At Automatica 2025, the Munich-based trade fair for smart automation and robotics, RealMan Robotics presented what it describes as a new generation of AI-driven, ultra-lightweight robotic systems. The showcase, which took place in June 2025, was framed by the company as a demonstration of how far collaborative robotics have come in terms of both physical design and intelligent control. While the event itself is a regular fixture on the European automation calendar, the company’s presence there carried a particular weight given the broader context of a global market that is increasingly dominated by Chinese manufacturers.
The headline figures from the trade show circuit are striking. According to data referenced in the company’s own communications and echoed across industry reporting, Chinese firms shipped 97% of the world’s humanoid robots in the first half of 2026. That statistic, while referring to a period after the Automatica event, provides the backdrop against which RealMan’s showcase must be understood. The company is not merely a participant in the robotics industry; it is part of a wave of Chinese enterprises that have scaled production and technological capability at a pace that has surprised many Western observers.
RealMan’s presentation at Automatica focused on two pillars: human-robot collaboration and remote operations. The company’s literature and demonstrations emphasized a "remote operations network built for human-robot collaboration," a phrase that hints at a broader ecosystem rather than a single standalone product. From the power joints that give the robots their strength to the fine manipulation capabilities that allow them to handle delicate tasks, and extending to cross-region teleoperation, the company presented a full-stack approach to robotics.
The timing of the showcase is notable. Automatica 2025 occurred at a moment when the humanoid robot market was transitioning from laboratory curiosity to commercial reality. The company’s emphasis on ultra-lightweight design is a direct response to one of the key engineering challenges in the field: making robots that are safe to work alongside humans while still being capable of performing useful tasks. Heavy, rigid machines are inherently dangerous in collaborative settings; lightweight, compliant systems are safer but often lack the strength or precision required for industrial applications. RealMan’s position, as articulated at the show, is that its AI-driven approach resolves this tension.
Product and availability details
The specifics of what RealMan demonstrated at Automatica 2025 are best understood through the lens of its stated capabilities. The company’s remote operations network is designed to enable cross-region teleoperation, meaning an operator could theoretically control a robot from a different city or even a different country. This is not a trivial feature; it requires low-latency communication, robust security protocols, and sophisticated haptic feedback systems. The company’s literature suggests that these systems are operational, though the exact technical specifications—such as bandwidth requirements, latency figures, or supported distance ranges—were not disclosed in the source material.
The "power joints" mentioned in the company’s communications refer to the actuators that drive the robot’s movement. In ultra-lightweight designs, these joints must be compact, efficient, and capable of delivering high torque relative to their weight. The "fine manipulation" capabilities point to the end-effectors and control algorithms that allow the robot to perform precise tasks, such as assembly, insertion, or handling fragile objects. Together, these components form the basis of a system that can be deployed in a variety of settings, from manufacturing floors to logistics centers.
What is not disclosed in the source material is equally important. There are no specific model numbers, payload capacities, or price points mentioned. The company did not announce a specific release date for any new products at the show, nor did it provide details on availability in European markets. This is not unusual for a trade show presentation, where the goal is often to generate interest and engage potential partners rather than to finalize commercial agreements. However, for buyers and integrators looking to make procurement decisions, the lack of concrete specifications is a consideration.
The source material also does not specify whether the showcased systems are currently shipping in volume or are still in a pilot phase. The company’s positioning—as a leader in the "rapidly growing field of humanoid robots"—suggests confidence, but the absence of hard numbers on production capacity or existing installations means that prospective customers will need to engage directly with RealMan to obtain the detailed technical documentation they would need for a serious evaluation.
What is clear is that RealMan is operating in a market segment that is experiencing explosive growth. The statistic about Chinese firms shipping 97% of the world’s humanoid robots in H1 2026 is a testament to the scale of investment and manufacturing capability that has been mobilized in China. The same source material notes that China may produce more than 100,000 humanoid robots in a single year, with even higher growth expected in subsequent years. For a company like RealMan, this is both an opportunity and a challenge: the opportunity is a vast and growing market; the challenge is intense competition from domestic rivals.
What it means for buyers
For European buyers and system integrators, the rise of Chinese robotics firms like RealMan presents a complex picture. On one hand, the sheer volume of production in China has driven down costs across the industry, making advanced robotics more accessible to mid-sized manufacturers that previously could not justify the investment. On the other hand, questions about supply chain resilience, data security, and long-term support remain top of mind for many procurement teams.
The source material highlights that Chinese firms have not only achieved scale but also technological advancement. The fact that AGIBOT now ranks No. 1 in the humanoid robot market, overtaking Unitree—which is reportedly about to complete an A-share IPO—indicates a dynamic and competitive landscape. For buyers, this competition is generally beneficial, as it accelerates innovation and puts downward pressure on prices. However, it also means that the market is evolving rapidly, and today’s leading product may be obsolete within a year or two.
RealMan’s emphasis on ultra-lightweight design is particularly relevant for European buyers, where workplace safety regulations are stringent. The European Union’s Machinery Directive and the upcoming AI Act place significant obligations on companies deploying autonomous systems. Lightweight robots that are inherently safer to operate alongside humans may face a smoother regulatory path than heavier, more powerful machines that require extensive safety guarding and risk assessments.
The remote operations capability is another factor that European buyers should consider. In a region where labor costs are high and skilled technicians are in short supply, the ability to operate robots from a central location—potentially across national borders—could offer significant efficiency gains. A single operator could supervise multiple robots in different factories, or a specialist in one country could assist with a complex task in another without the need for travel. This aligns with broader trends toward "lights-out" manufacturing and the decentralization of expertise.
However, there are also considerations that buyers should weigh carefully. The source material does not provide information on RealMan’s European support infrastructure. Questions about spare parts availability, local service engineers, and warranty terms are not addressed. For a capital-intensive purchase like a robotic system, these factors can be as important as the technical specifications. A robot that is down for weeks awaiting a replacement part is not a productive asset, regardless of how advanced its AI capabilities may be.
The broader market context also warrants attention. The source material describes robots, together with AI and innovative drugs, as the "new new three" of China—a reference to the country’s strategy of developing high-tech industries as engines of economic growth. This is not merely a commercial phenomenon; it is a matter of national industrial policy. The Chinese government has provided substantial support to the robotics sector through subsidies, research funding, and favorable procurement policies. This support has enabled companies like RealMan to invest heavily in R&D and scale production rapidly.
For European buyers, this means that they are not just purchasing a product from a company; they are engaging with a product that is backed by the full weight of Chinese industrial policy. This can be reassuring in terms of the company’s long-term viability, but it also raises strategic questions about dependency on a supply chain that is concentrated in a single country. Some European companies may choose to diversify their robotics suppliers to mitigate geopolitical risks, while others may see the cost advantages as outweighing these concerns.
It is also worth noting that the humanoid robot market is still in its early stages. While the growth figures are impressive, the installed base remains small relative to traditional industrial robots. The source material indicates that China may produce more than 100,000 humanoid robots in a year, but it does not specify how many of these are actually deployed in commercial settings versus being used for research, demonstration, or export. Buyers should therefore approach the market with a degree of caution, conducting thorough due diligence on any potential supplier.
What is not disclosed in the source material is any information about RealMan’s pricing, delivery lead times, or after-sales service commitments. These are critical factors for any procurement decision, and their absence means that buyers will need to engage directly with the company to obtain this information. It is also unclear whether RealMan has established partnerships with European system integrators or distributors, which could facilitate local support and integration services.
The source material also does not address the question of software ecosystems. In modern robotics, the software platform is often as important as the hardware. The ability to program, monitor, and update the robot is essential for long-term usability. RealMan’s AI-driven approach suggests that its robots are designed to learn and adapt, but the specifics of the programming interface, the availability of software development kits, and the openness of the platform to third-party developers are not covered in the available information.
For buyers who are considering a move into humanoid robotics, the key takeaway from RealMan’s Automatica showcase is that the technology has reached a level of maturity where serious commercial deployment is feasible. The ultra-lightweight design and AI capabilities address some of the key barriers to adoption, particularly around safety and flexibility. The remote operations network opens up new possibilities for how robots can be deployed and managed.
However, the lack of detailed product information in the public domain means that buyers will need to do their homework. Engaging with RealMan directly, requesting technical datasheets, and asking for references from existing customers are all prudent steps. It would also be wise to compare RealMan’s offerings with those of other Chinese firms like AGIBOT and Unitree, as well as with established Western players in the collaborative robotics space.
The broader trend is clear: Chinese firms are now the dominant force in humanoid robotics, and this is unlikely to change in the near term. The combination of scale, investment, and technological advancement has created a virtuous cycle that is difficult for competitors in other regions to match. For European buyers, this means that engaging with Chinese suppliers is not a niche option but a mainstream consideration.
At the same time, the rapid pace of change in the market means that buyers should be prepared for a dynamic environment. Products and capabilities are evolving quickly, and today’s leading supplier may face new challenges tomorrow. The competition between AGIBOT and Unitree, for example, is a sign of a healthy and vibrant market, but it also means that buyers need to be attentive to the long-term roadmap of any supplier they choose.
In summary, RealMan Robotics’ showcase at Automatica 2025 provided a glimpse into the future of human-robot collaboration and remote operations. The company’s ultra-lightweight, AI-driven approach is aligned with the needs of modern manufacturing and logistics, and the broader market context suggests that Chinese firms will continue to lead in this space. However, the absence of detailed product specifications and commercial terms in the public domain means that buyers will need to engage directly with the company to make informed decisions. The technology is ready; the commercial details are still to be negotiated.
Sources
RealMan Robotics showcases ‘AI-driven, ultra-lightweight robotics’ at Automatica 2025
Published by Vigla Media OÜ (Estonia).