South Korea was the third-largest destination for Chinese exports of “intelligent bionic robots” in the first nine months of 2026, behind the US and Japan, The Korea Times reported on October 23, citing Chinese customs data. Korea took $19.99 million, or 9.7% of the $206.95 million total. The customs category was introduced this year and covers humanoids and robot dogs.
Why it matters: Korea is building its own humanoid industry with public money, and Chinese robots are arriving in the same factories it wants to supply.
Key Facts
- Korea: $19.99M of China’s $206.95M “intelligent bionic robot” exports, Jan–Sep 2026 (9.7%, rank 3 after US and Japan)
- Category: new in 2026; includes humanoids and robot dogs (Chinese customs, via Korea Times, Oct 23)
- UBTech Walker S2 and Tienkung DEX on Ajin Industrial car-parts lines with partner Duksan JM Robotics; no fleet size given
- Anyverse Dynamics: café and service trials planned in Korea in Q4 2026
Where are Chinese humanoids working in Korea?
On car-parts lines. UBTech said Korean partner Duksan JM Robotics and automotive supplier Ajin Industrial deployed its Walker S2 and Walker Tienkung DEX humanoids for line-side assistance and parts handling, according to Magica’s summary of a UBTech Education post. No fleet size, hours or productivity figures were given. Yeongnam Ilbo observed a Walker S2 handling a simulated box-transport task at Ajin’s Hayang plant in June while attached to a safety support.
Beijing start-up Anyverse Dynamics plans café and other commercial-service trials in Korea in the fourth quarter of 2026, after café pilots in Beijing, Gasgoo reported.
How is Korea responding?
With subsidies and scrutiny. Korea’s 2027 budget proposal increases physical-AI spending (our budget report), and Chinese humanoids came up at this month’s parliamentary audit (our audit report). The government also plans to buy 1,700 robots in 2027 under its 200,000-robot target.
Frequently Asked
How many Chinese humanoid robots does Korea import?
China’s customs data reports value, not units. Korea took $19.99 million of China’s $206.95 million exports of “intelligent bionic robots”, a category covering humanoids and robot dogs, in January–September 2026.
Which Chinese humanoids are used in Korean factories?
UBTech’s Walker S2 and Walker Tienkung DEX have been deployed on automotive parts lines with Ajin Industrial and partner Duksan JM Robotics, according to UBTech. Fleet size was not disclosed.