up call for Japanese companies, which must now find niches where they can compete with Chinese rivals.
· By matching Chinese firms on price, Japanese companies risk sacrificing innovation and quality, potentially leading to a loss of market share and influence in the robotics industry.

Capsules Robotics

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