China has unveiled an ambitious plan to mass-produce humanoid robots,
comparing their potential impact to that of smartphones. In a blueprint document
released by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT),
these robots are envisioned to "reshape the world."
The MIIT's roadmap outlines that by 2025, these humanoid robots will have
reached an "advanced level" and will be produced on a mass scale. The document
describes them as potential "disruptive products" following the trajectory of
computers, smartphones, and new energy vehicles.
While the document was noted for its ambition and lack of specific details,
several Chinese companies are actively working towards achieving the country's
ambitious robotic goals. For example, the Chinese startup Fourier Intelligence
has announced plans to commence mass production of its GR-1 humanoid robot by
the end of the year. The company, based in Shanghai, aims to deliver thousands
of robots in 2024 capable of traveling at speeds of up to 5 kilometers per
hour and carrying loads of 50 kilograms.
Other companies worldwide are also intensifying their efforts in humanoid
robot production. Agility Robotics, based in the United States, is set to open
a robot factory in Oregon with plans to manufacture hundreds of bipedal robots
that can replicate human movements such as walking, crouching, and carrying
packages. Amazon is exploring the use of Agility Robotics' Digit robot to
automate its warehouses.
Tesla, too, has ventured into the field of humanoid robotics with its project
named Optimus or Tesla Bot, as revealed by Elon Musk in 2021. However, it's
worth noting that mass production of these robots is still in the early
stages, with Musk acknowledging that the prototype had only recently achieved
independent walking without support during a Tesla AI Day event in 2022. The
development of humanoid robots appears to be a global trend, with various
companies and countries exploring their potential applications and impact.
