Chinese humanoid robot maker Unitree Robotics is preparing to list on the Shanghai Stock Exchange after raising about $905 million through an initial public offering.
Retail investors reportedly oversubscribed for the shares by more than 8,000 times.
The listing brings one of China’s most visible robotics companies into the public market as investors place long-term bets on humanoid machines moving into factories and warehouses.
Superman robot reaches 12.66 metres per second
Days before the listing, Unitree introduced a humanoid robot named Superman.
The robot reportedly reaches a speed of 12.66 metres per second, faster than Usain Bolt’s recorded running speed.
It also performs a two-metre jump from a standing position.
The display follows other widely shared Unitree demonstrations featuring robots dancing, fighting and sprinting on Chinese television.
Unitree delivers about 18,000 humanoid robots
The company has delivered about 18,000 bipedal humanoid robots.
Unitree generated revenue of about 1.7 billion yuan last year, more than four times its revenue from the previous year.
These figures show a commercial operation growing behind the company’s public demonstrations.
Universities and research labs drive sales
Most Unitree robots are not yet operating in factories and warehouses.
Industrial clients accounted for less than 10% of the company’s sales through most of last year.
Universities and research laboratories made up most of its customer base.
The sales mix shows a gap between the technology presented in demonstrations and its daily use across commercial industries.
IPO values Unitree at more than 200 times earnings
The IPO values Unitree at more than 200 times its earnings.
This pricing reflects investor expectations that demand for humanoid robots will grow quickly and extend beyond research environments.
The challenge lies in producing machines that perform reliably in daily industrial operations rather than controlled demonstrations.
Humanoid robots attract investor attention
Unitree’s listing marks a shift in the way investors view humanoid robotics.
The technology has moved from research projects and television demonstrations towards companies with growing revenue and public market ambitions.
Superman’s speed and jumping ability attract attention, but Unitree’s long-term value will depend on whether businesses adopt its robots for practical work.
Read SA Buisness Integrator online
