Optimism and Reality: Humanoid Robots on the Rise in Everyday Life

After the premiere of "Alien: Romulus," a science fiction film that often portrays artificial intelligence as ruthless, a more optimistic mood prevailed at the World Robot Conference in southeastern Beijing. During the event, academic discussions dominated, with one central question: How close are we to integrating human-like robots, known as androids, into our daily lives? According to Yao Yunchang, Hardware Director at the Humanoid Robot Innovation Centre in Zhejiang, humanoid robots are often found in industrial settings, but their entry into daily life is largely dependent on declining costs. Yao's center presented a new model at the conference, priced between 700,000 and 800,000 Yuan (approximately 98,260 to 112,300 USD). Initial sales were primarily to manufacturers, but supermarkets are also showing interest. Yao predicts that humanoid robots could already be used on a large scale in industrial scenarios next year or the year after. This could, accelerated by technological advancements, reach households in five to ten years. The conference, held from August 21 to Sunday, recorded a milestone with 27 showcased models. More than 30 companies presented their androids. Given China's increasing technological focus, numerous companies are investing heavily in humanoid robots, accelerating their use in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, elder care, education, entertainment, and consumption. The International Federation of Robotics forecasts an average growth rate of 71 percent for the global humanoid robot market from 2021 to 2030. By 2030, China's market share could reach a value of around 870 billion Yuan (approximately 122.1 billion USD). On the last day of the conference, China's Premier Li Qiang also attended the event, emphasizing the need to integrate the development of robotics into the policy of digital transformation and smart manufacturing. Li also underscored the importance of international cooperation and the support of foreign companies and research institutions. Despite the US's leading position in certain technologies, particularly in artificial intelligence and software, China enjoys a broader advantage in the hardware supply chain. However, the challenges in the field of humanoid robots are still significant. While many models can now look and move realistically, achieving efficiency comparable to human labor remains difficult. Many orders currently serve as demonstration models, such as those from Shanghai Qingbao Engine Robot, which sells units between 150,000 and 200,000 Yuan. These are used in exhibition halls, retail stores, hospitals, and schools. For Wang Lei, the company's chairman, the long-term focus is on using robots in elder care, but not all necessary skills are yet achievable. However, the development is heading in the right direction. From a market perspective, Wang predicts breakthroughs in two to three years, but a fully reliable product might take more than ten years. Hu Yuhang from the start-up company Aheadform sees progress as well, but believes that the goal of creating equivalent human robots is still far off. For the moment, the use of humanoid robots is particularly meaningful in services and customer acquisition. Marc Raibert, chairman of Boston Dynamics, expressed a mix of caution and optimism at the conference, acknowledging that humanoid robots could also complicate industrial development. He stressed that while the technology is maturing, practical application currently remains confined to show effects. Overall, the general atmosphere at the conference remains positive, and investments as well as progress in robotics promise an exciting future.