China starts the mass production of AI robots

Nearly 1,000 robotic humanoids built in China

Chinese robotics start-up Agibot, which launched in February 2023, has created a stir in the industry. The company then announced that it had started mass production of general-purpose robots. The latter is competing with the US electric car giant Tesla, which plans to mass-produce humanoid robots by 2026.

"As 2024 approaches, the first artificial intelligence (AI) robots are being unveiled by Figure DI, a US-based start-up based in Silicon Valley. Meanwhile, a start-up from China is already mass-producing robots equipped with AI," reads one blog post. But are Chinese innovators ahead of Tesla? 

Agibot has reportedly already delivered nearly 1 000 general-purpose robots. The company, Zhiyuan Robotics, shares footage of its manufacturing process on its official website.

Humanoid robots collaborate with humans to help them get things done

Agibot demonstrates the various stages of the production line at the Lingang Fengxian factory in Shanghai, including shelving inventory, assembling items, testing and checking for obsolescence (service life). The production line uses humanoid, self-made robots that collaborate with humans, mainly performing tasks such as shelving inventory, folding clothes, and handling them - cleaning and washing.

Elon Musk, founder and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, also said in a July post on the social platform X that Tesla will offer prototypes of multi-functional robotic humanoids next year. The latter will mainly be supplied to large companies. Production is expected to start within a few years.

Agibot aims to attract investors

Agibot's ambition to produce robots will attract many investors and expand the industry's capacity. Hong Shaodun, a technology industry watcher, welcomes the fact that humanoid robots are gradually becoming more versatile and able to perform more tasks. However, Hong fears that this equipment will reach a point soon where it will no longer be able to improve^[1].

Technologist Wei Jiaxing of the Beijing-based AI Robotics Innovation Centre disagrees. He believes that both Chinese robotics companies and Tesla are making great strides in humanoid robotics. "He singles out Tesla for its operational capabilities, which include the production of high-end chips. In contrast, he said, Chinese companies are particularly good at developing motion control equipment and advanced IoT models. 

China led the way in robotic humanoids at the end of 2023

China's Fourier Intelligence has been named the leading company in robotic humanoids at the end of 2023. Earlier this year, the company revealed that its first bipedal robot humanoid, GR-1, could perform around ten functions. Jiao Jichao, Vice President and Executive Dean of the Research Institute of UBTech Robotics, another robotic humanoid company based in Shenzhen, China, revealed that the technology will be launched massively by the end of this year.

Despite their achievements, it is questionable whether the robots will actually leave the laity "out in the cold", depriving them of a morsel of bread. However, some developers believe that certain rules will be introduced to ensure that the technology improves life - not destroys it.

The aim is to push the boundaries of robotic humanoids

China is devoting a lot of effort to independent research and development of robotics. In the coming years, the industry will focus on developing practical applications in specific scenarios to increase robotic humanoid operational capabilities further. However, there are some obstacles to a breakthrough. The main ones include efficiency and stability.

For example, technological blockades by the United States and its allies, including export-restrictive regulations, directly affect the development of China's robotic humanoid industry. In addition, the advanced microprocessors necessary for the operation of humanoid robots are often manufactured in the US and its allies. Technological blockades restrict the supply of these components to Chinese companies, hampering their technological development. Nevertheless, the country is striving to become a leader in robotics.

Technological blockades are known to impact China's robotic humanoid industry significantly, but they also encourage the country to develop local alternatives more quickly. The US, meanwhile, is trying to maintain its technological edge by exploiting its advantages. This competition is not only shaping the future of robotics but also influencing global relations in the field of technology^[2].

On the other hand, while developers are rejoicing, some people are sounding the alarm bells.

There are opinions on the Internet from people living in China. They point out that there are over 1.4 billion people living in the country, so who needs robots? In the eyes of the latter, it is humanoid robots that will lead to the desertification of people. They hasten to add that for some people, this technology is very useful indeed - after all, robots do not take maternity or sick leave. There is no doubt that robots will also be used for wider military action in the future^[3]. 

Indeed, by 2024, several countries have significantly accelerated the deployment of robots in military operations, increasing surveillance, combat support and logistics capabilities. One of these is Ukraine, which has deployed over 30 robotic dogs on the front lines against Russia. For its part, the Chinese army has unveiled a four-legged robot with advanced combat capabilities, including the ability to carry an automatic rifle and respond to voice commands. However, the US is still leading the way on this issue^[4].