The 2024 World Robot Conference in Beijing showcased groundbreaking advancements in robotics, with humanoid robots taking center stage.
Highlights included the debut of the “Tiangong” humanoid robot, which demonstrated new skills such as dancing, bowing, and object manipulation based on voice commands. Developed by the Beijing Embodied Intelligence Robot Innovation Center, “Tiangong” has evolved significantly since achieving the world’s first stable humanoid robot run at 6 km/h. The robot uses predictive reinforcement imitation learning to perform complex tasks and interact with humans more naturally.
Innovation in humanoid robots business
The conference — held in Beijing E-Town (Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area) — also introduced Walker S Lite, an industrial humanoid robot employed in automotive smart factories.
The world’s first orthopedic surgical robot equipped with AI deep learning technology, named ROPA, was also unveiled. This robot, developed by Longwood Valley MedTech, promises unprecedented precision in orthopedic surgery, reducing operation time and improving patient outcomes.
The event also highlighted advancements in soft robotics, with new applications overcoming industrial bottlenecks. Companies like UBTECH, Tsino-Dynatron, and Lingzu Times presented innovations ranging from micro servo drives for humanoid robots to integrated joint modules that enhance robot flexibility.
Beijing E-Town has become a hub for robotics innovation, with over 100 ecosystem enterprises and a production scale nearing 10 billion yuan. The region’s “Five Ones” working mechanism — encompassing parks, platforms, centers, funds, and talent — has accelerated the development of a national robotics industry, positioning Beijing E-Town as a leader in this rapidly evolving field.
Challenges in humanoid robots market
Reuters news report said that the World Robot Conference in Beijing spotlighted China’s innovative yet cost-effective supply chains. However, industry leaders caution that challenges remain in ensuring product reliability.
Wisson Technology (Shenzhen), known for its flexible robotic manipulators, has emerged as a pioneer in this area. Wisson employs 3D-printed plastics and pneumatic artificial muscles to power its robots. This approach reduces production costs, allowing Wisson to price its flexible arms at just a fraction of traditional robotic arms — about one-tenth the price, according to Cao Wei, a partner at Lanchi Ventures and an investor in Wisson.
Wisson’s technology could revolutionize the market, with the company suggesting that its pliable arms could soon be available for around 10,000 yuan ($1,404). These arms are being sampled by overseas companies specializing in humanoid robots, though specifics remain undisclosed.
Yi Gang, founder of Shanghai-based Ti5 Robot, pointed out issues within the robotics supply chain, particularly concerning product reliability. “The whole supply chain still needs to address issues with product reliability,” Yi stated, noting that due to defect rates, his company is currently limited to producing only up to 1,000 units at a time. He highlighted harmonic gears, crucial components for motion control, as a significant area of concern.
China’s push in robotics is strongly supported by President Xi Jinping’s policy of developing “new productive forces” in technology, a theme echoed throughout the conference. The country’s focus on robotics is transforming traditional industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare, making China the world’s largest market for industrial robots.
Gao Jiyang, a former executive at autonomous driving start-up Momenta and now the founder of Galaxea AI, emphasized the connection between advancements in autonomous driving and robotics. “Autonomous driving means AI-plus cars, which are also a type of robot,” Gao said, suggesting that innovations in smart driving are propelling the robotics industry forward.
As the conference concluded, Premier Li Qiang underscored the importance of adhering to President Xi’s vision for the robotics industry. “The robot industry has broad prospects and huge market potential,” Li stated, according to China’s official Xinhua news agency.
Xinhua news agency report said UBTECH plans to work with FAW-Volkswagen to develop an unmanned car factory. FAW-Volkswagen aims to deploy UBTECH’s industrial humanoid robot, Walker S, at FAW-Volkswagen’s plant in east China’s Qingdao to undertake tasks such as bolt tightening, component assembly, and handling automotive parts.
Humanoid robots market
A report co-compiled by UBTECH and other partners predicts that the market size of humanoid robots in China will reach around 2.76 billion yuan in 2024 and is expected to reach 75 billion yuan by 2029, accounting for about a third of the global total. By 2035, humanoid robots market in China is projected to reach 300 billion yuan (about $42 billion).
Data from Goldman Sachs indicate that the global market size of humanoid robots will reach $154 billion by 2035.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
