tech
Chinese humanoids steal the spotlight at San Francisco's robot party
Actuate drew 1,500 people to San Francisco as robotics investment surges, though hardware was scarce.
TL;DR
- The Actuate conference in San Francisco attracted 1,500 robotics investors, founders, and engineers, signaling a resurgence in the industry.
- Robotics startups raised a record $15 billion globally in 2025 and continue to see significant investment, driven by the concept of "physical AI."
- A major constraint for the industry is the scarcity of hardware, with data vendors present in greater numbers than robot manufacturers at the conference.
- The Federal Communications Commission's recent restrictions on foreign-made "advanced robotic devices" have become a significant concern for US startups and researchers.
- Chinese companies supply approximately 90% of global humanoid robot shipments, and alternatives are not readily available for many companies.
- Despite hardware challenges and regulatory concerns, the conference was characterized by exuberance, with young talent and industry veterans networking.
- Humanoid robots from the Chinese company Unitree were featured in a "Robot Fight Night" event, controlled remotely by attendees.