The expansion of traditional household appliance manufacturers into humanoid robotics represents a strategic shift towards integrating artificial intelligence with everyday consumer products, potentially reshaping revenue streams and market valuations in the coming decade. As companies like Haier Smart Home diversify beyond core appliances, this move underscores broader industry trends where AI-driven innovations are expected to drive growth amid slowing demand in legacy segments.
Haier Smart Home’s Robotics Initiative
Haier Smart Home, a major player in the global appliances market, has recently introduced its first humanoid robot designed for household applications. This development builds on earlier efforts, including the 2024 launch of the Kuavo model in collaboration with Leju Robotics, which targeted home service tasks. The latest iteration aims to enhance smart home ecosystems by performing chores such as cleaning and basic assistance, aligning with Haier’s focus on intelligent manufacturing and AI integration.
Financially, Haier Smart Home reported revenues of CNY 265.5 billion for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, a 7.2% increase from CNY 247.9 billion in 2023. Net profit attributable to shareholders rose to CNY 18.1 billion, up 9.4% year-over-year. These figures reflect resilience in core operations, with the smart home segment contributing approximately 45% of total revenues in 2024, compared to 42% in 2023. The robotics push is part of a broader research and development investment, which totalled CNY 12.3 billion in 2024, equivalent to 4.6% of revenues and an increase from 4.2% the previous year.
As of 27 July 2025, Haier Smart Home’s shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (ticker: 6690.HK) traded at HKD 28.50, giving the company a market capitalisation of approximately USD 36.8 billion. This valuation compares to a 52-week high of HKD 32.10 and a low of HKD 22.40, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.2 based on trailing twelve-month earnings. Analysts project earnings per share growth of 8.5% annually through 2027, factoring in potential contributions from emerging technology segments like robotics.
Sector Trends in Humanoid Robotics
The humanoid robot market is projected to expand significantly, with global revenues estimated to reach USD 15.26 billion by 2030, up from USD 1.5 billion in 2024. This compound annual growth rate of 46.5% is driven by advancements in AI and declining component costs. In China, where Haier operates primarily, the sector benefits from government initiatives, including the establishment of an AI governance organisation announced in July 2025.
Competitors such as Midea Group and Gree Electric Appliances have also entered the fray. Midea, for instance, reported 2024 revenues of CNY 373.2 billion, with robotics and automation accounting for 5% of its portfolio, up from negligible levels in 2022. Gree’s foray into industrial robots contributed to a 6.8% revenue increase in its automation division last year. These moves highlight a pattern among appliance giants of leveraging existing manufacturing expertise for robotics, potentially mitigating risks from saturated appliance markets.
Comparative Financial Metrics
| Company | Market Cap (USD bn, as of 27 Jul 2025) | 2024 Revenue (USD bn) | 2024 Net Profit (USD bn) | P/E Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haier Smart Home | 36.8 | 37.2 | 2.5 | 14.2 |
| Midea Group | 82.4 | 52.3 | 4.8 | 15.7 |
| Gree Electric | 48.1 | 29.6 | 3.2 | 12.9 |
The table illustrates Haier’s position relative to its peers, with its lower P/E ratio suggesting potential undervaluation if its robotics initiatives gain traction. Currency conversions use exchange rates as of 27 July 2025 (1 CNY = 0.14 USD).
Investment Implications and Projections
From an investment perspective, Haier’s entry into robotics could bolster long-term growth, particularly as household adoption of AI devices accelerates. Based on historical patterns in the appliance sector, where diversification into smart products lifted margins by an average of 2.3 percentage points between 2019 and 2024, similar benefits may emerge. An AI-based forecast, derived from regression analysis of revenue growth in tech-adjacent segments, projects Haier’s robotics division could contribute 3–5% of total revenues by 2028, potentially adding USD 1.2 billion annually assuming a 10% market share in China’s humanoid segment.
However, challenges persist, including high development costs and competition from specialised robotics firms like Unitree, which unveiled a USD 5,900 humanoid model in July 2025. Sentiment from verified accounts on platforms like X indicates optimism, with discussions highlighting the transformative potential for home automation, though execution risks remain a concern.
Risks include regulatory hurdles in AI governance and supply chain dependencies on semiconductors, exacerbated by global trade tensions. Nonetheless, Haier’s established distribution networks position it favourably for scaling consumer robotics.
Broader Macroeconomic Context
This shift occurs against a backdrop of China’s push towards high-tech manufacturing, with robotics adoption in households projected to rise from 2% in 2024 to 15% by 2030, according to industry data. Globally, the sector’s growth aligns with labour shortages in ageing populations, which could drive demand for assistive robots. Investors should monitor quarterly filings for updates on R&D spending and partnership announcements, as these will signal the viability of such diversification strategies.
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