China's humanoid robots advance automation
China DailyVisitors gather around humanoid robots on display during an industry expo in Beijing. LI MUYI/FOR CHINA DAILY In Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province, Chinese new energy vehicle manufacturer Zeekr, which is part of Geely Holding Group, a prominent automaker, welcomed its first humanoid robot "intern" to its factory recently. At the World Robot Conference held in Beijing in late August, 27 such humanoid robots made by different companies, including UBTech, created a splash as many Chinese companies announced they are accelerating efforts to commercialize humanoid robots, especially for industrial applications. Xu Xiaolan, former vice-minister of industry and information technology and a member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, said that humanoid robots are expected to become another "disruptive product" after computers, smartphones and new energy vehicles. "Currently in China, new technologies, products and formats represented by humanoid robots and general artificial intelligence are thriving and becoming the pinnacle of global technological innovation, a new track for future industries and a new engine of economic growth," she said.