Chinese Humanoid Robots Set Sights on Middle East and U.S. Markets – LimX Dynamics’ Global Expansion
Chinese humanoid robots are preparing to make their global debut, with Shenzhen-based startup LimX Dynamics leading the charge. Founder Will Zhang revealed in an exclusive interview that the company is in talks with U.S. partners, aiming to bring its humanoid robots to international markets even before Elon Musk’s Optimus is publicly available. The announcement follows LimX’s recent showcase at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, signaling the company’s ambitious push beyond China.
LimX Dynamics is taking a strategic approach to global expansion, starting with the Middle East. The startup recently secured its first foreign investor from the region, marking a significant milestone in its growth plans. Zhang emphasized that the company is prioritizing local partnerships over immediate financial gain, with further collaborations in Europe and the U.S. expected in the coming months. To date, LimX has raised $69.31 million, supported by major backers such as Alibaba, JD.com, and Lenovo.
The rise of LimX highlights the intensifying competition in the humanoid robot market. Chinese companies, including Unitree and Agibot, are increasingly shipping humanoid robots worldwide, placing pressure on Tesla’s Optimus and U.S. rival Figure AI. According to research firm Omdia, Chinese firms dominated the top five global shipments last year, with Tesla ranking ninth. Morgan Stanley has now doubled its 2026 forecast for China’s humanoid robot sales to 28,000 units, predicting continued growth driven by business applications.
LimX’s flagship humanoid, Oli, released in summer 2025, demonstrates the startup’s commitment to innovation. Base models start at 158,000 yuan ($22,660), while developer-ready versions cost nearly double. Zhang aims to advance agentic artificial intelligence capabilities, enabling robots to perform tasks autonomously without remote control. The company recently introduced COSA, an AI operating system that allows real-time motion adjustments, such as catching tennis balls or performing complex movements.
Looking ahead, LimX plans to deliver thousands of robots to the Middle East over the next three years for research and development, while laying the groundwork for future U.S. deployment. Zhang envisions a future where humanoid robots are working alongside humans globally within five to ten years, not just in China. “We don’t think the U.S. has to lead and China follow,” he said, underscoring the company’s goal to become a global technology leader in humanoid robotics.
source: cnbc