The 2024 World Robot Conference in Beijing has cast a spotlight on the rapid advancements in humanoid robotics, particularly as Chinese technology firms push the envelope to capture burgeoning market opportunities. Industry experts and business leaders agree that we are on the cusp of a new era in robotics, one poised to revolutionize production, lifestyle, and multiple sectors with its intelligent capabilities.
During the conference, the World Robot Cooperation Organization (WRCO) unveiled a comprehensive report foreseeing humanoid robots transforming society with enhanced production efficiency and safety. The report highlighted the imminent role of these robots in dangerous industrial processes and extreme environment tasks such as scientific exploration, disaster relief, and security inspections.
WRCO President Qiao Hong emphasized the potential of multimodal large language models in enhancing the cognitive abilities of humanoid robots. These models, capable of generating text, images, audio, and video from given prompts, will significantly bolster the robots’ understanding, perception, and decision-making faculties.
Chinese companies are leading this charge with cutting-edge innovations, achieving notable advancements in both lower and upper limb functionalities of humanoid robots. These breakthroughs are prominently showcased at the conference, with UBTech Robotics, a major player based in Shenzhen, presenting its industrial humanoid robot, Walker S. This robot is already operational in automotive factories, performing tasks such as intelligent sorting, quality inspections, and component installations.
In a significant milestone, UBTech announced a partnership with FAW-Volkswagen to develop highly intelligent and flexible production lines, aiming for an unmanned car factory. This collaboration, focused on the Qingdao facility in Shandong province, will integrate humanoid robots for roles like bolt tightening, component assembly, and handling automotive parts, demonstrating the practical applications of these advanced robots.
Tan Min, UBTech’s Chief Brand Officer, remarked that the integration of humanoid robots promises to revolutionize both living and working environments, enhancing production efficiency and quality of life. He further noted that these robots have the potential to extend beyond industrial applications into sectors such as personal services, healthcare, and education.
China’s ambitions in the humanoid robotics field are underscored by a strategic guideline from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, aiming to establish a robust innovation system by 2025. Key technologies are expected to mature, ensuring a reliable supply of crucial components. By 2027, China plans to solidify a secure and reliable industrial and supply chain system for humanoid robots.
Market projections from a joint industry report by UBTech and its partners estimated that China’s humanoid robot market would reach approximately 2.76 billion yuan ($386.7 million) in 2024, with expectations to soar to 75 billion yuan by 2029, capturing 32.7 percent of the global market.
Marina Bill, President of the International Federation of Robotics, highlighted China’s rapid growth in the sector, noting the increase from 60,000 installed industrial robots ten years ago to 290,000 today. Bill, who holds significant roles in ABB’s robotics division, acclaimed China’s critical role in the global robotics landscape, citing ABB’s expanding presence and the establishment of a mega factory in Shanghai devoted to robot production and R&D for global products in collaboration with local suppliers.
The revelations and advancements showcased at the World Robot Conference underscore China’s pivotal position in humanoid robotics, as it pushes forward into a future where intelligent, autonomous machines become a fundamental part of human life and industry.