Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com has unveiled its plans to launch the world’s first humanoid robot auction during its annual 618 shopping festival. The company revealed the initiative during the launch event for the 2026 618 shopping festival, saying that the auction will contribute to a broader series of special sales and promotional activities throughout the shopping period. 

Industry experts observed that the event could attract major technology companies, research institutions, and robot collectors scouting for early access to next-gen machines. JD.com, however, has yet to disclose the full line-up of robot models available for the auction. 

An ambitious plan

The Chinese firm spoke to Global Times on Monday, revealing the extent of its planned robotic adoption over the next five years. The adoption includes the deployment of 3 million robots, 1 million autonomous vehicles, and 100,000 drones in the ambitious project. 

Meanwhile, JD Retail is aiming to push robot bands to exceed $1.47 billion in 2026 alone, while aiming to shorten product launch cycles by 30%. 

Dai Wenjun, head of JD’s JoyInside robotics platform, revealed that the platform will connect with more than 10 million terminal devices this year alone. Robotics giants like Unitree Robotics and Noetix Robotics have already integrated into the platform. 

Humanoids in factories

Apart from trying to integrate humanoid robots into the Chinese public, the authorities are looking to deploy them in factories. For instance, Shanghai revealed plans to accelerate the real-world deployment of AI and humanoid robots. 

Tang Wenkan, director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization, said the city aims to deploy 100,000 humanoid robots in factories by the end of the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan period running from 2026 to 2030.

Tang also stated that Shanghai aims to increase AI agent adoption among large industrial enterprises to more than 80 percent as part of a broader “AI Plus” action plan designed to transform industrial production and build what officials describe as a new intelligent economy.

The city will also implement an “AI Plus” action plan to drive industrial transformation through AI and help build a new form of intelligent economy. 

From lab concepts to commercial products

“Humanoid robots, once largely limited to laboratories and demonstrations, are now being used in retail, logistics, manufacturing, healthcare and public service scenarios,” Pan Helin, a member of the Expert Committee for the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, told the Global Times on Monday.

Pan added that the auction could create a new commercial channel for robotics manufacturers while helping consumers view humanoid robots as practical tools rather than futuristic concepts.

The announcement underlines Chinese companies’ race to establish leadership in embodied AI amid an intensifying global interest in humanoid robotics.

Companies worldwide are exploring how machines could eventually support warehouses, factories, customer service operations, healthcare facilities, and even households.