Demand for Chinese-made humanoid robots in South Korea is expanding beyond universities and research institutes to specialized vocational high schools and businesses. As applications broaden to include research and development, education, exhibitions and promotional events, securing local repair expertise and software support is emerging as a key challenge.
According to robotics industry sources on Nov. 2, leading Chinese humanoid manufacturers, including Unitree and AgiBot, are pursuing South Korean certification and establishing sales networks. Buyers are seeking the robots for uses ranging from industrial automation and data collection to academic research and corporate exhibitions and promotions.
Inquiries about educational robots are also increasing from high schools launching robotics-related departments or revamping existing programs, as robotics gains attention as a promising growth industry.
Several South Korean universities, including Hanyang University, Kwangwoon University, Sejong University and Kyungpook National University, offer robotics-related programs. At the high school level, Seoul Robotics High School, Yuhan Technical High School, Seoul Artificial Intelligence High School and Incheon Jaeneung High School also run related departments. Other schools are shifting existing mechanical engineering and automation programs toward robotics-focused curricula.
Distribution channels are diversifying as demand grows. Chinese manufacturers are supplying products through Korean subsidiaries or official partners, while specialist distributors have emerged to showcase and sell robots from multiple Chinese brands. Parallel imports—products purchased overseas and resold locally outside official distribution channels—are also entering the market.
Local service capabilities, however, remain limited. Few companies in South Korea can repair humanoid robots and provide technical support, and some official partners have only recently begun recruiting engineers and establishing spare-parts supply networks. For parallel imports in particular, after-sales support depends on the importer's technical capabilities. If local repairs are not possible, buyers may have to send their robots back to the manufacturer in China.
Humanoid robots, which are still under development, can sustain damage to joint actuators or sensors if they fall while walking. Even after physical repairs, they may require control software to be reconfigured or custom-developed software to be reinstalled, making maintenance more complex than for conventional electronics. Educational institutions and businesses often lack the specialist staff needed to handle these tasks.
“Chinese humanoid hardware is advancing rapidly, but buying a robot does not mean it can immediately perform the functions a customer wants,” an industry representative said. “Schools and businesses in particular should look beyond the purchase price and check whether they will have access to maintenance and software support.”
