China Unveils Plans to Mass Produce “Advanced-Level” Humanoid Robots by 2025
China has recently announced its ambitious plans to mass produce humanoid robots, which it believes will have the same level of impact as smartphones. The country’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) published a roadmap outlining these plans last week. The MIIT envisions that by 2025, these robots will reach an “advanced level” and will be produced on a large scale.
In a blueprint document made available on the MIIT’s website, the ministry stated that these humanoid robots have the potential to reshape the world. The document also highlighted the MIIT’s development goals, indicating its strong commitment to achieving these ambitions.
“They are expected to become disruptive products after computers, smartphones, and new energy vehicles,” the document stated.
While the blueprint document lacks detailed information, it is overflowing with ambition. Chinese companies are also emerging to support the country’s efforts in this field. For instance, Fourier Intelligence, a Chinese startup, has announced its plans to begin mass production of its GR-1 humanoid robot by the end of this year. The Shanghai-based company aims to deliver thousands of robots in 2024 that can move at a speed of five kilometers per hour and carry loads weighing up to 50 kilograms.
China is not the only country pushing boundaries in humanoid robot development. US-based Agility Robotics is set to open a robot factory in Oregon, intending to manufacture hundreds of bipedal robots capable of mimicking human movements such as walking, crouching, and carrying packages.
Even Amazon, the e-commerce giant, is testing Agility Robotics’ Digit robot at its research and development center near Seattle, exploring its potential for warehouse automation. However, this initiative is still in the pilot phase.
Tesla is also joining the race with its Optimus, or Tesla Bot, humanoid robots. According to Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, the prototype recently took its first independent steps during a Tesla AI Day event in 2022. Although Tesla still has a long way to go before mass production, Musk remains optimistic about the future of humanoid robots.
China’s determination to become a global leader in humanoid robot production reflects the country’s emphasis on technological advancements and innovation. With its bold plans and growing competition in the field, the world can expect to witness the rise of advanced humanoid robots in the coming years.
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