China to put first humanoid soon? Who shall follow ?
Introduction
China’s Humanoid Robot Progress
China aims to establish a preliminary innovation system for humanoid robots by 2025 and achieve mass production capabilities by 2027. The country has set clear goals to build a secure and reliable supply chain and innovation system to support the rapid development of humanoid robots.
Key developments include:
The world’s first human-robot marathon scheduled for April 2025 in Beijing, featuring 12,000 human runners alongside dozens of humanoid robots from over 20 companies.
The opening of China’s first heterogeneous humanoid robot training center in Shanghai’s Pudong District.
Significant investments in key technologies like AI and sensors to strengthen the robotics industry.
Government support fostering partnerships between industry leaders and research institutions.
Notable Chinese Humanoid Robots
Several Chinese companies have unveiled impressive humanoid robots:
SE01 by EngineAI
Known for its remarkably human-like walking abilities.
Qinglong by Humanoid Robots (Shanghai) Limited
185 cm tall, weighing 80 kg, with 43 degrees of freedom.
Walker S by UBTech Robotics
The first of its kind in China to carry out full-process handling tasks at an automotive factory.
Potential Followers
While China is pushing hard to lead the humanoid robotics market, several other countries and companies are also making significant progress:
United States:
Companies like Tesla, Figure, Agility Robotics, Boston Dynamics, and 1X Technologies are focusing on dexterity and manipulation for industrial and household tasks.
Apptronik, based in Austin, Texas, is developing Apollo, a versatile humanoid robot for industrial and commercial use.
Japan
Known for its advanced robotics industry, Japan is likely to be a strong contender in the humanoid robotics field.
South Korea
With its strong technology sector, South Korea could also be a significant player in humanoid robotics development.
European Union
Countries like Germany, with its strong industrial base, may invest heavily in humanoid robotics for manufacturing applications.
Conclusion
As the global race in humanoid robotics intensifies, it’s clear that China is positioning itself as a frontrunner. However, given the rapid pace of technological advancements and the significant investments being made worldwide, the field remains competitive, with several countries and companies poised to make substantial contributions to this emerging technology.