China has long been eyeing the top spot in emerging fields like AI and quantum computing. Now, it has a new goal: to create realistic robots that can mimic human actions and emotions.
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has unveiled a plan to produce China's first humanoid robots by 2025. The program also aims to foster more startups in the sector, set industry norms, cultivate talent, and enhance international cooperation.
China's bet on Humanoid robots
As per Bloomberg, the announcement boosted the stocks of Chinese robotics firms, as it signaled a new front in the tech rivalry between China and the US, the world's two largest economies. US companies such as Tesla and Boston Dynamics have been leading the way in developing advanced robots.
China, the world's biggest electronics maker, hopes to achieve breakthroughs in areas such as environment sensing, motion control, and human-machine interaction in the next two years, the ministry said. It also urged using artificial intelligence in robotics and more research on agile robot limbs.
The plan was vague on specifics but ambitious in scope. China also wants its humanoid robots to think, learn, and innovate by 2027 and to build a reliable supply chain system to support their production, it said.
Humanoid robots are expected to take over more tasks that humans do, from shopping to working in dangerous situations. Several US companies have a head start in the field, with Tesla working on its "Optimus" humanoid robot and Boston Dynamics' Atlas capable of doing back flips. South Korea's Hyundai Motor Group acquired Boston Dynamics for $1.1 billion three years ago. This year, a California startup called Figure raised $70 million to make a humanoid robot.
On Thursday, the ministry released a guidance statement that outlines the primary objectives and responsibilities for advancing the development of humanoid robots in China. The nation's target for 2025 is to create an initial innovation framework for humanoid robots, marked by significant advancements in critical components like "brains, cerebellum, and limbs," ensuring a secure and efficient supply of essential elements. The production quality of these robots is anticipated to meet rigorous international standards, enabling large-scale manufacturing. These robots are expected to showcase their utility in a wide range of applications, spanning from manufacturing to various aspects of daily life.
Growing the industry
The 2025 goal also includes cultivating two to three globally influential ecological enterprises, along with several specialized small and medium-sized enterprises. This will be coupled with creating two to three development clusters employing new business models.
By 2027, the technological innovation capability of humanoid robots is slated to improve significantly, forming a safe and reliable industry supply chain with globally leading comprehensive strength and internationally competitive ecology. The industry will expedite large-scale development with a broader array of application scenarios, with related products deeply integrated into the real economy, becoming an essential new engine of economic growth.
The issuance of this guidance provides a clear roadmap for China's future development in this sector. It also delineates significant paths for technological innovation and resource allocation.
While China's technological development in humanoid robots ranks among the world's best, there are still areas where it needs to catch up to some developed countries, particularly in high-end chips and core algorithms.
The guidance outlines five essential tasks aimed at industrial development, including achieving critical technological breakthroughs, nurturing actual products, expanding application scenarios, creating industrial ecology, and bolstering support capacity.
The potential for humanoid robots to drive economic growth is on the horizon. With backing from national technology and policy initiatives, these robots are expected to play a significant role in various sectors, including healthcare and family services. According to a report from the Xinhua News Agency, China's market for humanoid robots is projected to reach 870 billion yuan by 2030.
Originally published on Interesting Engineering : Original article