China's humanoid robots tackle daily chores and drive industrial enhancement
At the 2024 World Robot Conference in Beijing, humanoid robots were the highlight, showcasing their expanding abilities in routine activities, such as handling cashier duties and brewing coffee. With China's rapid progress in humanoid robotics, experts anticipate these robots will not only revolutionize various sectors but also pave the way for new avenues of innovation and job creation.
TroibNews 
At the 2024 World Robot Conference held in Beijing, attendees witnessed the capabilities of humanoid robots firsthand, with one robot adeptly handling cash transactions and another efficiently preparing cappuccinos in the kitchen.
The event spotlighted the progress of humanoid robotics in China, showcasing a record-breaking 27 different models. At the conference's entrance, robots with highly realistic skin and facial expressions, capable of engaging in conversation, were featured. Although these robots still moved in a slightly mechanical manner, their extensive knowledge base enabled them to interact fluently with attendees.
Significant advances have been made in humanoid robotics, a field that has seen robots evolve from performing simplistic tasks to running, jumping, and completing complex functions, including creative endeavors. These robots are increasingly being applied in practical, real-world scenarios.
Several companies displayed humanoid robots at the event, equipped for tasks like vehicle inspections, material sorting, and heavy lifting, some nearing the stage of mass production. This indicates a potential boom in the commercial deployment of humanoid robotics.
Exhibitor Jiao Jichao explained, "We are currently doing practical training in different factories. By the end of this year, we plan to deliver a small batch of robots to customers." He expressed optimism for the future, saying, "In three to five years, we hope robots will be as readily accessible as smartphones or other automated equipment, where customers can use them right out of the box."
Zhao Mingguo, a Tsinghua University professor and director of the Robotics Control Laboratory, highlighted the 2024 conference as a pivotal experimental platform for both commercial and technical advancements. "By next year or the following year, we'll begin to see the outcomes of these efforts—some technologies will stick, while others will evolve, leading to a variety of new applications."
"Humanoid robots are creating new fields of employment and opening doors to brand-new applications," Zhao added.
The conference also revealed major innovations in robotics components, such as a new joint that allowed a 1.6-meter-tall, 43-kilogram robot to lift up to 145 kilograms.
Qiao Hong, a professor at the Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, emphasized the need for continued advancement in robotics: "China still needs to advance in the development of components and materials. It's crucial to figure out how we can integrate our expertise in control systems, artificial intelligence, and even large models into robots," and expressed hope for investment in future technologies.
China's recent policy initiatives and the establishment of innovation centers underscore the country's commitment to leading in humanoid robotics. According to recent guidelines from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China aims to accelerate the development and industrial application of humanoid robots, propelled by both national and provincial innovation centers in Shanghai and Beijing.
Industry experts predict that humanoid robots will soon play a crucial role in driving global economic and technological progress, with the potential to both replace and create jobs. Market projections suggest that by 2029, China's humanoid robot sector could be worth 75 billion yuan, capturing over 30% of the global market. The strategic goals are set for China to establish a comprehensive innovation system by 2025 and a reliable industrial supply chain by 2027, fully integrating humanoid robots into the economy.
Mathilde Moreau for TROIB News
The event spotlighted the progress of humanoid robotics in China, showcasing a record-breaking 27 different models. At the conference's entrance, robots with highly realistic skin and facial expressions, capable of engaging in conversation, were featured. Although these robots still moved in a slightly mechanical manner, their extensive knowledge base enabled them to interact fluently with attendees.
Significant advances have been made in humanoid robotics, a field that has seen robots evolve from performing simplistic tasks to running, jumping, and completing complex functions, including creative endeavors. These robots are increasingly being applied in practical, real-world scenarios.
Several companies displayed humanoid robots at the event, equipped for tasks like vehicle inspections, material sorting, and heavy lifting, some nearing the stage of mass production. This indicates a potential boom in the commercial deployment of humanoid robotics.
Exhibitor Jiao Jichao explained, "We are currently doing practical training in different factories. By the end of this year, we plan to deliver a small batch of robots to customers." He expressed optimism for the future, saying, "In three to five years, we hope robots will be as readily accessible as smartphones or other automated equipment, where customers can use them right out of the box."
Zhao Mingguo, a Tsinghua University professor and director of the Robotics Control Laboratory, highlighted the 2024 conference as a pivotal experimental platform for both commercial and technical advancements. "By next year or the following year, we'll begin to see the outcomes of these efforts—some technologies will stick, while others will evolve, leading to a variety of new applications."
"Humanoid robots are creating new fields of employment and opening doors to brand-new applications," Zhao added.
The conference also revealed major innovations in robotics components, such as a new joint that allowed a 1.6-meter-tall, 43-kilogram robot to lift up to 145 kilograms.
Qiao Hong, a professor at the Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, emphasized the need for continued advancement in robotics: "China still needs to advance in the development of components and materials. It's crucial to figure out how we can integrate our expertise in control systems, artificial intelligence, and even large models into robots," and expressed hope for investment in future technologies.
China's recent policy initiatives and the establishment of innovation centers underscore the country's commitment to leading in humanoid robotics. According to recent guidelines from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China aims to accelerate the development and industrial application of humanoid robots, propelled by both national and provincial innovation centers in Shanghai and Beijing.
Industry experts predict that humanoid robots will soon play a crucial role in driving global economic and technological progress, with the potential to both replace and create jobs. Market projections suggest that by 2029, China's humanoid robot sector could be worth 75 billion yuan, capturing over 30% of the global market. The strategic goals are set for China to establish a comprehensive innovation system by 2025 and a reliable industrial supply chain by 2027, fully integrating humanoid robots into the economy.
Mathilde Moreau for TROIB News
