UBTech’s industrial humanoid robot Walker S1 is in operation at a Foxconn facility in Longhua District, Shenzhen, southern China’s Guangdong Province, on December 11, 2024. Photo: Provided by UBTech
Manufacturing giant Foxconn and Shenzhen-based humanoid robot manufacturer UBTech Robotics on Wednesday announced plans to establish a long-term strategic partnership to accelerate the integration of UBTech humanoid robots into Foxconn’s intelligent manufacturing processes.
As part of the partnership, Foxconn will introduce UBTech robots that can walk and carry objects within Foxconn factories, which will also accelerate the application of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in manufacturing.
According to a press release sent by the company to the Global Times, UBTech’s industrial humanoid robot “Walker S1” recently completed a two-month training program at Foxconn’s factory in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, and will help improve logistics operations. It is said to have shown the potential of humanoid robots. Wednesday.
In addition to Foxconn, companies such as BYD, Geely Automobile, Audi FAW and FAW Volkswagen’s Qingdao plant in eastern China’s Shandong province have also begun deploying humanoid robots.
“Humanoid robots are experiencing strong growth in China due to the rich talent pool, mature industrial chain, and rising market expectations,” said Marketing Director of Shanghai-based National-Local Co-construction Humanoid Robot Innovation Company. Yang Zhenye said. the center told the Global Times.
Expanding robot manufacturing
Many humanoid robot parts manufacturers are emerging in China. For example, Hangzhou-based robotics company Unitree Robotics is at the forefront of legged robot technology, and AI-powered robot developer CloudMinds is also rapidly advancing. Hangzhou-based robotics company Unitree Robotics unveiled its G1 humanoid robot designed for manufacturing and recreational scenarios in July.
Unitree G1 can perform mechanical manipulation tasks with high precision, demonstrating sensitivity and reliability in object handling. A Global Times reporter learned from the company that it has spent the past few months upgrading the G1 humanoid robot to a mass-produced version.
Xpeng, a major Chinese electric car maker, is also venturing into robotics. The company’s humanoid robot, Iron, debuted in November 2024 and was deployed at Xiaopeng’s automobile assembly plant in Guangdong province, according to a statement from the company to the Global Times.
And Shenzhen-based Engine AI recently unveiled its most human-like walking robot, and its promotional video quickly went viral. Company manager Cen Zibin told the Global Times on Wednesday that the company’s humanoid robots have a wide range of applications in industrial settings. Robots can perform tasks such as handling heavy objects and precision assembly in the workshop, making them strong and sometimes dangerous.
“Thanks to our advanced algorithms and modules, the robot’s operating performance and practicality have been significantly improved, improving work efficiency and accuracy,” said Cen. He added that the company has developed, designed and tested 10 specialized joints for humanoid robots based on a state-of-the-art full-stack system. This innovation enables robots to meet a variety of needs, from quadrupeds to humanoids, and from industrial-grade to service-level applications.
From January to October 2024, at least 69 global humanoid lending events were held, raising approximately 11 billion yuan ($1.5 billion), of which 56 events were held in China. Securities Daily reported, citing data from Shenzhen-based consultancy GGII. For emerging industries.
As companies advance in the field of humanoid robotics, the Chinese government is increasing policy support to support its development. China aims to establish a fairly developed humanoid robot innovation system by 2025. According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology guidelines of November 2023, the assembled products are expected to reach world-class standards and mass production can be achieved.
The country aims to develop a reliable robotic supply chain system by 2027. Under this policy guidance, many states across the country are strengthening research and innovation.
support policy
At the beginning of 2025, the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission and the Zhongguancun Science Park Management Committee will develop an action plan to promote regional AI technology, highlighting the intelligent, efficient and large-scale application of intelligent robots. Announced.
According to the action plan, by 2027, Beijing will cultivate at least 50 core enterprises in the upstream and downstream of the intelligent robot industry chain, and develop at least 50 mass-produced robots that will be widely used in manufacturing and service industries. It’s planned.
In September 2024, Zhejiang Province in eastern China also announced an action plan to promote the innovative development of humanoid robots. Among the goals, the ministry aims to cultivate five provincial-level innovation platforms in robotics, about 30 robotics enterprises and institutions, and achieve self-reliance in the industrial chain and supply chain.
China’s humanoid robot market is expected to see a significant increase in production value in 2025 due to new advances in large-scale language models powered by AI, Yang said.
Liu Gan, chief economist at the China New Generation AI Development Institute, said that with its solid manufacturing base, continuous innovation progress in AI technology, and government policy support, China has become an important player in humanoid robotics that cannot be ignored in the world. He said he is becoming a player. Strategy told the Global Times on Wednesday.
Advances in large-scale language models powered by AI will not only make robots more intelligent, but also significantly reduce production costs. Highly intelligent humanoid robots are increasingly being applied in various fields, including manufacturing, medical care, home service, patrol, intelligent driving, etc., Liu said.
According to policy guidelines released by the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council on December 30, 2024, China will continue to promote the development of humanoid robots, brain-computer interfaces, and AI innovations in the coming years.
According to a report released during the 2024 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, China’s humanoid robot market will reach 75 billion yuan by 2029, accounting for one-third of the global market. By 2035, the domestic humanoid robot market size is expected to reach 300 billion yuan.
