When the World Stopped Laughing at China’s Humanoids
At first, the world laughed at China’s humanoid robotics ambitions. Then the tone shifted as its engineers developed increasingly capable and humanlike machines.
BHR-2
The BHR-2 is the second-generation humanoid robot developed by the Beijing Institute of Technology following the BHR-1. Introduced in 2002, it featured significant improvements in motion control, balance, and sensory feedback. Standing about 160 cm (5 feet 3 inches) tall, BHR-2 could walk more smoothly, turn, and maintain stability on uneven surfaces. It incorporated upgraded actuators and onboard computing for better coordination between its limbs and sensors.
China’s Humanoid Robots: From Mockery to Technological Triumph
China’s ambitions in humanoid robotics can be traced back to the 863 Program launched in 1986 to advance the country in high-tech fields.