Robotics is growing in China, offering millions of dollars in rewards to scientists

UBTech Robotics, a Chinese company focused on the development of humanoid robots, is looking for a chief scientist, offering a salary of about $18 million a year. According to Bloomberg, this is an unusual level of remuneration in China's artificial intelligence sector, which typically shies away from extremely high salaries.

The new professional is to lead the development of a strategy in humanoid robotics and embodied intelligence that links physical machines with artificial intelligence. His tasks will also include leading research into artificial intelligence models. The company also plans to expand its team by dozens of engineers.

Interest in humanoid robotics is growing in China, as seen at the CES 2026 technology fair or in TV programs watched by millions of viewers. Confidence in the sector has also been boosted by the successful listing of Chinese AI firms Minimax and Zhipu on the Hong Kong stock exchange.

Robotics is one of the Chinese government's priorities. UBTech has seen strong revenue growth, with humanoid robots and services revenue increasing more than 20-fold year-on-year. The company is also already working with companies such as Airbus to put AI into practice.

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