Japanese Media: Sino-U.S. Mutual Dependence and Intense Competition in the Robotics Sector

According to Kyodo News, August 23: China is accelerating the practical application of humanoid robots. Starting last week, Beijing hosted a series of robot competitions under the banner of "Robot Week," showcasing its technological development capabilities to the world.

A large-scale production system has been established through a nationwide mobilization involving both government and private enterprises, expanding the battlefield for competition over "hegemony" in high-tech fields between China and the U.S.

Starting from 2026, China will designate AI-powered humanoid robots as a key area for development. On the 19th, a consortium comprising over 100 entities—including corporations and universities—was established with the goal of achieving mass production.

Additionally, led by China's largest state-owned defense industrial enterprise, a public-private joint fund was launched to provide approximately 1 trillion yuan (about 24 trillion yen) in funding for artificial intelligence and robotics sectors.

In particular, Yujie Technology, a company that even alarms the United States, went public on the STAR Market of the Shanghai Stock Exchange on the 19th. Its closing price on the first day was 5.6 times the issue price, with a market value reaching approximately 7 trillion yen.

According to a U.S. research institution, global shipments of humanoid robots reached around 19,100 units in the first half of this year, with Chinese companies accounting for over 97%. However, practical applications remain challenging. Yujie Technology’s sales to industrial enterprises account for less than 10% of its total sales.

The "brain" of humanoid robots comes from the United States, while their "bodies" are made in China. Chinese companies still rely on the U.S. for AI semiconductors. Yujie Technology collaborates with major American semiconductor company NVIDIA in research and development of robots. Humanoid robots have become a primary battleground in the realm of economic security, following semiconductors and drones. The Trump administration, concerned about the erosion of U.S. dominance, has intensified regulatory measures. In June, the U.S. Department of Defense designated Yujie Technology as a "military-affiliated entity," and in July, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) restricted certification for new models.

However, "de-China-ization" would significantly hinder technological progress in the United States. If American tech firms leverage Chinese companies' manufacturing capabilities, it could greatly benefit American innovation.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent explicitly stated: "We do not wish to decouple from China." He believes restrictions on Chinese tech firms should be limited strictly to strategic sectors.

On the day of the company's listing, Yujie Technology CEO Wang Xingxing candidly admitted: "Currently, robot efficiency falls short of human performance," expressing strong anticipation for real-world applications.

The competitive landscape between China and the United States over humanoid robots has entered a new phase of prolonged confrontation, marked by mutual dependence.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1874321019847692/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.