Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Chinese robotics companies

Potential use cases for humanoid robots: Disaster response, caregiving and beyond

by

Humanoid robots have moved rapidly from laboratory demonstrations to early commercial trials. A growing number of technology companies are developing machines designed to operate in human environments – walking through buildings, handling tools, and performing tasks traditionally carried out by people.

Yet despite the excitement surrounding the technology, one question remains unresolved: what are humanoid robots actually for?

The current generation of machines – developed by companies including Figure AI, Agility Robotics, Apptronik, 1X Technologies, and several Chinese robotics firms – are frequently described as “general-purpose robots”. [Read more…] about Potential use cases for humanoid robots: Disaster response, caregiving and beyond

Xiaomi tests humanoid robots on electric vehicle production line in automotive factory

by

Chinese technology giant Xiaomi – best known globally as one of the world’s largest smartphone makers – is testing humanoid robots in its electric vehicle manufacturing operations, according to a company blog post describing early experiments in a factory environment.

The company says two humanoid robots have been deployed in an automotive assembly workstation where they carried out a repetitive fastening task for several hours.

Xiaomi, which built its reputation in consumer electronics including smartphones, tablets and smart home devices, has recently expanded aggressively into new technologies. In 2024 the company launched its first electric vehicle, the SU7 sedan, marking its entry into the highly competitive EV market. [Read more…] about Xiaomi tests humanoid robots on electric vehicle production line in automotive factory

Unitree Robotics planning an IPO valuing it at $7 billion

by

China’s Unitree Robotics is planning an initial public offering (IPO) that could value the company at up to 50 billion yuan ($7 billion), according to a report on CNBC. This move highlights the intense global competition in the humanoid robot sector.

Hangzhou-based Unitree has become one of the most prominent in China’s humanoid robotics space. Its planned IPO would make it one of the first companies specializing in this technology to go public, signaling strong investor confidence.

Unitree’s growth is part of a broader, state-backed push in China to lead in advanced technologies like robotics and AI. The government has placed humanoids at the “centre of their national strategy”, supporting the industry through initiatives like a massive trillion-yuan fund for tech startups. [Read more…] about Unitree Robotics planning an IPO valuing it at $7 billion

Shanghai Electric debuts its first ‘industrial humanoid robots’

by

Shanghai Electric has unveiled its first self-developed industrial humanoid robot, “Suyuan”, during its global debut at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference on July 26 in Shanghai.

With 38 degrees of freedom (DoF) and 275 TOPS of on-device computation power, Suyuan delivers precise operations and dynamic movements, making it adaptable to a wide range of industrial application scenarios.

This launch represents a significant milestone in Shanghai Electric’s humanoid robotics journey, further strengthening its comprehensive value chain for industrial humanoid solutions. [Read more…] about Shanghai Electric debuts its first ‘industrial humanoid robots’

Chinese auto giant Chery integrates 220 self-made humanoid robots into its operations

by

Chery, a leading Chinese automobile manufacturer, is making headlines with its recent delivery of 220 AiMOGA humanoid robots.

Developed in collaboration with the team at AiMOGA – which is believed to be a business unit within Chery – these robots integrate Chery’s advanced technologies, including assisted driving, intelligent cockpit systems, the CheryGPT large language model, and smart sensors.

The robots are designed to assist in car sales and provide support services at Chery dealerships. [Read more…] about Chinese auto giant Chery integrates 220 self-made humanoid robots into its operations

Humans race against humanoid robots in bizarre half-marathon

by

In a groundbreaking fusion of technology and athletics, 21 humanoid robots participated alongside thousands of human runners in the Yizhuang Half-Marathon in Beijing. (See video below.)

This event marked the first time humanoid robots have competed in a 21-kilometer race with humans, highlighting China’s ambitions in artificial intelligence and robotics.​

The standout performer among the robots was Tiangong Ultra, developed by the Beijing Innovation Center of Human Robotics. Tiangong Ultra completed the race in 2 hours and 40 minutes, significantly behind the men’s human winner, who finished in 1 hour and 2 minutes. [Read more…] about Humans race against humanoid robots in bizarre half-marathon