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In the bustling city of Beijing, the 2024 Global Robot Conference once again served as a beacon for cutting-edge innovations in the field of robotics. This prestigious event, known for showcasing groundbreaking advancements, witnessed AI-powered robots taking center stage, underscoring their transformative impact on the industry. Among the standout stars was the “Unitree G1,” a humanoid robot that captivated audiences with its sleek design and advanced capabilities.
The Rise of AI-Powered Robotics
The “Unitree G1,” standing at approximately 1.3 meters tall and weighing around 35 kilograms, impressed attendees with its futuristic appearance. However, it was the robot’s technical prowess that truly garnered admiration. Developed by Unitree Robotics, a Hangzhou-based startup, the “G1” boasts an integrated unified robot design, enabling continuous skill enhancement. The robot can move at speeds of up to two meters per second and is equipped with advanced three-fingered hands for precision control, featuring a maximum knee joint torque of 120 Newton meters. According to Huang Jiawei, Unitree’s marketing director, this model, launched this year at a starting price of just 99,000 yuan (approximately $13,874), has already been adopted by several laboratories and companies.
Experts assert that humanoid robots, powered by general artificial intelligence, represent the pinnacle of technological innovation globally. These robots are seen as new frontiers for future industries and potential drivers of economic growth. The recent advancements in AI have become a key force propelling the development of these robots, leading to an increased integration between humanoid robots and general AI.
China’s Pioneering Role in AI and Robotics
China, a global leader in both humanoid robotics and artificial intelligence, is witnessing rapid advancements in the practical applications of these technologies. AI-powered robots are no longer confined to performing impressive maneuvers; they have become integral components of industrial environments, working alongside humans. During the event, Shenzhen-based UBTech Robotics showcased robots capable of performing diverse tasks such as intelligent transportation, quality inspection, and handling chemicals on automotive production lines. These humanoid robots have already been utilized this year by major car manufacturers like Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor, Geely Auto, and FAW, marking a significant step towards widespread adoption of this technology in the manufacturing sector.
Greg Ge, head of humanoid robot motion control algorithms at UBTech, highlighted the substantial contribution of AI models to accelerating humanoid robot development. He stated, “Currently, humanoid robots operate at about 20% of human efficiency in car factories, but we expect this figure to reach nearly 100% within the next year or two. With their ability to work around the clock, these robots will surpass human efficiency overall.” In an interview with Xinhua News Agency, Ge expressed his vision for a future where AI-powered humanoid robots increasingly collaborate with humans, especially in hazardous or physically demanding environments. He emphasized that these robots will become an integral part of daily life, assisting in household tasks and providing services in a friendly and interactive manner.
Innovations at the Forefront
Another major innovation that garnered significant attention at this year’s conference was the “Tiangong” robot, equipped with embodied artificial intelligence. This robot captivated attendees with its ability to engage in conversations, receive and respond to voice commands, and manipulate objects with precision. The “Tiangong” relies on a large visual language model trained on an embodied AI platform, granting it the ability to understand and execute various tasks. Che Qi Bing, leader of the embodied AI team at the Beijing-based Humanoid Robotics Innovation Center, explained that “embodied AI” can be interpreted as “AI in a physical form.” Che noted that this concept enables robots to better interact with both digital and physical worlds, adding that in the future, humanoid robots will become an integral part of human life, offering support and assistance in various daily activities.
According to Kong Li, director of the Administrative Committee of Beijing’s Economic and Technological Development Zone, the area, which serves as the permanent home of the Global Robot Conference, aims to achieve a production capacity of over 10,000 embodied AI robots by the end of 2026. Xiong Yu Jun, general manager of Humanoid, concluded, “It has been 55 years since the first humanoid robot appeared in 1969, and we are now closer than ever to making the dream a reality. AI has launched a pivotal moment for humanoid robots, akin to the iPhone’s release in the world of phones, and we stand on the cusp of a new era where this innovation becomes part of our daily lives.”
Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators
Simultaneously, the seventh national finals of the Youth AI Innovation Competition kicked off last Saturday in Zhejiang Province, Eastern China. The two-day event attracted nearly 7,000 participants from 31 provincial regions, including Hong Kong and Macau, who competed for top honors, according to the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China. This year’s competition drew over 120,000 participants and featured 17 specialized contests. Finalists showcased their innovative ideas and skills in fields such as smart robotics applications, software design, intelligent algorithms, smart chips, and comprehensive AI technology innovations. Since its launch in 2016, the annual competition has seen participation from over 280,000 young individuals, aiming to foster innovation and stimulate creative thinking among the youth.
The 2024 Global Robot Conference in Beijing and the Youth AI Innovation Competition underscore China’s pivotal role in the advancement of AI-powered robotics. These events highlight the transformative potential of AI-driven innovations in reshaping industries and everyday life. As AI continues to evolve, its integration with robotics promises to unlock new frontiers of efficiency and collaboration, paving the way for a future where humanoid robots become indispensable companions in both professional and domestic settings.
