South Korea's shrinking workforce opens factory doors to Chinese humanoid robots
Overview
Chinese humanoid robot makers including UBTech, AgiBot, Unitree, and Anyverse Dynamics are expanding into South Korea for industrial and hospitality applications. UBTech reports selling more than 10,000 units in South Korea since 2019, with tests at automotive component plants and a $25,000 U1 model adapted for local regulations. Chinese customs data cited by The Gadgeteer indicates South Korea was China's third-largest destination for intelligent bionic robot exports in January–September 2026, with shipments totaling $20 million. Anyverse Dynamics is testing cafe duties such as table tidying and drink delivery in partnership with Hollys, with trials planned for the fourth quarter.
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Reported quantity · robot cost: 25000 other · Basis not reported
“making automotive components, in collaboration with Duksan JM Robotics, its local partner, and Ajin Industrial, a parts manufacturer. UBTech's latest South Korean offering, the U1, is a lifelike humanoid that stands 5 feet 6 inches tall and costs about $25,000, The Gadgeteer reported. More background South Korea's established factories offer settings for testing robots on production tasks. For manufacturers and serv”
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- Robotics — Robot learning news discoverySignalSouth Korea's shrinking workforce opens factory doors to Chinese humanoid robots
Chinese humanoid robot makers including UBTech, AgiBot, Unitree, and Anyverse Dynamics are expanding into South Korea for industrial and hospitality applications. UBTech reports selling more than 10,000 units in South Korea since 2019, with tests at automotive component plants and a $25,000 U1 model adapted for local regulations. Chinese customs data cited by The Gadgeteer indicates South Korea was China's third-largest destination for intelligent bionic robot exports in January–September 2026, with shipments totaling $20 million. Anyverse Dynamics is testing cafe duties such as table tidying and drink delivery in partnership with Hollys, with trials planned for the fourth quarter.
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