China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has issued guidelines on the development of humanoid robots, highlighting their potential to be groundbreaking products for consumers. The government’s “Opinions on the Innovation and Development of Humanoid Robots” outlines goals and timelines for the development of humanoid robots in China.
Key points from the guidelines include:
- Ecosystem by 2025: China aims to have a domestic ecosystem for humanoid robots established by 2025, with robotic products in mass production, competing with international counterparts.
- Key Goals by 2025: The guidelines set the goal of nurturing two to three globally competitive companies, creating a cluster of specialized small- and medium-sized enterprises, and establishing two to three industrial development hubs.
- Supply Chain Integration by 2027: By 2027, China plans to have a reliable industrial supply chain where products from the humanoid robot sector are seamlessly integrated into the real economy.
- Focus on Key Technologies: The guidelines promote artificial intelligence technologies with a focus on breakthroughs in core areas, such as the “brain” (core AI technologies), the “cerebellum” (robot’s perception and behavior control), and the “limbs” (robotic arms, hands, legs, and feet). These areas encompass lightweight skeletons, high-strength body structures, and high-precision sensors.
- Application Expansion: Measures are outlined for expanding the application of humanoid robots in specific areas, including electronics, automotive, healthcare, services, agriculture, logistics, and specialized industrial environments where robots can perform tasks in harsh conditions.
The global market for humanoid robots is projected to experience significant growth, with rising demand from both public and corporate sectors, guiding research in humanoid robotics. This growth is driven by improved AI, natural language processing, and robot dexterity, among other factors.
The development of humanoid robots is seen as a key frontier in future industries, and the Chinese government is taking steps to promote innovation and development in this sector.
