How close are we to the sci-fi vision of autonomous humanoid robots? I visited 11 companies in five Chinese cities to find out.
The Quest for Humanoid Robots
From the bustling tech hubs of Shenzhen to the industrial heartland of Shanghai, China is racing to build the next generation of robots. These machines, once confined to science fiction, are now being developed with unprecedented speed and scale.
Behind the Factory Walls
In my journey across five cities, I witnessed robots that can walk, run, and even perform delicate tasks. Companies are leveraging advances in artificial intelligence to create machines that learn and adapt. The Chinese government, under President Xi Jinping, has made robotics a national priority, pouring billions into research and development.
The Manufacturing Edge
China's manufacturing sector provides a unique advantage. With a vast supply chain and skilled engineers, firms can prototype and produce robots faster than anywhere else. Yet, challenges remain: achieving true autonomy and navigating ethical concerns.
This article was supported by a grant from the Tarbell Center. Photograph: China News Service/Getty Images.
