The Shenzhen-based company said in an April 2 statement that the role will lead research on artificial intelligence models and shape its roadmap for humanoid robots and embodied intelligence, meaning AI systems that can interact with the physical world through machines.

It also plans to hire dozens of engineers to expand its technical team.

The compensation package is unusual in China’s AI sector, where companies have generally avoided the high pay levels seen at firms such as Meta Platforms Inc., according to Bloomberg.

Global interest in China’s humanoid robotics industry has continued into 2026, supported by investor backing and increased public exposure. Robots were showcased at the CES in Las Vegas earlier this year and performed at China’s Spring Festival Gala, one of the country’s most-watched television programs.

Chinese companies accounted for nearly 90% of global humanoid robot shipments in 2025, according to research firm Omdia.

UBTech humanoid robots. Photo courtesy of UBTech

Founded in 2012, UBTech has grown into one of China’s leading humanoid robotics companies. Its flagship Walker S2 robot stands about 5 feet 9 inches tall (175 cm) and is designed to operate autonomously in industrial settings, similar to humanoid robots being developed by Tesla, Business Insider reported.

The company reported that overall sales rose more than 50% last year, while revenue from full-size humanoid robot products and services increased more than twentyfold.

Earlier this year, UBTech signed an agreement with Airbus to test its Walker S2 robots on factory production lines.