China's booming humanoid robotics industry embraces bright future

Humanoid robots are expected to emerge as a disruptive product following computers, smartphones and new energy vehicles.

As the world's largest robot market, China has seen a complete industrial chain of humanoid robotics taking shape. 

From making coffee to providing guided tours at exhibitions, the country has witnessed a remarkable expansion in the utilization of humanoid robots across diverse settings, playing a role in transforming industries and people's daily lives.

In recent years, China has issued policies such as a new-generation artificial intelligence development plan and a guideline for the development of the robotics industry in the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), accelerating the implementation of various aspects of the industry.

Significant progress has been made in innovation, research and development in areas such as human-machine interaction, machine vision, and motion control in the country. From top-level design, core technology research and development to practical applications, the industry chain is getting more and more complete.

Booming industry

As the world's largest robot market, the scale of China's humanoid robot market is estimated to reach 20 billion yuan (about $2.8 billion) this year.

By 2030, the scale of the global humanoid robot market will reach 1.9 trillion yuan (about 263.9 billion), with China's market contributing 376.2 billion yuan (around $52.7 billion) to that figure, according to industry estimates. 

A recent guideline issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology also stated that China will strive to establish a preliminary innovation system for humanoid robots by 2025, amid the country's push to develop the future industry.

The country will boast a number of small and medium-sized enterprises that specialize in the humanoid robot market and have cutting-edge technologies, and two to three humanoid robot companies with global influence by 2025.

By 2027, China will see a secure and reliable industrial and supply chain system, and related products will be deeply integrated into the real economy, according to the guideline.

Tech breakthroughs and challenges

Humanoid robot development involves various technical fields such as mechanics, electronics, software, and control, and the coordination and integration of these technologies pose a major challenge.

Currently, the development of humanoid robot technology still faces many technical difficulties, particularly in areas such as motion control, visual perception, and human-machine interaction.

Li Boyang, President of EX Robots, a humanoid robot company based in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, told China Media Group (CMG) that "I think the key challenges facing the development of humanoid robots right now are how to get the technology out of the laboratory to achieve mass production."

Costly hardware in the upstream and the high price of a humanoid robot also stand in the way of the development of humanoid robots. Manufacturers often have to rely on themselves to develop software. Moreover, there is a shortage of high-end talents, and policies concerning data privacy and other aspects still need to be perfected.

Extensive applications

The EX Future Science and Technology Museum in northeast China's port city of Dalian offers close encounters with humanoid robots.

With the integration of elements such as humanoid robots, 3D holography and interactive technology products, the museum simulates application scenarios of artificial intelligence in future life and attracts over 200,000 visitors each year.

The one-to-one ratio bionic robots there are modeled after renowned historical figures, like Spanish painter Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) and ancient Chinese educator and thinker Confucius (551-479 BC), sharing stories of the figures they represent as a part of immersive tour experience, captivating the crowds of tourists.

"I think bringing children to visit this place on weekends is truly fascinating. Through interactive experiences, children can acquire a more profound comprehension of historical knowledge and their scientific interests are sparked," said resident Han Rubin.

According to Li Boyang, CEO of EX Robots, the museum aims to integrate research and development, design, manufacturing and display.

"We use the technology of bionic humanoid robots to recreate the appearance of some famous historical celebrities in our venue. In fact, it's our new attempt to integrate humanoid robots with the cultural and tourism industry," Li said.

Humanoid robots are also being used in the field of education. In a robotics club, they provide diverse learning experiences, helping young students acquire programming skills and robotics knowledge.

Enjoyable educational activities offered by robots are expected to foster their innovation mindset and scientific interests.

Tao Jun, deputy director of Liaoning Provincial Department of Science and Technology, told CMG that "in line with the guideline for the development of robotics industry in the 14th Five-Year Plan period, our focus is on driving the development of components through that of complete machines."

"We are also planning and building robot industrial parks to demonstrate robot application scenarios. In the early stage, we have upgraded the needs of some application scenarios. Going forward, we will launch products to match these needs in the industrial parks."

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