Robotics and world models are AI's next frontier, and China is already ahead of the West — research shows almost 13,000 robots deployed in 2025 alone

Chinese companies are leading the way in humanoid robotics, with around 13,000 robots deployed in 2025, compared to Western counterparts. The market is predicted to grow significantly, with Chinese firms dominating sales. World models, neural network AIs for the physical world, are the next frontier in AI development. While China's manufacturing capabilities give it an edge, Western companies are urged to step up to avoid falling behind. The industry faces challenges with talent diversification and consolidation efforts in China, while American innovation and partnerships with global allies could still play a crucial role in shaping the future of robotics.