Before factory floor, dance floor: humanoids find path to market at $145

A Unitree Robotics humanoid robot takes part in the freestyle competition at the inaugural World Humanoid Robot Games, at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, China, Aug. 15. Reuters-Yonhap

Before humanoid robots realize their longer-term potential as efficient industrial workers, a more immediate role is emerging in China: on-demand entertainment. For 999 yuan ($145), customers can now rent a humanoid robot to dance, perform and pose to order.

That proposition is being trialled by Botshare - known in Chinese as Qingtianzu, or "Optimus rent" - which last weekend rolled out a "999 yuan robot experience programme for everyone" ahead of Valentine's Day and the Lunar New Year.

Shanghai-based robot maker Agibot, the platform's main backer, staged a pre-recorded "robot gala" on Sunday to promote the service, featuring machines performing skits, dancing, singing and even kung fu routines.

Accessible via a WeChat mini program, the service offers tailored performances for occasions such as birthday parties, Valentine's dates and festive gatherings.

Dressed in themed costumes, the robots - including Agibot's compact X2 humanoid and full-sized A2 model - are programmed to dance, gesture and interact in ways designed to match the mood.

The headline price is 999 yuan for a 90-minute session, with an engineer on site to set up and fine-tune the equipment. The service is currently available in a limited number of cities, including Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou.

Launched in December, Botshare markets itself as a "robot-as-a-service" platform, part of a broader push to find viable commercial pathways for humanoids as real-world applications have yet to match expectations.

Despite rapid progress in development across China, turning prototypes into sustainable businesses remains a common challenge for robot makers.

Jiang Qingsong, Botshare's chairman and a partner at Agibot, said at the launch that a leasing platform could connect users, rental intermediaries, content developers and manufacturers, helping to accelerate adoption.

The platform also hosts humanoid models from companies including Engine AI, Limx, Unitree, AheadForm and Booster Robotics, targeting scenarios ranging from cultural tourism and corporate events to shopping mall promotions and retail openings.

A UBTech humanoid robot waves its hand during the China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, China, July 16. Reuters-Yonhap

Prices start from 999 yuan per day for an eight-hour booking and can reach as much as 99,800 yuan per day for high-end customised services.

The commercial focus reflects broader market realities.

Global humanoid robot shipments reached nearly 18,000 units in 2025, up about 508 per cent year on year and generating roughly $440 million in sales, according to an industry report released on Monday by research firm IDC.

Chinese manufacturers led shipments, with Agibot and Unitree each delivering about 5,000 units, while many overseas peers have yet to reach mass production.

"Market demand in 2025 was primarily driven by entertainment performances, education and research, and data collection," IDC said.

Hangzhou-based Unitree said last month that it had shipped more than 5,500 humanoid robots to customers last year, with total production exceeding 6,500 units - figures that excluded its wheeled and other robotic products.

While the long-term vision is factory floors and industrial efficiency, for now, the business case is birthdays, shopping malls and stage shows.