PwC China said it has launched an AI research institute and released the 2026 Intelligent Robotics Industry Development White Paper. The report argues humanoid robots derive value from scenario-specific applications rather than wholesale substitution of other robot forms. Over the next 3–4 years a single humanoid design will not suit all operational scenarios; excessive investment in humanoids could cause industry resource misallocation and irrational development. By 2030 the paper expects three

PwC China said it has launched an AI research institute and released the 2026 Intelligent Robotics Industry Development White Paper. The report argues humanoid robots derive value from scenario-specific applications rather than wholesale substitution of other robot forms. Over the next 3–4 years a single humanoid design will not suit all operational scenarios; excessive investment in humanoids could cause industry resource misallocation and irrational development. By 2030 the paper expects three robot categories to establish a clear division of labor and coexistence.