Partnership highlights nation's growing AI strength

Nvidia and Unitree Robotics announced a collaboration to develop the Nvidia Isaac GR00T, a humanoid robot system combining Unitree’s nearly two-meter-tall H2 robot with Nvidia’s Jetson Thor hardware, including its Blackwell GPU for on-device AI. The system, launched on Monday, features 25 degrees of freedom in each hand and 31 in the robot itself, targeting researchers at institutions like Stanford University. The partnership highlights China’s growing leadership in humanoid robotics, with the country producing 84.7% of global shipments—14,400 units in 2025—and hosting over 140 manufacturers. Analysts attribute this dominance to China’s control of critical minerals, including 91% of refined magnetic rare earths and 45% of battery exports, essential for mass production. Data from the European Patent Office shows China holds 70% of global robotics patents filed since 2000, surpassing the US’s 4%. In 2023 alone, China filed over 30,000 new robotics patents—nearly 30 times more than the US—with UBTech leading globally at 812 patents, compared to Boston Dynamics’ 119. Unitree Robotics also received approval for its IPO on China’s STAR Market, one of the fastest reviews this year, reflecting investor confidence in the sector. Meanwhile, US-China Business Council President Sean Stein emphasized the necessity of collaboration, noting China’s rapid innovation in AI and robotics. The partnership follows recent diplomatic agreements, including May’s intergovernmental AI dialogue between China and the US, underscoring the two nations’ pivotal roles in shaping the future of AI-driven robotics.