Chinese automakers are following Tesla’s bet that robots are the next big profit machine

A new wave of Chinese automakers is moving into humanoid robots, inspired in part by Tesla’s push beyond electric vehicles. Recent technical progress has made the sector look more commercially viable, drawing carmakers that already have expertise in batteries, sensors, manufacturing, and AI-enabled systems.

The trend suggests automakers increasingly see robotics as an extension of their EV supply chains and automation capabilities. If successful, robotics could become a major diversification path as EV competition intensifies and margins come under pressure.