China Showcases Humanoid Robotics Progress at World Robot Conference
Image Name: Chinese Humanoid Robots
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China’s ambitions in humanoid robot development were prominently displayed at the recent World Robot Conference in Beijing, where the nation’s supply chains introduced innovative and cost-effective components. However, industry experts cautioned that the field still faces significant challenges in product reliability, which must be addressed for the sector to reach its full potential.
Wisson Technology, a Shenzhen-based company known for its flexible robotic manipulators, stood out at the conference by demonstrating a novel approach to robot production. Unlike traditional robotic systems that rely on motors and reducers—key transmission devices—Wisson uses 3D-printed plastics and pneumatic artificial muscles to power its robots. This innovative technique significantly reduces production costs, enabling the company to offer its flexible robotic arms at a fraction of the cost of traditional models.
According to Cao Wei, a partner at Lanchi Ventures, which has invested in Wisson, the company’s pliable technology could revolutionize the industry. Wisson’s robotic arms are priced at around 10,000 yuan ($1,404), approximately one-tenth the cost of conventional robotic arms. “(Wisson’s) pliable arms could be used in humanoids,” Cao noted, adding that the company has already provided samples to overseas firms specializing in humanoid robot development.
Despite these advancements, the road ahead is not without obstacles. Yi Gang, founder of Shanghai-based Ti5 Robot, a company that specializes in integrated robotic joints, highlighted significant issues within the robotics supply chain. Yi expressed concerns about product reliability, noting that defect rates in current components limit production volumes to no more than 1,000 units. Harmonic gear, which plays a critical role in motion control, remains a particular challenge, according to Yi.
China’s push for progress in robotics is strongly supported by President Xi Jinping’s policy initiatives aimed at developing “new productive forces” in technology. This directive was a focal point of the conference, where various companies and industry leaders emphasized the importance of advancing robotics to meet the nation’s economic and technological goals.
The robotics industry in China, already the world’s largest market for industrial robots, is rapidly evolving with increasingly sophisticated technology that is transforming traditional sectors. From manufacturing and automotive industries to agriculture, education, health, and home services, robotics is beginning to reshape the landscape of multiple industries across the country.
Gao Jiyang, who previously served as an executive director at Chinese autonomous driving start-up Momenta before founding Galaxea AI, a start-up focused on robot hardware and embodied AI, discussed the intersection of robotics and autonomous driving. Gao noted that the advancements in smart driving are contributing to significant progress in robotics. “Autonomous driving means AI-plus cars, which are also a type of robot,” Gao explained, highlighting the convergence of these technologies.
As the World Robot Conference concluded, Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the strategic importance of the robotics industry to China’s future. He reiterated the need to implement President Xi’s guidelines, which underscore the significance of the robotics sector in advancing technical innovation and enhancing high-end manufacturing capabilities. According to China’s official Xinhua news agency, Li described robots as a crucial metric for assessing a nation’s technical prowess and manufacturing strength.
In his closing remarks, Premier Li called for concerted efforts to ensure the stability of the robotics supply chain and to advance China’s position on the global stage. He stressed the importance of expanding and popularizing the use of robots across various industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and services. “It is necessary … to promote the expansion and popularisation of robots in various fields such as industry, agriculture, and service industry,” Li stated, reflecting the government’s commitment to fostering the growth of the robotics sector.
The World Robot Conference in Beijing served as a platform for China to showcase its advancements in humanoid robotics and to highlight the challenges that remain. As the nation continues to push the boundaries of robotics technology, the focus will increasingly be on addressing the issues of product reliability and supply chain stability. With continued innovation and strategic investment, China aims to solidify its position as a global leader in the rapidly evolving field of robotics.
The future of China’s robotics industry looks promising, but achieving long-term success will require overcoming the hurdles identified by industry experts. As the nation’s robotics capabilities expand, the global community will be watching closely to see how China navigates these challenges and continues to drive innovation in the field. The advancements showcased at the conference are just the beginning of what could be a transformative era for robotics, not only in China but worldwide.
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