China slows humanoid robot IPOs over valuation concerns

Chinese regulators are slowing down initial public offerings for humanoid-robot companies due to concerns over soaring valuations and state-backed revenue. The caution follows volatile trading for Unitree Robotics and aims to curb market hype while maintaining national tech priorities.

FILE PHOTO: A humanoid robot by Unitree Robotics competes during a Wushu contest at the 2026 World Humanoid Robot Games at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, China August 26, 2026. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang/File Photo

China slowed the initial public offering rush for humanoid-robot companies, raising the bar for listings amid surging valuations. The regulatory cooling follows a volatile debut for Unitree Robotics, whose shares slumped 55% from their peak after soaring fivefold in Shanghai. The informal guidance aims to curb market hype while maintaining the sector's priority status.