Unitree Robotics raises 6.1 billion yuan in record IPO oversubscription

In August 2026, Unitree Robotics, a Chinese humanoid robot manufacturer based in Hangzhou, successfully launched its initial public offering (IPO) on the Shanghai STAR Market. The IPO was notable for being heavily oversubscribed, with retail investors showing immense enthusiasm, leading to an oversubscription rate of 5,526 times. The company aimed to raise approximately 6.1 billion yuan, equivalent to $904 million, by selling 40.4 million shares at a price of 150.8 yuan each. This offering values Unitree at around 61 billion yuan, or $9 billion, marking a significant milestone as it becomes the first publicly traded humanoid robot manufacturer in China.

The intense interest from investors reflects a broader trend in China, where the humanoid robotics sector has seen substantial growth. Unitree's retail tranche was reported to be more than 8,000 times oversubscribed, indicating a strong demand for shares among retail investors. Major institutional investors, including AI startup DeepSeek and investment arms linked to prominent companies like Tencent and China Telecom, accounted for about 20% of the offering. This IPO is expected to usher in a new era of physical AI in the equity market, highlighting the increasing importance of robotics in various industries.

China's dominance in the humanoid robotics market is underscored by recent data showing that Chinese manufacturers accounted for 97% of global shipments in the first half of 2026. The global market for humanoid robots is projected to grow significantly, with estimates suggesting deliveries could reach 60,000 units by the end of the year and potentially climb to 500,000 by 2030. This growth is attributed to years of policy support and government funding aimed at accelerating advancements in robotics and AI technologies.

The recent IPO of Unitree Robotics not only signifies a pivotal moment for the company but also reflects the broader trends in the robotics industry, where competition is intensifying. The U.S. has recently imposed bans on imports of new Chinese humanoid robots and certain components, citing national security concerns. This geopolitical context adds another layer of complexity to the rapidly evolving landscape of humanoid robotics, as countries race to develop their own capabilities in this critical sector.