The current period marks the Spring Festival of the Horse Year. This year, the robots and AI technologies showcased during the Spring Festival Gala have attracted significant attention, which may serve as a major catalyst for related sectors after the holiday. Humanoid robots, in particular, stood out prominently during the gala.
During last year’s Snake Year Gala, Unitree Robotics made its debut with秧歌 dancing and other performances, sparking a wave of interest in humanoid robots and drawing investor attention to the sector. This led to a substantial rise in the humanoid robotics segment in the first quarter of last year. The Qianyuan Shengxin Fund, which I took over on December 27, 2024, adjusted its portfolio in a timely manner to focus heavily on robotics-related investments, achieving strong performance in 2025.
This year’s gala featured appearances by four robotics companies: Unitree, Yinhe Tongyong, Songyan Power, and Magic Atom. These firms are among the leading players in China’s robotics industry. Robotics took center stage at the gala, marking the largest lineup of robotic performances in the event’s history. Domestic robots participated in various acts, including skits and dances, demonstrating not only precise motion control but also natural interactive capabilities, highlighting both hardware and software advancements.
Songyan Power showcased four humanoid robots in the skit “Grandma’s Favorite,” emphasizing their potential as emotional companions and assistants in elderly care scenarios. This performance echoed a skit from over a decade ago starring Cai Ming, who also starred in this year’s program, creating a strong thematic connection. The robots executed difficult maneuvers such as backflips and cartwheels, interacting seamlessly with human actors. At the end of the skit, a life-size bionic robot modeled after Cai Ming made an appearance. Bionic robotics may represent a future trend, with celebrities potentially launching their own versions, offering new opportunities for fan engagement.
Unitree followed with a martial arts performance in the program “Wu BOT,” featuring its bionic humanoid robot H2 and general-purpose humanoid robot G1. The G1 model played a leading role, engaging in a human-machine duel with martial arts students and demonstrating exceptional mobility. When one robot fell during a drunken fist routine, many speculated it was a mistake. However, Unitree’s founder Wang Xingxing later clarified that it was intentional, designed to showcase the robot’s ability to quickly recover—a human-like trait.
Magic Atom’s robots participated in the singing performance “Intelligent Future,” with six high-mobility bipedal robots and two full-size general-purpose humanoid robots taking the stage. Yinhe Tongyong’s robots were featured in the micro-film “My Most Memorable Night,” demonstrating practical applications such as folding clothes, handing over items, and cooking.
Currently, robots are primarily used in industrial settings. The next phase of development will likely see them deployed in commercial services, followed by integration into households for tasks like elderly care, companionship, childcare, and even emotional support. The robotics industry is expected to move toward commercialization by 2026. Many Western countries have been surprised by the rapid advancement of Chinese robotics, and the gala’s demonstrations served as a powerful display of technological prowess. It is foreseeable that humanoid robots will highlight China’s competitive advantage in the years to come.
Early last year, I proposed that robotics could become China’s fourth major industrial sector, following home appliances, mobile phones, and new energy vehicles. The country benefits from a complete supply chain and low manufacturing costs. In addition to specialized robotics firms, several automotive companies have entered the field, leveraging existing sales channels and service networks. This positions China favorably in both domestic and international markets.
From an investment perspective, robotics is expected to offer attractive opportunities over the next three years. 2025 was largely a conceptual phase, 2026 will focus on order placements, and 2027 will shift toward earnings performance. In 2025, component suppliers announcing robotics-related ventures saw significant stock gains, though it was unclear which would secure major orders. By 2026, attention will turn to companies entering supply chains such as those of Tesla or Unitree. By 2027, performance delivery will become the key metric.
This year’s gala also featured advanced broadcasting technologies, including ultra-high-definition production and spatial simulation, enhancing the experience for both live and television audiences. The event underscored the growing integration of AI and high-tech elements in public entertainment.
Technology stocks have led the current market rally, reflecting a tech-driven bull market. While tech equities dominated in 2025, they will remain a key theme in 2026, though not the sole focus. The 15th Five-Year Plan emphasizes technological innovation, with key areas including robotics, semiconductors, computing power, brain-computer interfaces, controlled nuclear fusion, quantum technology, commercial aerospace, biopharmaceuticals, and solid-state batteries. However, tech stock performance may diverge in 2026: companies with solid technology and commercial viability may outperform, while those reliant on hype without substantive business foundations could face declines.
Overall, 2026 presents both opportunities and risks. Investors should continue monitoring the tech innovation sector but prioritize fundamental analysis, focusing on high-quality industries, companies, and funds. Positive market dynamics and broader sector rotation may enhance returns. The post-holiday period often marks the beginning of a spring rally, offering a favorable window for investment. As the saying goes, “The whole year’s work depends on a good start in spring.” A strategy centered on value investing and rigorous research may help investors capture opportunities in the coming months.
Wishing all investors success and good health in the Year of the Horse.