China is increasing its focus on developing humanoid robots for potential military applications, with some experts suggesting they could be used in combat scenarios within five to ten years. At the recent World Robot Games in China, robots showcased abilities such as jumping, dancing, and even boxing, with some models able to run 100 meters faster than the world's fastest human, Usain Bolt. Just two days after the event, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) encouraged researchers to quickly transfer advanced technologies to military training facilities, signaling a push to integrate "combat" robots into military operations. According to a Reuters analysis of over 100 military tenders, academic research, patents, and internal documents, China’s military is actively preparing for the use of humanoid robots in wartime. The documents show that the PLA is testing robots in conditions similar to real combat and exploring how they could work alongside soldiers. However, Reuters found no evidence that China has yet deployed armed humanoid robots in active military units. China's interest in military humanoid robots grew significantly in 2024, when the National University of Defense Technology (NUDT) and the Chinese Academy of Military Sciences hosted a forum on their potential applications. A year later, a competition organized by NUDT simulated a mission where robots had to infiltrate enemy territory, map the area, and identify targets. Around the same time, the PLA began issuing tenders for the acquisition of humanoid robots and related technologies, including systems for perception and fine manipulation. However, it remains unclear whether these tenders have been fulfilled or by which companies. A 2025 study by researchers from NUDT described a hypothetical urban combat scenario involving "combat robots" such as humanoids, robot-dogs, and autonomous vehicles working alongside soldiers to reclaim an occupied building. The study estimates that the technology needed for such operations could be available in five to ten years. However, the study does not clarify how the robots would be controlled, whether they would carry weapons, or how they would interact with civilians. Researchers from Taiwan have noted that while humanoid robots may be useful in complex environments like buildings or tunnels, simpler tasks might be better handled by cheaper, more maneuverable robots like quadrupedal or wheeled models. Chinese military publications suggest that the role of humanoid robots in warfare could evolve from support functions to direct participation in combat. A July 2025 article in a PLA publication discussed the possibility of allowing robots to open fire on human targets after being validated by an operator. Meanwhile, the U.S. military is also exploring similar technologies, with a recent program aiming to develop robots for reconnaissance, demining, and urban combat. However, the U.S. is currently behind China in the development of advanced bipedal and quadrupedal robots. Chinese manufacturers accounted for nearly 95% of global humanoid robot sales in 2025, according to BofA Global Research, highlighting China’s growing dominance in this field. Despite the potential for humanoid robots to become combat-ready in the near future, experts emphasize that significant technical challenges remain. These include improving mobility, perception, and artificial intelligence. While some researchers argue that robots could be used in dangerous environments where humans are reluctant to go, others warn that large-scale deployment could raise ethical and legal concerns. The International Committee of the Red Cross has expressed concerns about the ability of autonomous weapons to reliably distinguish between combatants and civilians. However, these concerns have not slowed China’s progress, as military researchers continue to push for advancements that could one day bring humanoid robots onto the battlefield.