China's backflipping robot maker Unitree pops 542% in Shanghai debut

• The IPO raised 6.1 billion yuan ($905 million) with backing from AI company DeepSeek (140.8 million yuan investment) and existing investor Tencent
• Unitree's new 'Superman' humanoid robot can jump two meters from standing and run at speeds up to 12.66 meters per second
• Morgan Stanley projects China's humanoid robot market will grow from $2 billion in 2026 to $15 billion by 2030, with shipments expected to reach 50,000 units this year

Summary

Unitree Robotics IPO Performance:

Hangzhou-based robotics manufacturer Unitree Robotics surged 542% in its Shanghai STAR Market debut, raising approximately 6.1 billion yuan ($905 million) in its initial public offering.

Key Investors and Backing:

The IPO attracted strategic investment from Chinese AI firm DeepSeek, which contributed roughly 140.8 million yuan. Existing investors include Chinese tech giant Tencent, underscoring strong institutional confidence in the company.

Product Portfolio:

Unitree specializes in advanced robotics, including bipedal humanoid robots capable of walking and object manipulation with dexterous hands, plus quadrupedal robots designed for hazard detection applications. The company unveiled its latest innovation, the "Superman" humanoid robot, on Monday, boasting a two-meter vertical jump capability and running speeds up to 12.66 meters per second.

Market Context and Projections:

The successful listing follows memory chipmaker CXMT's recent debut on the same exchange. Morgan Stanley projects significant growth in China's humanoid robotics sector, upgrading 2026 shipment forecasts to 50,000 units from 28,000—nearly double the original estimate. The bank values China's humanoid robot market at $2 billion currently, with projections reaching $15 billion by 2030.

Industry Outlook:

Pilot programs in China are expected to transition to broader commercial deployments in the second half of this year. Full-size humanoids are forecast to represent 30% of shipments initially, expanding to 70% by 2028, indicating rapid market maturation and adoption across industrial applications.