China reports 106 embodied AI data collection centers with over 5,000 robots

According to a research report released on September 20, China had 106 publicly disclosed centralized embodied AI data collection centers as of August 2026, with 84 currently in operation. Estimates suggest these centers deploy over 5,000 robots in total. The industry saw a construction peak in Q1 2026 and has since shifted toward operational consolidation. Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Guangdong lead in regional distribution. Major robot brands deployed include Agibot (智元机器人), Leju (乐聚), UBTECH (优必选), Unitree (宇树科技), and Galbot (银河通用). While 65.96% of centers use a single robot brand, cross-platform data reuse remains a challenge. The report notes that the sector has yet to establish a stable commercial model, as buyer growth lags behind infrastructure expansion, signaling the start of industry consolidation.