Automatons looking, acting, working more like us

When I recently visited Unitree Robotics, a cutting-edge Chinese humanoid robot company in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, I decided to test their creation in a unique way. I volunteered for an experiment — having both the robot and myself pushed over, standing side by side, to see who would recover their balance more quickly.

To make things even more challenging, I requested to be blindfolded, ensuring I couldn't anticipate the push. The result? It blew my mind.

While I stumbled several steps, struggling to regain my balance, the humanoid robot barely moved, staying almost in place.

The level of advancement in Chinese humanoid robotics is far beyond what I had anticipated. Robots are often referred to as the "crown jewel of manufacturing", with humanoid robots considered the pinnacle of achievement in the field.

Unlike industrial robots, which are prized for their specialized, mechanical precision, humanoid robots face much more complex challenges — they must replicate the human processes of perception, cognition, decision-making and action in real-world, real-time scenarios.

Achieving this level of sophistication means that humanoid robots are becoming more human-like — and, in some ways, even surpassing human abilities.

This evolution holds significant implications, as humanoid robots are expected to play increasingly critical roles in areas like disaster rescue, industrial inspections and high-risk environments that are too dangerous or inaccessible for humans.

Recognizing both the immense opportunities and challenges in this space, Chinese tech giants and startups alike are intensifying their research and development efforts in humanoid robotics.

For instance, Xiaomi Corp recently unveiled its own humanoid robot, CyberOne. Standing at 170 centimeters and weighing 52 kilograms, CyberOne is capable of 21 degrees of angled maneuvers and can simulate full human motion with a real-time response rate. It even has emotion-detection capabilities.

"CyberOne's artificial intelligence and mechanical features were all developed in-house by Xiaomi's Robotics Lab," said Lei Jun, Xiaomi's founder and chairman, during a press conference.

"We've heavily invested in research and development across software, hardware and algorithm innovation. With AI at its core and a humanoid form as its vessel, this robot represents the future of Xiaomi's technological ecosystem, marking a significant breakthrough for the company. We plan to integrate CyberOne into our smart manufacturing in the near future," Lei said.

As I walked alongside a humanoid robot and a robotic dog during my visit to Hangzhou, I felt something shift. It wasn't just an interview anymore — it was a glimpse into the future. We are no longer merely individuals. We are pioneers exploring the limitless possibilities of tomorrow.

According to a guideline unveiled by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China aims to build an innovation system for humanoid robots by 2025, with breakthroughs to be made in key technologies to ensure the safe and effective supply of core components.

China is propelling its robotics industry forward with unparalleled determination, taking bold steps to establish itself as a global hub for robotics innovation. Every automaton's stride brings us closer to that vision.