http://j.people.com.cn/n3/2024/0624/c94476-20184934.html
In its “Guiding Opinions on the Innovation and Development of Humanoid Robots,” the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology MIIT stated: “Humanoid robots will be a disruptive innovation product following computers, smartphones, and new energy vehicles, and are expected to significantly change the production and lifestyle of humans.”
The humanoid robot “Xiao Qi” was developed by Ex-Robots, a company in Dalian. It can answer questions posed by humans, but it can also change the shape of its mouth, facial expressions, and body movements based on the content of the conversation. Mass production of Xiao Qi has started in May 2024, with a goal of 500 units this year. The main clients are listed companies with chain stores and exhibition halls where Xiao Qi is currently mainly handling reception duties.
Humanoid robots are rapidly becoming popular in various scenes, which can be attributed to the dramatic development of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and large-scale language models. According to the Humanoid Robot Industry Research Report, China’s humanoid robots have entered the smart stage, equipped with advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, and computer vision.
According to Jiao Jichao, vice president of humanoid robot developer UBTECH Robotics, robots’ understanding has been greatly improved. Robots can interact with humans more naturally and do not need complex operations. Robots can now accurately carry out their tasks based on their own understanding and reasoning. According to Li Boyang of Ex-Robots, a large number of humanoid robot application projects will emerge in the next two years, and the demand for small-scale mass production will peak in the next five years or so. Applications for the business market will appear first, and it will take at least 10 years for mass application in the consumer market. Once humanoid robots become widespread in ordinary households, the market demand will be extremely large, and will be greater than the automobile market. Once robots become an important hardware device in the home, the price should be comparable to that of new energy vehicles.
Currently, the price of Ex-Robots’ mass-produced humanoid robots is around 700,000 to 800,000 ¥ (90,000 to 100,000 €). If it is custom-made, it will cost about 1.5 million to 2 million ¥ (200,000 – 250,000 €).