Chinese humanoid robots have advanced significantly in both functionality and look, from chatting and dancing to washing clothes. Some of them are more realistic than ever, with human-like skin, emotive expressions, and speech. Humanoids are a hybrid of robotics and artificial intelligence.
They are two-legged robots designed to mimic human abilities and appearance. Humanoid robots won’t be used in large quantities anytime soon, but China and the rest of the globe are making great strides in this direction. Chinese companies are developing humanoid robots for household chores. For example, UniX AI’s Wanda can wash clothes, fold laundry, cook and even act as a bartender. With remote control and the ability to lift heavy objects, they provide essential care to the elderly. Some can even perform basic diagnostics and conduct interviews. Shu Bin, executive director of the National and Local Innovation Center for Humanoid Robotics in Shanghai, expects that within five to ten years, these robots will be able to navigate complex environments in homes and offices.
Chinese anthropomorphs are successful in both sports and art. The Yang Ge dance was performed by Unitree’s H1 humanoid robots, while Booster Robotics has produced soccer-playing robots. The Astribots AI-controlled robot can reach level 10 in the game of Chinese Dwarves in a matter of hours. This development clearly demonstrates the potential of anthropomorphic devices in recreational and sports training.
How anthropomorphic can the Chinese become? Robots developed by Noetix are able to replicate more than 30 human face emotions in real time. Xiao Qing and other anthropomorphic bionic robots of the past were designed to look, act, and speak like humans. Since they are able to understand their surroundings and respond to human commands, anthropomorphic robots are ideal for household and service applications.
In addition to their appearance, their physical abilities are quickly approaching human levels.
robot in the world to run solely on electricity. In February, it became the first of its kind, stretching along the riverbank and climbing to the top of a hill via more than 100 steps. According to the developers, it represents a groundbreaking breakthrough in the field of outdoor living.
But “realistic” is probably an understatement. The project’s creators envision humanoid robots with enhanced sensory perception, capable of, for example, seeing through walls, operating in micrometer-scale environments, and operating in extreme conditions where humans shouldn’t be able to work. With strong government support and huge investments, China is accelerating the development of humanoid robots. “China has an advantage in terms of production, industry, iteration speed, and cost when it comes to insurance equipment,” stated Wang Feng, Ex-Robots’ director of research and development.
. When it comes to software, and especially in the field of artificial intelligence technologies, the gap between us and the rest of the world is not significant. “But we need to catch up in terms of computing power and access to the talents offered by artificial intelligence.” As technology advances and production increases, costs will fall, advancing China’s progress toward a time when humanoid robots will interact with people. By 2029, the Chinese humanoid robot industry is expected to reach 75 billion yuan, according to a paper presented at the first China Humanoid Robot Industry Conference in April 2024.
Accounting for 33% of the global market.
