Reference Message Network reported on June 2 that Bloomberg News website published an article titled "Chinese Startups Rush to Join the Upcoming AI Robotics Craze" on May 30. The content is compiled as follows: A few weeks ago, a Chinese startup named EngineAI demonstrated how robots learn in an unusual presentation. A female trainer displayed a series of dance moves and then encouraged the company's humanoid robot to imitate her actions. "Five, six, seven, eight," she instructed, "start! Keep the rhythm." With computer vision and machine learning algorithms, the robot watched and listened, then imitated her series of dance moves. Within days, EngineAI's robot had learned the Axe Gang dance from the movie "Kung Fu." This might seem a bit ridiculous, but this dance represents an important step for China's technology industry. For years, American companies like Boston Dynamics have led the development of humanoid robots, but now Chinese startups are constantly pushing the limits of innovation. In April, Beijing hosted the first half-marathon for humanoid robots. In May, China's well-known robotics company Unitree showcased its robot products at the "World's First Humanoid Robot Combat Competition." Although these events are not always smooth, the key lies in progress, not perfection. The average density of robots per person in China's factory workshops has already surpassed that of countries like the United States and Japan. Currently, China is preparing for humanoid robots to undertake increasingly complex tasks. Companies like EngineAI, Unitree, and their competitors have begun various trials, ranging from sorting garbage, delivering medicine in nursing homes, patrolling with police officers, to museum tours, among others. Zhao Tongyang, founder and CEO of EngineAI, believes that thanks to China's manufacturing technology and strong government support, there are currently fifty to sixty companies engaged in humanoid robot research and development in China. China's startups have caught the attention of Elon Musk. During a conference call in April, the billionaire said he believed his "Optimus" robot was leading the industry in terms of performance, but China might ultimately dominate this field. He said, "I'm a little worried that the second to tenth places on the leaderboard will all be Chinese companies." This leadership is crucial because humanoid robots seem to be moving beyond the realms of science fiction and curiosity. Citigroup predicts that by 2050, there could be 6.48 billion humanoid robots globally, with the market size for robots and related services surging to $7 trillion. Beyond economic returns, this holds astonishing strategic significance for governments worldwide. Whoever leads the development of these humanoid robots may possess an "army" of tireless workers, caregivers, and soldiers, redefining economic and political power. China's strength in this area is not accidental. More than ten years ago, China formulated a strategic technology development blueprint including robotics. The United States has many powerful companies in the robotics sector. However, some scholars warn that China's industrial policy model may give it an advantage in developing capital-intensive strategic industries. Julian Muller-Kale, director of the Strategic Foresight Center at the Stimson Center, said, "China's model may actually be more advantageous. Digital and technological advancements are the highest level of geopolitical issues." According to a study released by a Chinese institution in April, China is expected to produce over 10,000 humanoid robots this year, accounting for more than half of global production. Henrik Christensen, director of the Situated Robotics Institute at the University of California, San Diego, said, "There is no doubt that China will win the humanoid robot war." China's strategy is to widely deploy humanoid robots in fields such as manufacturing, healthcare, and services. Artificial intelligence models are helping humanoid robots become smarter and more adaptable machines. Such technological advancements are making Chinese robots more applicable in real-world scenarios. Susan Bille, secretary-general of the International Federation of Robotics, believes that as Chinese startups collaborate with manufacturers to reduce costs and make robots more affordable, China will become the leader in the humanoid robotics industry. She said, "We expect that humanoid robots will see wider application in the industrial sector within the next five to ten years." (Translated by Liu Yunbo) Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7511176637161996841/ Disclaimer: This article only represents the author's personal views. Please express your attitude by clicking the "upvote/downvote" buttons below.