3 h. ago China turns to robots for elderly care with national pilot programme

China has launched a pilot programme aimed at accelerating the deployment of robots to alleviate the pressure of elderly care, as the nation grapples with a rapidly ageing population and a labour shortage. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, in collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Affairs, issued a notice on Monday inviting organisations to participate in pilot projects. The initiative aims to enhance the integration of robotics into smart elderly care. The programme...

Politics

3 h. ago Study shows how robots replaced master workers in Chinese military drone factory

In a Beijing defence drone facility, a black carbon-fibre body frame sits on a workstation ready for drilling. The material is light and strong, but a fractional error in angle or positioning could affect stealth performance and lead to the scrapping of the entire part. Master technicians once performed this task – breath held, hands steady – relying on years of muscle memory. Despite their skill, human limitations capped the speed of production and kept costs high. That changed with a...

Events

24 h. ago Beijing academy introduces ‘RoboBrain’ AI model to power humanoid robots in China

Beijing academy introduces ‘RoboBrain’ AI model to power humanoid robots in China  Tech Edition

Politics

65 h. ago Beijing academy unveils ‘RoboBrain’ AI model for China’s humanoids

The Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence (BAAI), a non-profit research laboratory in China, launched on Friday a series of new open-source artificial intelligence (AI) models designed to be the “brain” of robots, as the country rushes to build smarter machines. The use of powerful AI models in China’s booming robotics industry could accelerate the development and adoption of humanoids, as the sector addresses challenges such as limited model capabilities and a lack of training data,...

Politics

3 d. ago China eyes 10 new national data zones in digital economy push, AI race with US

China will establish 10 national data pilot zones, its data agency announced, as the country seeks to bolster its digital economy and compete with the United States in the race to dominate artificial intelligence. The National Data Administration (NDA) said the zones would be established in Beijing, Zhejiang, Anhui and other regions. The initiative encourages select local governments to spearhead efforts “in nurturing data-related market entities and expanding the data market”, according to the...

Politics

6 d. ago A tale of two cities: why views of China differ so much in Barcelona and Prague

In a gleaming white technology campus half an hour’s drive north of Barcelona, Josep Maria Gomes wants to turbocharge an already thriving partnership between Spain and China. His job at TecnoCampus, a hybrid facility housing a university and business and technology park in the city of Mataro, is to connect local start-ups with cutting edge tech innovations. More and more these days, he sees these coming from China. “In sectors like cybersecurity, Internet of Things, sensory robotics and...

Politics

7 d. ago China robotaxis, Indian pharma among hedge fund top picks at Sohn Hong Kong

China robotaxis, Indian pharma among hedge fund top picks at Sohn Hong Kong  Yahoo Finance

Politics

1 week ago Unitree Robotics changes to joint stock limited company, fanning IPO speculation

China’s top humanoid robot start-up Unitree Robotics has converted into a company limited by shares, a move that has fanned speculation around its public listing plans, as Chinese robotics firms rapidly expand amid the country’s fervour for the artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled machines. Unitree has changed from a limited liability company into a joint stock limited company, an equivalent to a company limited by shares, according to records on Chinese corporate database Qichacha published on...

Politics

1 week ago China claims breakthrough in robotics software that supports domestic chips

A Chinese company has launched a home-grown operating system for robots, which local media hailed as a “major breakthrough” in robotics software, in the latest move by China to achieve self-sufficiency in advanced technologies. The Intewell operating system, unveiled by Beijing-based Kyland Technology on Thursday, is designed to serve as a foundational software system for embodied intelligent robots – machines capable of physical interaction with the world, according to a report by state-owned...

Events

1 week ago Chinese robotics star Agibot adds JD.com as investor, joining Tencent

Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com has recently become a shareholder in Tencent Holdings-backed robotics star AgiBot, as China’s robotics industry has become one of the most closely watched sectors this year among investors and tech giants. AgiBot, also known as Zhiyuan Robotics, was established in 2023 by a founding team that included Huawei Technologies veterans and professors. The company recently added JD subsidiary JD Technology as a shareholder of its main entity, Shanghai Zhiyuan New...

Economics

1 week ago China’s market leaders in tech, energy sectors are focus of investors: JPMorgan

Global investors are increasingly turning to China’s global market leaders in the technology and energy sectors to diversify their investment portfolios amid heightened geopolitical tensions and uncertain economic outlook, according to JPMorgan. Funds were not only targeting established firms in industries like car manufacturing, robotics and renewable energy but also capturing opportunities in China’s innovative capabilities as market volatility spikes, said Kwang Kam Shing, Hong Kong CEO and...

Economics

1 week ago Future battlefield robots, China upgrades destroyer: SCMP daily highlights

Catch up on some of SCMP’s biggest China stories of the day. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. US appeal court allows Donald Trump’s tariffs to stay in effect A US federal appeals court has temporarily halted a lower-court ruling against President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” reciprocal tariffs, as well as a separate set of fentanyl-related levies on China, Mexico, and Canada. 2. US to start ‘aggressively’ revoking visas for Chinese students,...

Events

1 week ago China’s Honor Developing Humanoid Robots in $10 Billion AI Plan

China’s Honor Developing Humanoid Robots in $10 Billion AI Plan  Bloomberg.com

Economics

1 week ago Southern China’s Zhuhai backs new firm in race to be AI, robotics hub

The municipal government of Zhuhai in southern Guangdong province has launched a new company as part of an ambitious programme to boost its artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics sectors, after the success of DeepSeek and Unitree Robotics sparked a national race to cultivate the next tech leaders. On Wednesday, the city announced its support for the newly established Zhuhai Technology Industry Group, focusing on AI and robotics. It also unveiled incentives for local businesses, including...

Politics

1 week ago More than a show: China’s robot fights offer ringside view of tech advancements

They dance, they run, they punch – but they never break a sweat or flinch in pain. China’s humanoid robots are increasingly entering human arenas, participating in real-world sports competitions that expose them to unpredictable, complex environments – and, as analysts note, generate valuable data to advance their development. On Sunday, the world’s first kickboxing contest featuring humanoid robots kicked off in the eastern city of Hangzhou. Four Unitree G1 robots – donning helmets and boxing...

Sport

2 w. ago China launches first humanoid robot tournament with human control

China launches first humanoid robot tournament with human control  MARCA

Politics

2 w. ago Ready, set, fight: Unitree humanoid robots test skills in kickboxing competition

Humanoid robots from start-up Unitree Robotics showed off their fighting form at a unique kickboxing competition held in Hangzhou on Sunday, weeks after Beijing hosted the world’s first half-marathon where these machines raced alongside humans. Organised by state-owned China Media Group and broadcast live by China Central Television (CCTV), the competition saw four Unitree G1 humanoid robots square off in one-on-one matches where they punched, kicked and even did a kip-up – an acrobatic...

Sport

2 w. ago World’s first humanoid robot boxing match kicks off in China, showcasing tech prowess

World’s first humanoid robot boxing match kicks off in China, showcasing tech prowess  Global Times

Politics

2 w. ago A $20,000 ‘Home Companion’ Robot From China to Debut This Year

A $20,000 ‘Home Companion’ Robot From China to Debut This Year  Bloomberg.com

Politics

2 w. ago China’s army of robot makers jostle for attention in overcrowded market

Distributors in the US are now more willing to negotiate on purchases given that tariffs have been lowered.

Politics