Robots in China

Main article: Robots (robotics)

History

2024

Chinese police began to use a robot and cars without drivers in the service

Chinese police have adopted robotic dogs that help patrol the streets. In addition, law enforcement officers in the PRC use self-driving cars and all kinds of unmanned aerial vehicles. These high-tech devices allow faster response to incidents and improve security in general, as stated in materials released in mid-December 2024. Read more here.

A robot appeared that catches criminals himself. VIDEO

In mid-October 2024, it became known that a police robot appeared on the streets of China, which is capable of independently catching criminals. The machine with artificial intelligence algorithms has a spherical shape, and its speed reaches 35 km/h.

Unlike Western counterparts, which are mostly used for surveillance purposes, the Chinese robot cop can function effectively in a wide variety of environments. It is capable of moving both along city streets and rough terrain. In addition, the machine can swim, as well as act in a group, performing complex tasks.

𝓲

South China Morning Post

The robot is equipped with video cameras and all kinds of sensors. Thanks to its solid body, it is not afraid of blows and falls. The center of gravity is shifted to the lower part, which ensures high stability. The machine uses adaptive algorithms and an intelligent control system that makes it possible to act autonomously, adjusting the trajectory of movement depending on the changing environment. Moreover, an automated police officer can conduct patrols in the absence of satellite navigation signals. It is noted that the robot can be used in a variety of areas - from airports and train stations to water management and energy facilities.

In addition, China the introduces the E-Patrol police robot, which can track and prosecute potential criminals or suspicious people using means. face recognition This guard of order has a height of about 1.6 meters. It is oriented in space using a system of cameras and sensors. The robot is able to monitor air quality and temperature, as well as identify safety threats and possible fires.^[1]

In the port of Guangzhou, all the hard work is carried out by robots, unmanned vehicles and AI. VIDEO

In early October 2024, it became known that robots and unmanned equipment are doing all the hard work in the port of Guangzhou in the Chinese province of Guangdong. This allows you to abandon manual labor and increase the level of safety. Read more here

The walking-wheeled robot Tencent has been released, which helps the elderly in everyday life. VIDEO

At the end of September 2024, the Chinese company Tencent introduced a robot called Xiao Wu, which is designed specifically to help the elderly in everyday life. A feature of the machine is a unique design that allows you to walk and move on wheels. Read more here

Beijing launches $1.4 billion state fund to create humanoid robots

In mid-August 2024, it became known that Beijing launched a state fund with a budget of $1.4 billion to stimulate developments in the field of robotics. We are talking, in particular, about the creation of humanoid robots with autonomous power, which are expected to be able to replace people when performing certain tasks at enterprises.

According to the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economics and Information Technology, the fund will be used to incubate the latest technology, develop promising commercial projects, and finance mergers and acquisitions of local companies. The Beijing authorities also intend to use the fund to provide subsidies in order to accelerate the formation of a supply chain for components and equipment in the field of robotics.

𝓲

Reuters

The fund is part of a broader China effort to make Beijing an international industrial hub for robotics. In accordance with the tasks set, by 2025, about 500 robots should operate in the PRC for every 10,000 workers.

According to Reuters, Shanghai announced plans to create a fund for the humanoid robot industry: as in the case of the Beijing fund, the budget of this structure will be $1.4 billion. China's offensive against the emerging humanoid robot market is based on the same model that helped the country emerge as a world leader in electric vehicle production: government support, fierce price competition among a large number of new entrants and an advanced supply chain.

The Chinese humanoid robot industry shows clear advantages in terms of supply chain integration and in the ability to mass produce such machines, says Arjen Rao, an analyst at the Chinese research institute LeadLeo.[2]

Geely began to use humanoid robots in the production of cars

In early August 2024, it became known that Geely Holding Group began using humanoid robots in the production of premium electric vehicles. Read more here.

A humanoid robot with emotions for caring for the elderly is presented. It has an open architecture

In early July 2024, the first full-size general-purpose humanoid robot in China, a machine called Qinglong, was presented at the Zhangjiang High-Tech Park in Shanghai. The development has an open architecture, which is expected to accelerate innovation in robotics and artificial intelligence. Read more here.

Chery introduced a humanoid robot

On April 23, 2024, the Chinese automotive company Chery announced the development of a humanoid robot Mornine with the appearance of a long-haired girl with glasses. The anthropomorphic machine was created in collaboration with Aimoga specialists. Read more here.

2023

China ahead of Germany and Japan in the number of industrial robots by 10 thousand workers

In terms of the density of industrial robotics, China was ahead of Germany and Japan, but South Korea remains the leader on a global scale. This is stated in a study by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the results of which were published on November 20, 2024. Read more here

China accounts for half of the global industrial robot market

In 2023, the production of industrial robots in China reached 430 thousand installations. At the same time, the PRC accounts for half of the world market for industrial robotic complexes. This is stated in the materials of the Ministry of Industry and Informatization of the country, published at the end of August 2024.

It is noted that the Chinese robotics industry has made significant progress in the field of innovation and development. Over ten years (by the end of 2023), the number of robots in terms of 10,000 workers in the country's production sector increased from 49 to 470, that is, it increased almost 10 times. The Chinese authorities have made the introduction of robots into the manufacturing industry one of the main political priorities. Such installations are a key tool for improving productivity and international competitiveness.

China has reportedly installed 18% more robots per production worker than. And USA if we take into account the fact that wages in the manufacturing industry of the PRC were significantly lower than in the United States, then in China the level of use of robots in the manufacturing industry was 12 times higher than in the American market.

According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), China is the world's largest region in terms of the use of industrial robots. In 2022, 290,258 such units were commissioned, which is 5% more than the previous record recorded in 2021.

As of July 2024, China had more than 190 thousand existing patents related to robotics, which is about two-thirds of the total number of such patents in the world. Chinese robotics companies continue to increase their share in the global market, which is facilitated, among other things, by aggressive pricing policies.^[3]

In China, the production of robops began, which shoot from a machine gun as professionals

In early March 2024, it became known that the production of robops began in China, which are capable of shooting from firearms like a professional military. Such four-legged vehicles also participate in combat exercises.

It is noted that various countries are trying to adapt dog robots to combat conditions. For example, Boston Dynamics developed a four-legged robot for the US Army. However, due to excessive noise and other shortcomings, the technology never went beyond the experimental project.

𝓲

South China Morning Post

Chinese robot dogs initially lagged behind American counterparts in technological terms. But then the developers of the PRC began to rapidly close the gap. As of early 2024, Chinese robopses are capable of navigating stairs, performing acrobatic tricks such as backflips, navigating rough terrain, and maintaining continuous running for nearly four hours while carrying a 20-kilogram load.

Chinese experts installed a 7.62-mm machine gun on a robotic dog. This gun is capable of firing 750 rounds per minute. Optical-electronic sight, shock-absorbing installation and automatic reloading system are used. During the tests, the robot dog fired queues of 10 shots at a target the size of a person located at a distance of 100 meters. The robot demonstrated high accuracy of shooting: the maximum distance from the center of the target to the five closest bullet holes to it was 5 cm. In other words, if the dog aimed at a person's chest, most bullets would hit the heart. For comparison, the M16 assault rifle, known for its accuracy, has a accuracy of 12cm at a distance of 100 meters.^[4]

In China, they introduced robots that are difficult to distinguish from humans. Video

In mid-August 2023, Chinese tech companies unveiled humanoid robots that are virtually indistinguishable from humans. Such machines are capable of imitating human expression, reproducing fine hand motility with high accuracy and performing complex actions.

In particular, EX Robots demonstrated "animatronic" heads with synthetic skin, complemented by motorized hands. According to Li Boyang, CEO of the company, these machines are great for interacting with the public - for example, in museums, exhibitions and other public places. Such robots are able to wink, grimace, nod their heads and imitate the expressions of visitors.

It shows how a group of humanoids with extremely flexible joints are able to create spectacular figures, performing complex Chinese choreography "with a thousand hands." At the same time, the artificial intelligence-driven Tora robot, developed by PaXini Tech, has demonstrated its strength and tactile abilities. This machine can feel the shape, temperature, stiffness and roughness of the object. According to the developers, specialized versions of Tora have already been used in cargo sorting, hotel services and in caring for the elderly.

In general, Chinese companies have made very significant progress in the development of humanoid robots with different functionality. It is planned to use such machines in a variety of areas - from entertainment to intellectual industries. Some developers offer rather unusual areas of use for their mechanized creations. For example, Data Robotics has programmed Cloud Ginger robots to play basketball: as in real life, such machines do not always throw the ball into the basket.^[5]

Gas stations with robots started working in China instead of gas stations

At the end of December 2022, the country's first explosion-safe refueling robot developed by China National Petroleum Corporation was launched at the gas station of Lhasa Airport in the Chinese region of Tibet. Robotic hands of the robot automatically refuel the car. Read more here.

2022

Imports of industrial robots amounted to $2 billion, exports - $610 million

In 2022, China imported industrial robots worth approximately $2 billion, while exports were three times less - about $610 million. Such data at the end of January 2023 was released by the Chinese Robotics Alliance (CRIA).

CRIA reported that in 2022, large industrial enterprises China produced 443,000 industrial robots and 6.5 million service robots. In December 2022, these figures were 40,000 and 491,000, respectively. It is noted that in the same month, China exported industrial robots worth $50 million and imported $180 million.

Imports of industrial robots in China for the year were three times higher than exports

The PRC is stepping up efforts to expand the use of robots in ten key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, construction, power and logistics. It is part of the country's broader agenda to tackle an ageing population and use advanced technology to modernise industry.

According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the density of manufacturing robots (an indicator used to measure the level of automation in the country) in China reached 246 units per 10,000 people in 2020. This number increased to 322 in 2021, which allowed the PRC to overtake the United States for the first time in this indicator. IFR estimates that China is the fastest-growing robot market in the world, and has the largest operating robot fleet since 2016. By 2025, China intends to double the density of production robots compared to 2020.

According to statistics from the Chinese Institute of Electronics, the volume of the Chinese robotics market in 2022 reached $17.4 billion. It is expected that in 2024 this figure will reach $25.1 billion. Moreover, China, as noted by IFR, has great potential for further automation.^[6][7]

The announcement in China of a combat robot dog with an automatic gun

In early November 2022, at one of the exhibitions in China dedicated to aviation and aerospace development, the Chinese manufacturer introduced a robotic combat dog with an automatic gun on its back.

The Chinese defense industry has unveiled a new robot dog armed with an automatic gun mount. The installation of an automatic gun on a Chinese robot is a serious technical problem due to the weight of the weapon and the recoil effect when firing. But the military PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA continues to show great interest in using this type of military equipment with heavier weapons, capable of performing combat missions with remote control or in a fully autonomous mode.

In China, presented a combat robot dog with a huge gun

According to information the Chinese publication Xinhua, the military industry of the PRC robots significantly benefits from the current increase in tension in the world. Given China the tasks set by the leadership as a whole to complete the technical modernization of the PLA by 2035, turning it into a technically advanced army of the world, the Chinese defense industry is entering a new period of rapid development.

It is stated that the robot carries a cannon weighing 14 kg. The dog is controlled using an app on a military tablet. There are also 360 ° built-in cameras.

In addition to giant military-industrial corporations, China retains a number of smaller state-owned military-industrial companies of regional subordination. Examples are the Anhui Military-Industrial Group, the Nanjing Company of Special Equipment "Jihua 3521" and a number of others. Regional enterprises are smaller in scale, which are either represented at low levels of production cooperation, or produce relatively simple final products ammunition for small artillery weapons, grenade launchers, mines, special chemistry, equipment and uniforms for military personnel, etc.

In 2022, China already demonstrated a dog robot armed with a machine gun that can be dropped using a standard aerial drone. The robot dog was armed with a QBB-97 light machine gun that can fire 650 rounds per minute at a range of 400m.

The use of robots for military purposes causes a negative reaction from activists, because a drone error can lead to innocent victims. Human rights organizations and many robotics companies have written an open letter to the UN Convention asking for a ban on the development and use of autonomous robots.^[8]

Announcement of a cyberdog in China with a machine gun on its back, which is landing from a drone

At the end of October 2022, a robotic dog with a machine gun was introduced in China, which can be transported using a drone.

In the video, a drone dog is dropped from a drone onto the roof of a building. After the UAV flies off, the cyberdog, on the back of which there is a machine gun, gets on its feet and begins to inspect the landing zone for the presence of the enemy in the defeat zone. According to a report from Kestrel Defense Blood-Wing, this type of drone can be used to attack weakly protected positions behind enemy lines or to occupy roofs, which will allow a three-dimensional attack.

In China, presented a cyberdog with a machine gun on the back, which is landing from a drone

According to WarZone, the weapon can be a light Chinese QBB-97 machine gun, including an assault rifle and a light machine gun. QBB-97 is capable of firing up to 650 rounds per minute at an effective distance of up to 400 m. It includes an assault rifle and a light machine gun. The weapon is made according to the layout of the bullpads and uses (in the basic version) a new Chinese 5.8-mm intermediate cartridge.

Combat robots are not only automatic devices with anthropomorphic action, which partially or completely replace humans, but also operate in the air and water environment. For October 2022, most combat robots are telepresence devices, and only very few models have the ability to perform some tasks autonomously, without operator intervention.

Cyberdog was also seen wandering the streets of Shanghai during the lockdown of the city of COVID-19 in March 2020. One of the cyberdogs carried a loudspeaker on her back, paving her way through the regions of China and transmitting instructions related to the blocking of the area in connection with the coronavirus pandemic.^[9]

China develops "world's largest" four-legged military bull robot

On January 16, 2022, a bionic powered bull robot was unveiled in China to assist the military in cargo delivery and reconnaissance missions, the largest four-legged robot in its class. This was reported by the state information publication of China Global Times.

The robot can carry up to 160 kg, and can run at speeds of up to 10 km/h. The mechanical yak is equipped with sensors that allow it to monitor the surrounding area and environment. The yak robot showed in testing a high ability to adapt to various types of terrain, including steps, trenches and cliffs, as well as on dirty roads, meadows, deserts and snowfields. Thanks to 12 sets of joint modules, the robot can stably move forward and backward, turn, walk diagonally, run and even jump.

China develops "world's largest" four-legged military bull robot

The four-legged bionic robot can be deployed to deliver cargo, including ammunition and food, in conditions such as tablelands, mountains, deserts and forests, where conventional vehicles travel with difficulty. A potential application also includes close reconnaissance, since a bionic yak robot can constantly collect battlefield intelligence and track the movement of targets in difficult conditions that have proved too difficult for humans, such as on high-altitude plateaus, in icy areas and dense forests.

If necessary, the robot can be equipped with weapons and conduct armed reconnaissance, like unmanned aerial vehicles, but only on the ground. The Global Times separately notes that until 2025, China will develop more types of bionic robots and use their advantages in battle. As of January 2022, in addition to the bionic yak robot, the Geda mechanical dog has also been developed.^[10]

2021: China outperforms US for first time in degree of introduction of industrial robots

In terms of automation, China overtook the United States for the first time in history. This is evidenced by the data released in early December 2022 by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). Read more here.

Robotics

Notes