Reference Message Network reported on May 20 that the website of "El Español" published an article on May 18 stating that recently, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. and UBTECH Robotics signed a cooperation agreement to carry out cooperation around human-shaped robots, not only targeting industrial scenarios but also household scenarios. This move reflects China's technological ambition.

The article stated that this alliance aims to accelerate the transition of human-shaped robots from laboratories to large-scale applications in various usage scenarios. Huawei will provide its technical repository in cloud computing, large models, and processors, while UBTECH Robotics will bring its expertise in robotics technology.

This cooperation also focuses on a newly emerging field, namely the research and development of "embodied intelligence," combining cognitive processing with the robot's body. This effort direction is consistent with the broader strategy promoted by the Chinese government, where automation is considered one of the solutions to economic and population challenges.

According to estimates by the Lead Robot Platform, the market size of embodied intelligence in China will reach approximately 5.3 billion yuan RMB this year. It was reported that UBTECH plans to produce about 1,000 humanoid robots this year, including humanoid robots integrated with computer vision, natural language processing, and bipedal mobility functions.

The article pointed out that although the current application scenarios are still mainly concentrated in logistics and industrial fields, medium-term forecasts show that robots will gradually play a role in education, healthcare, and other fields, and will eventually enter thousands of households.

The article noted that China's bet on humanoid robots is not limited to the private sector. Relevant departments have issued guidelines requiring a focus on key areas of manufacturing such as automobiles to enhance the tool operation and task execution capabilities of humanoid robots. This not only emphasizes economic benefits but also strategic interests.

In April, at a half-marathon held in Beijing, humanoid robots competed alongside human runners. Although only some robots successfully completed the race, the message conveyed was clear: the future has arrived.

Although progress has been made, the road ahead is not without challenges. Dependence on certain foreign chips and adaptability issues continue to affect China's humanoid robot R&D process. However, through the alliance between Huawei and UBTECH Robotics, China seems determined to lead this new technological revolution.

According to a report by the British Daily Telegraph on May 18, over the past few decades, "walking robots" have long been a topic of science fiction but have not become a reality. Nowadays, videos of China's advanced robots completing various tasks can be found all over social media platforms, from tap dancing to running half marathons.

The report stated that as this technology progresses in China, dozens of start-ups are racing to manufacture bipedal robots that can work in factories or serve as human assistants.

Robotics and automation researcher Ruben Scriven of Interaction Analytics said, "The application of humanoid robots in China may happen much faster."

Technology analyst Sun Wei (name transliteration) of Contrast Method Technology Market Research said, "Although general-purpose humanoid robots are still in their early stages globally, China is at the forefront."

The report noted that the price of human-shaped robots manufactured by Chinese robot maker Unitree Technology is only over $10,000, which is roughly equivalent to the minimum annual salary of an American worker.

Ed Greg, a technology expert at Deloitte Digital, pointed out, "In terms of component costs, Chinese companies have made a leap forward."

According to a report by TrendForce, several Chinese companies plan to produce approximately 1,000 robots each this year.

The report pointed out that the leaders of some leading Chinese robot manufacturers have participated in symposiums attended by Chinese leaders, indicating the importance the country places on this field. Beijing has announced the establishment of a government investment fund to support industries such as robotics.

The report noted that in the competition for technological dominance between the United States and China, robotics technology has become another frontier battleground.

A think tank established by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, the Special Competitiveness Research Project, stated in a report, "If swift action is not taken, the U.S. may become dependent on China in terms of robot hardware and components, just as it has already done in commercial drone and electric vehicle markets." (Translated by Wang Meng and Ma Dan)

Original Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7506372917577237001/

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