The robotics and android technology boom in China is no longer confined to science fiction. At the 2025 Robotics Trade Fair in eastern China, we witnessed a defining shift—from research prototypes to scalable, export-ready machines. For importers, OEM buyers, and hardware-focused startups, this transition signals a powerful opportunity: now is the time to seriously consider importing robots from China.

From dexterous robotic arms for manufacturing to complete humanoid systems designed for educational and industrial use, Chinese suppliers are offering more than just competitive pricing—they’re delivering quality, innovation, and customizability at a scale unmatched globally.

China’s Robotics Industry Moves to Mass Production

According to a June 2025 EastMoney Finance report, the Chinese humanoid robotics industry is rapidly industrializing:

• 50,000 complete robots per year: One new production line announced at the trade fair has the capacity to build 50,000 humanoid robots annually, signaling a shift from lab-scale to factory-scale manufacturing.
• 1.6 million components: That same line will also produce 1.6 million high-performance robotic components per year.
• 6 trillion yuan market by 2050: Morgan Stanley estimates the Chinese humanoid robot market could grow to over €760 billion by mid-century.

This means European buyers can now access high-volume, consistent quality manufacturing for robots, particularly for OEM robots and ODM services.

Hardware Sourcing in China: What’s New in 2025

From our hands-on meetings at the trade fair, several trends emerged that European buyers should know:

1. Sophisticated Mechatronics Are Now Standard

Joint modules, servos, and robotic arms showcased at the fair have evolved drastically. Vendors like EYOU offer fully integrated joint modules with torque control and flexible customization. Their modules cost between $450 and $1000 and come with free samples for verified partners. With an in-house R&D team and 100 employees, this one-year-old startup is scaling fast.

2. Open SDKs and English Documentation Are Becoming Norms

Companies are preparing for global markets with proper documentation and developer support. Almost all manufacturers offer open SDKs, API access, and support in English—making integration into Western systems significantly easier. From our side we offer also software integration and support.

3. Plug-and-Play Compatibility

Most robotic arms and manipulators are cross-compatible with leading Chinese robotic systems such as Unitree, a widely used base robot. This enables US or European OEM buyers to mix-and-match components based on project requirements, further lowering integration costs.

4. Labour Replacement Is a Core Use Case

Startups cooperating with companies like Linkerbot dexterity hand focus heavily on replacing manual labour in areas like garment production, electronics assembly, and educational training. Their robotic hands can now be sourced for as low as $6,000 with possible rebates for larger volumes.

Who Is Buying?

Currently, the bulk of demand comes from:

• Universities and R&D labs, especially in Europe and USA.
• Startups leveraging Chinese OEM robots to develop new commercial products.
• Manufacturers aiming to replace repetitive labour in factories (e.g. screw assembly, textile handling).
• Educational firms buying humanoid androids for STEM programs.

One standout is BrainCo, which transitioned from prosthetics to robotics. Their UK competitor’s advanced hand units—once priced over $100,000—from China slightly less advanced costs around $5,100-$6,500, making them attractive for institutions and B2B resellers.

Is It Worth Importing Robots from China in 2025?

Short answer: Yes – if you’re strategic.

Here’s why:

• Robot price in China is 2–3x cheaper than in Europe or the US for similar quality.
• Transparent cooperation, export-friendly terms, warranty, etc
• Documentation is Western-ready, and the young, internationally educated workforce makes technical collaboration smoother.
• The ecosystem is maturing fast: Upstream (components) and downstream (integration) companies are co-developing solutions, minimizing compatibility and delivery risks.
  

How to Find Chinese Robot Suppliers and Manufacturers

If you’re sourcing hardware from China or planning to import robots for OEM or ODM purposes, here’s what works in 2025:

1. Attend regional robotics fairs in Shanghai, Shenzhen, or Hangzhou—these now include direct factory booths with price transparency.
2. Use tech sourcing consultants we speak both English and Mandarin—this is crucial to negotiate commission-free agreements and secure better trade terms, contact with us.
3. Start with modular components (e.g. servos, arms) from companies like EYOU, then scale to full robots from integrators like Linkerbot or BrainCo.
   

Our End-to-End Sourcing Service: From Factory Floor to Your Door

To make your entry into the Chinese robotics market seamless, we offer a comprehensive, hands-on sourcing service. Our support covers every critical step:

• Supplier Vetting: Identifying and auditing factories that match your technical and volume needs.
• Negotiation & Contracts: Securing competitive pricing and favorable terms in clear, bilingual agreements.
• Project Management: Overseeing prototyping, tooling, and production milestones to keep your project on schedule.
• IT/Software Integration: We also support integration to ensure the robots’ SDKs and APIs connect flawlessly with your existing systems.
• Logistics & Export: Managing the entire export process, from factory pickup to final delivery.

Our goal is to act as your trusted local team, turning a complex sourcing challenge into a strategic advantage for your business.

Conclusion

2025 is a breakout year for robot manufacturers in China. The shift from boutique tech demos to mass-produced humanoids is not just happening—it’s accelerating. For European OEM buyers, startups, and manufacturers looking to scale or innovate, the opportunity is massive. Whether you’re exploring ODM services or aiming to import robots directly from China, this is the time to act. We can help, contact with us for any inquiries.