Beijing [China], May 14: China is aiming to promote humanoid robots integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) to be able to replace human activities.
According to Reuters, the Chinese startup AgiBot is setting up a facility on the outskirts of Shanghai to train humanoid robots to perform tasks such as folding clothes, making sandwiches, opening doors, etc. AgiBot is even aiming for the main goal of these robots to participate in assembling and manufacturing similar humanoid robots.
Last month, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited AgiBot's facility, stressing the importance of humanoid robots as China seeks solutions to pressing problems such as a declining population and slowing growth.
In recent years, Chinese humanoid robots have demonstrated increasing agility, including performing somersaults, running a half-marathon, and even playing soccer. In addition, China's advances in AI, fueled by the success of domestic companies like DeepSeek and ample government support, are allowing humanoid robot developers to combine the hardware with the software needed to increase economic value.
Many Chinese manufacturers, investors, customers, and analysts are confident that breakthroughs in the development of robot "brains" will enable these humanoid robots to move from mere operatives to efficient, self-learning "workers." In doing so, humanoid robots in China could revolutionize manufacturing capabilities. Successful and widespread deployment of these robots in factories will allow China to continue to drive economic growth and maintain its manufacturing edge.
However, there is a concern that the move could lead to a new wave of layoffs. In this regard, Chinese media have argued that, like previous industrial revolutions, long-term job creation will bring more benefits than short-term problems.
According to Reuters, the Chinese government is providing large subsidies to companies developing humanoid robots. More than $20 billion was allocated to this field in the past year.
China is also setting up a 1 trillion yuan ($137 billion) fund to support startups in areas such as AI and robotics. Many Chinese provinces and cities have also developed their own funds to support AI and robotics companies. For example, Shenzhen has set up a 10 billion yuan ($1.37 billion) fund with a similar goal. Or Beijing has a support program that can be up to 30 million yuan ($4 million) to support each company with an effective plan to accelerate AI and robotics.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
