In a recent digital sensation from China, influencer Zhang Genyuan made headlines after renting a humanoid robot for a day, paying an impressive 10,000 yuan (US$1,400) for its company. The robot, known as G1, not only handled household chores like cooking and cleaning but also accompanied Zhang on a peculiar date, leading to widespread intrigue and conversation online.
Zhang Genyuan, a 25-year-old economics graduate from New York University, initially found fame in 2022 after participating in a well-known dating reality show on the mainland. His adventurous spirit and engaging content on social media platforms have since garnered him a loyal following of more than 1.4 million individuals.
On March 13, Zhang shared a captivating video with his audience, depicting a day in the life with the G1 humanoid robot. This post quickly amassed over 40,000 likes, testament to the immense curiosity surrounding the blending of advanced technology with elements of everyday life.
The G1 robot, which debuted on May 13 of last year and is valued at 99,000 yuan (approximately US$14,000), represents cutting-edge robotics innovations coming out of Hangzhou-based Unitree Robotics. While Zhang’s experiment took a comedic turn with the robot struggling slightly in the kitchen, it served as a vivid illustration of the potential—and current limitations—of robotic companions in domestic settings.
This distinct blend of technology and social experiment has ignited discussions on the evolving capabilities of humanoid robots and their possible roles in our daily lives. Zhang’s video provides a glimpse into a futuristic world where robots seamlessly integrate into human activities, opening the door to both excitement and contemplation about our rapidly advancing technological landscape.