CNBC's The China Connection newsletter: China-made humanoid robots set sights on Middle East and U.S. markets

• LimX's base humanoid robot model costs 158,000 yuan ($22,660), significantly undercutting potential competitors, with first deliveries already underway and a three-year plan to ship several thousand units to the Middle East primarily for R&D purposes
• Morgan Stanley doubled its 2025 forecast for China humanoid robot sales to 28,000 units and projects China's market could reach 54 million units annually by 2050, with business sales expected to be the key driver this year
• Chinese manufacturers led by Agibot dominated the top five global humanoid shipments in 2024, while Tesla's Optimus ranked ninth and Musk stated at Davos the robot would not start public sales until at least 2027

Market Summary: Chinese Humanoid Robots Target Global Expansion

Key Developments

Chinese humanoid robot manufacturer LimX Dynamics is pursuing aggressive international expansion, with active discussions for U.S. business partnerships and imminent Middle East market entry. The Shenzhen-based startup has secured its first foreign backer from the Middle East and plans to begin shipping humanoid robots to the region in 2025.

Financial Details

• LimX has raised $69.31 million as of July 2025, backed by major Chinese tech firms including Alibaba, JD.com, and Lenovo
• Base humanoid model "Oli" priced at 158,000 yuan ($22,660); developer-integrated version costs 290,000 yuan
• Company plans to deliver several thousand units to Middle East over three years, primarily for R&D purposes

Market Landscape

The global humanoid robot market is experiencing rapid growth. Approximately 13,000 humanoids shipped worldwide in 2024, with Chinese companies dominating the top five positions. Market leader Agibot led shipments, while Tesla's Optimus ranked ninth. Morgan Stanley doubled its 2025 China humanoid sales forecast to 28,000 units and projects 54 million annual units by 2050.

Competitive Implications

LimX's expansion intensifies pressure on Tesla's Optimus program, which Elon Musk confirmed won't launch public sales until 2027. Multiple Chinese competitors, including Unitree, showcased products at CES, while Figure AI ranked seventh globally in shipments.

Technology Focus

LimX is developing agentic AI capabilities to enable voice commands and autonomous decision-making, eliminating reliance on remote controls. The company aims to achieve human-robot workplace integration within 5-10 years.

Broader Market Context

Chinese stocks showed strength, with the Hang Seng Index up 2.36% and gaining over 8% year-to-date.