Airbus has placed a landmark order for 120 humanoid robots from Chinese robotics firm UBTech, marking a major endorsement of China’s advanced automation capabilities. The deal has driven UBTech’s shares (002230.SZ) up 28% in early trading, signaling strong investor confidence in the company’s global competitiveness.
- Airbus ordered 120 humanoid robots from UBTech for deployment in 2026
- Deal value: ~$18 million, marking the first major aerospace contract for Chinese humanoid robots
- UBTech shares (002230.SZ) rose 28% following the announcement
- Robots to operate in Airbus facilities across Europe and North America
- Ultrasonic AI navigation and adaptive manipulation systems are key technical differentiators
- This deal is seen as a validation of China’s industrial robotics advancement
Airbus has confirmed a strategic procurement agreement with UBTech, a leading Chinese robotics manufacturer, for 120 humanoid robots to be deployed across its European and North American manufacturing facilities starting in Q3 2026. The robots, designed for logistics and assembly support tasks, are expected to enhance operational efficiency in aircraft production lines. This marks the first large-scale commercial deployment of Chinese-made humanoid robots in the aerospace sector by a global industrial leader. The order, valued at approximately $18 million, underscores growing international trust in China’s robotics innovation. UBTech’s robots, equipped with AI-driven navigation and adaptive manipulation systems, were selected after a two-year evaluation process involving multiple global vendors. The company’s ability to meet Airbus’s stringent safety, precision, and integration requirements represents a significant milestone for the industrial automation industry. UBTech’s stock (002230.SZ) surged 28% on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange following the announcement, with trading volume more than doubling its 30-day average. Analysts noted that the deal could unlock further contracts in high-tech manufacturing, particularly in defense, automotive, and logistics sectors. Market participants are now reassessing the valuation of China-based robotics firms, with several firms citing UBTech’s success as evidence of a broader technological shift. The development signals a strategic expansion of Chinese high-tech exports beyond consumer electronics into advanced industrial systems. As Airbus integrates these robots into its production workflows, the move may prompt competitors in aerospace and heavy industry to accelerate their own automation partnerships, reshaping global supply chain dynamics.