Robot Rental Demand Surges in China as Market Forecast to Grow Over 900%
As the Mid-Autumn and National Day holidays approach, demand for robots in cultural tourism performances, commercial events and related venues has risen sharply. At a robot 6S store in Longgang District, Shenzhen, staff were performing a final round of inspections on humanoid robots and quadruped robot dogs scheduled for delivery that day. The store manager said rental orders have climbed noticeably since September began.
Industry data show that in the first half of this year, China's humanoid robot shipments exceeded 40,000 units, accounting for 97% of the global total. The figures underscore China's dominant position in humanoid robot production and deployment. The same momentum is now feeding into the rental market, where seasonal events and marketing campaigns are driving short-term demand.
Industry forecasts suggest that China's domestic robot rental market could surpass 10 billion yuan in 2026, a rise of more than 900% compared with 2025. The projection points to rapid expansion in service-oriented robot applications, from exhibitions and performances to commercial promotions. If realized, the growth would mark a significant shift in how robots are deployed, moving beyond direct sales toward flexible rental models for event organizers and businesses. CCTV Finance reported.