Shanghai released China’s first governance guidelines for humanoid robots during the 2024 World Artificial Intelligence Conference. The guidelines emphasize the need for a reliable industrial supply chain and the integration of robotics across sectors where humans currently perform dangerous tasks.
An array of humanoid robots was showcased during the conference, including the Unitree Robotics H1, a Chinese full-size general purpose humanoid robot capable of running, as well as Tesla’s Optimus. Humanoid robots took center stage at the AI conference as China aggressively aims to take over the humanoid robotic market.
By 2025, the Chinese government wants to mass produce humanoid robots by nurturing a few large-scale companies, creating a cluster of specialized small and medium-sized enterprises, and fostering industrial hubs dedicated to humanoids.
The following are just some of the latest developments in Chinese humanoid robotics.
Nio Tests Kuavo for EV Assembly
Nio is testing the first humanoid robot equipped with Huawei’s HarmonyOS at the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer’s assembly plants. According to reports, the robot named Kuavo is being tested at factories of Nio and Jiangsu Hengtong Group.
The humanoid robot, developed by Leju Robotics, debuted at Huawei’s HDC 2024 developer conference in June. Kuavo is designed for industrial and domestic settings. HarmonyOS is an open-source operating system designed to work with a broad range of devices like smartphones, tablets, wearables, smart TVs, and IoT devices.
EX Robot’s Hyper-Realistic Android Factory
Footage from the factory floor of EX Robot, where hyper-realistic humanoid robots are created, gained attention globally. Ex Robots’ designs replicate human emotions and behaviors with increasing accuracy.
According to the South China Morning Post, the robots take from two weeks to a month to produce. They cost up to $280,000. Most of the robots so far are for display in museums, but Ex-Robots aims to integrate them across sectors.
China’s Open-Source Full-Size General Purpose Humanoid Robot
China’s first full-sized general-purpose humanoid robot just debuted at the 2024 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai. Qinglong features a highly bionic torso and anthropomorphic motion control. According to Technode, the humanoid robot can navigate different terrains, recognize and interact with objects and people, and manipulate objects with precision.
It can also execute complex tasks autonomously. Developed by the National Local Joint Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, Qinglong is set to compete with advanced AI robots such as Tesla’s Optimus, Boston Dynamics Atlas, and Figure’s Figure 01.
Robot with Human Stem Cell Brain
Chinese scientists say they’ve created a robot with a brain made from human stem cells. It’s a step toward human hybrid robotics. The brain-on-chip technology, developed by researchers at Tianjin University, enables the artificial brain to learn tasks like gripping objects.
According to the South China Morning Post, the team used neural stem cells to construct the brain for the humanoid robot. The researchers said integrating human stem cells into robotic minds can empower machines to perform more complex tasks like living organisms.
Empathetic Humanoid Robot
Fudan University in Shanghai has introduced a new emotional humanoid robot. Named Guanghua No. 1, the robot is designed for assisting with elderly care and healthcare services. It features 45 intelligent joints. The humanoid robot displays facial expressions and shows emotions like happiness and sadness.
It uses advanced artificial intelligence to interpret and respond to human emotions. Its creators say the robot provides empathetic and personalized care. Researchers will now develop the robot further to improve its interactions and practical applications in real-world settings.
First Robot to Climb Great Wall of China
XBot L is the first humanoid robot to climb the Great Wall of China. Robot Era just announced the achievement with a video showcasing the humanoid robot’s advanced mobility and problem-solving skills. Climbing sections of the Great Wall, the robot handled uneven terrain, winding stairs, and dark archways.
Possible applications for the robot are in construction and disaster relief.
Robot Era, also known as Beijing Xingdong Era Technology, develops and commercializes humanoid robots and embedded intelligence technologies.