The Spring Festival Gala boost humanoid robots buzz, rental prices fall

China's robotics leasing market saw a surge in orders but a dip in prices due to rising supply, after four companies—Unitree Robotics, Galbot, Noetix Robotics, and MagicLab—made a splash at the Spring Festival Gala.

According to mainland media, rising supply has driven rental prices down. Dancing robots have fallen from around 20,000 yuan (HK$22,632.4) per day in early 2025 to about 6,000 yuan, while non-dancing models now range between 2,000 yuan and 4,000 yuan. The 6,000 yuan fee includes operators and transportation.

It added that the investment could once be recovered within a month, but with prices dropping from 10,000 yuan to 1,000 yuan, the payback period has significantly lengthened despite unchanged costs.

Chinese New Year bookings were fully reserved one month in advance. Orders placed close to the holiday saw prices rise from 7000 yuan to as much as 10,000 yuan per day, according to mainland media.

JD.com (9618) said the January transaction value of its self-operated robot rental business doubled month on month. Orders have been scheduled through mid-March.

Cynthia ZHONG