Global shipments of humanoid and quadruped robots are expected to reach 810,000 units by 2030, according to new forecasts from Smart Analytics Global (SAG). The firm estimates that shipments surged 250% year over year in 2025 to nearly 53,000 units, generating about $1 billion in wholesale revenue. The outlook reflects growing momentum in robotics as supply chains mature and artificial intelligence capabilities improve.
Quadruped robots led the market in 2025, accounting for 69% of shipments, while humanoid robots made up the remaining 31%. SAG expects both segments to expand rapidly, with total market revenue projected to reach $8 billion by the end of the decade. Early growth has been driven largely by increased production capacity, policy support, and advances in what the firm describes as “physical AI,” or AI systems embedded in machines operating in real-world environments.
China dominates the sector, representing 85% of global shipments and more than 60% of demand in 2025. Vendors such as Unitree Robotics led both humanoid and quadruped categories, while other Chinese firms including Agibot, DOBOT, and Galbot gained share. U.S. and European companies remain active, particularly in software and advanced research, with Boston Dynamics ranking among the top players in quadruped robots.
SAG expects the next phase of growth to depend on enterprise adoption, as early experimentation gives way to real-world deployments in industry. The firm also forecasts increasing consolidation from 2027, as competition intensifies and regional ecosystems diverge across China and Western markets.
Separate analysis from Barclays Research suggests humanoid robots could play a central role in a much larger opportunity, with the bank estimating the segment may help drive a $200 billion AI market as falling costs and labor shortages accelerate real-world adoption.
