Dangerous Development: China Plans to Mass-Produce Humanoid Robots by 2025
China’s Bold Plan to Mass-Produce Humanoid Robots by 2025 Raises Concerns
China has announced an ambitious vision to create and mass-produce humanoid robots capable of performing various tasks and interacting with humans. The country’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) published a blueprint document last week, declaring that these humanoid robots would be as “disruptive” as smartphones and would “reshape the world.”
Advanced Humanoid Robots by 2025
According to the MIIT, China aims for its humanoid robots to reach an “advanced level” by 2025 and to begin mass production by then. The ministry's roadmap has already sparked a surge in the shares of Chinese robotics companies.
Competing with the US
This move is part of China’s efforts to compete with the US in the field of chips and hardware, where American companies like Tesla and Boston Dynamics have been leading. As the world’s largest electronics manufacturer, China aims to achieve breakthroughs in environment sensing, motion control, and machine-to-human interaction capabilities within the next two years. The government supports the integration of artificial intelligence in robotics and calls for more research into developing dexterous robot hands, arms, and feet.
Long-Term Ambitions
The policy document did not provide extensive details but highlighted China’s ambition to create humanoid robots that can think, learn, and innovate by 2027. The country also plans to establish a reliable industry supply chain system to support the manufacture of these advanced humanoid robots. These robots are expected to take over many tasks currently performed by humans, such as picking groceries or working in hazardous environments.
Global Efforts in Humanoid Robotics
China is not alone in pursuing the mass production of humanoid robots. US-based Agility Robotics is opening a robot factory in Oregon later this year, planning to build hundreds of bipedal robots that can walk, crouch, and carry packages. Other American companies have developed impressive humanoid robots, such as Tesla’s “Optimus” and Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot, which can do backflips. South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Group acquired Boston Dynamics in a $1.1 billion deal three years ago.
Conclusion
China’s bold plan to mass-produce humanoid robots by 2025 represents a significant step in the global robotics race. As these developments unfold, the implications for industries and societies worldwide will be profound and far-reaching.
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