China is introducing a national digital identification system for humanoid robots as authorities seek to monitor safety risks and standardize management across the rapidly growing sector.
According to state broadcaster CCTV, the initiative will assign unique digital identity numbers to humanoid robots throughout their operational lifecycle, from manufacturing and deployment to recycling and disposal.
The system is intended to help regulators track products more effectively as China accelerates development of humanoid robotics for industrial, commercial, and domestic applications.
The programme is currently being rolled out across more than 100 Chinese humanoid robot manufacturers. Reports indicate that over 28,000 robots spanning approximately 200 models have already been assigned digital identities.
The initiative is being coordinated by China’s Humanoid Robotics and Embodied Intelligence Standardisation (HEIS) organization under the country’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
Under the new framework, each robot’s identification number will contain multiple layers of information.
According to the guidelines, the code includes:
- a two-digit identifier for cross-border tracking;
- a four-digit manufacturer identifier;
- a six-digit product classification code; and
- a unique 17-digit serial number for each individual robot.
Chinese authorities have also released broader management guidelines covering how humanoid robots should be registered, monitored, and tracked throughout their lifespan.
The move reflects China’s growing focus on humanoid robotics as a strategic technology sector.
While most humanoid robots in China are currently deployed in universities, research institutes, and manufacturing environments, industry observers expect wider commercial deployment over the next several years, including applications in eldercare, domestic assistance, hospitality, and public services.
At the same time, Chinese robotics companies are increasingly localizing supply chains and reducing reliance on foreign technologies, particularly US-made AI chips.
Despite rapid development, many current humanoid systems remain limited in terms of autonomy, dexterity, and real-world adaptability, according to local reports.
Experts note that while humanoid robots are increasingly capable of performing controlled demonstrations and task-specific trials, many systems still struggle with the fine manipulation and reliability required for broader deployment.
Several Chinese companies, including Unitree, GigaAI, and Agibot, are among the firms developing next-generation humanoid systems and related hardware technologies.
According to reports cited by the South China Morning Post, GigaAI recently unveiled what it described as China’s first general-purpose humanoid robot for household applications.
The company’s SeeLight S1 system – developed in collaboration with the Hubei Humanoid Robot Innovation Centre and the Hubei Humanoid Robotics Industry Alliance – is expected to begin pilot household testing in Wuhan as early as 2027.
Videos released by the company reportedly show the wheeled humanoid robot carrying out household tasks including food preparation and laundry handling.
