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Chinese Humanoid Robot Demand Grows in Education and Enterprise, but Domestic Repair and Software Support Remain Challenges

Robotics1 min read

Chinese humanoid robots are selling more in South Korea to schools, universities, and companies. Buyers now worry about who will repair the robots and support their software.

Demand for Chinese humanoid robots is growing in Korea

More Chinese humanoid robots (robots shaped like people) are entering Korea. Universities, research centers, vocational high schools, and general companies are now buying them. The robots are used for research, teaching, and displays or promotion. Makers such as Unitree and AgiBot are working on Korean certification and sales networks.

Key facts at a glance

  • Schools with robot-related departments include Hanyang University, Kwangwoon University, Sejong University, and Kyungpook National University.
  • High schools with robot-related departments include Seoul Robot High School, Yuhan Technical High School, Seoul AI High School, and Jaeneung High School in Incheon.
  • Robots are sold through three routes: the maker's Korean company or official partners, specialist shops that sell many Chinese brands, and parallel imports (buying abroad and reselling in Korea).

Why robots are hard to keep running

Humanoid robots are still in development. When they fall while walking on two legs, joints, motors, or sensors can break. After a repair, the control software may need to be reset or the company's own software reinstalled. This makes upkeep harder than for normal electronics. Schools and small firms often lack trained staff to do this work.

Why this matters

Buying a robot does not mean it will work right away. Repair services in Korea are limited. Parallel-import buyers may depend on how skilled the importer is. If a robot cannot be fixed locally, it may have to be shipped back to China. An industry expert advises schools and companies to check for repair and software support before they focus on the price.

What to watch

  • Whether official partners build up engineers and parts supply in Korea.
  • Whether more Korean repair shops can service humanoid robots.
  • How well software support is offered to schools and companies.

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