Chinese technology companies aim at the human form and run wildly with their eyes closed

The robotics industry has become a new focus of technological competition among countries around the world.

Recently, according to the Nikkei, Chinese high-tech companies are working on the development of robots. Smartphone giant Xiaomi and emerging electric car manufacturer Xiaopeng Motors are both developing humanoid bipedal robots. The improvement of parts and sensor performance makes it possible to control more advanced robots. It is in this context that some companies have begun to explore new business models that link robots with artificial intelligence (AI).

In addition, some large Japanese companies are also challenging the development of humanoid robots, the most representative of which are Honda's ASIMO and SoftBank's Pepper. However, due to the failure to come up with new uses, they eventually turned to the development of practical robots for improving industrial efficiency.

Chinese companies such as Xiaomi have only been in the robot R&D industry for a few years. They still need to solve problems such as performance improvement, production cost reduction, and the most important use innovation in the future. If the situation of mismatch between investment and output continues, they may be forced to adjust their R&D direction.

Currently, the combination of robots and artificial intelligence is reshaping the world's economic landscape.

As the world's factory, China has huge market demand for robots.

With the continuous advancement of the "Made in China 2025" strategy, the Chinese government strongly supports the development of the robotics industry. On the other hand, the miniaturization of components and the improvement of performance also bring new possibilities for the application of robots. The upgrade and iteration of core components such as sensors, actuators, and smart chips are continuously promoting robots to achieve more complex mechanical movements and more advanced autonomous control. The application of new technologies such as AI has also created conditions for remote collaboration of robots.

With the dual benefits of policies and technology, Chinese high-tech companies such as Xiaomi and Xiaopeng have accelerated their robot research and development layout, hoping to seize this important strategic opportunity and gain the upper hand in the new round of technological revolution.

This is based on the inherent needs of industrial upgrading and is also related to the independent control of "key core technologies". China is currently in a critical period of transformation from a manufacturing power to an innovation power. The independent research and development of robotics technology will have a profound impact on the sustainable development of China's economy.

Recently, He Xiaopeng, CEO of Xpeng Motors, launched the company's self-developed humanoid bipedal robot PX5 in Guangzhou. This is the first bipedal humanoid robot released by Xpeng Motors in its robotics career. It is understood that PX5 can walk continuously for a long distance without bending its legs significantly through optimized structure.

He Xiaopeng said: "When I am old, maybe a robot can help me change my diapers." The PX5 is expected to be first used in scenarios such as factory inspections and store services.

As early as August 2022, Xiaomi released its first bipedal humanoid robot CyberOne.

CyberOne is 1.77 meters tall and weighs 52 kilograms. It looks very human. It can carry out natural human-computer interaction, has environmental perception capabilities, can respond and make decisions through AI empowerment, and also performed Chinese Kung Fu at its debut, showing amazing physical coordination.

Judging from the layout of Xiaomi and Xiaopeng, Chinese high-tech enterprises are committed to the research and development of bipedal, quadrupedal humanoid robots and other types of special robots . The common feature of these robots is that they simulate the appearance and movement patterns of humans or animals, have certain autonomous perception and mobility capabilities, and are evolving towards higher intelligence.

Although great progress has been made, there is still a certain gap from mature industrialization.

At present, various companies have not yet achieved the true commercialization of single robots, and robot research and development still faces challenges such as performance improvement, cost control, and innovative use.

In 2022, Lei Jun, chairman of Xiaomi, said about CyberOne that "more investment is being made" with the goal of "exploring the ecosystem about future science and technology."

Today, China's robotics industry is in an important transition period from introduction, digestion and absorption to independent innovation. It also needs continuous technological breakthroughs and business model innovation to truly move from the laboratory to the market and life.