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As China bets on tech and innovation to drive its growth, it has placed its chips on several industrial sectors that are expected to play increasingly important roles in development and trade, which will bring fresh opportunities and challenges for stakeholders. SCMP’s China Future Tech is your go-to destination for the latest news, insights, and opinions on these select industries. Explore in-depth coverage of EVs, AI, semiconductors, aerospace, robotics and biomedicine sectors. Follow us to stay ahead in China's evolving competitive landscape.
China and the US are the two top players in global AI development, with the former leading in humanoid robotics and open-source large language models, according to a venture capitalist. Photo: Reuters
United States

China’s AI sector poised for growth despite US restrictions: venture capitalist

China’s AI sector gains confidence with DeepSeek’s emergence, but tech ecosystem needs to improve, GSR United Capital’s Zhou Qi says.

Science

How China’s US$150,000 robot start-up beat Elon Musk in 2 years

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Made in China 2025

China’s Unitree teases platform allowing users to control robots via smartphones

Unitree Robotics

Why Japan’s robotic pioneers are ceding the humanoid stage to China and the US

Japan’s university system has long centred on engineering faculties led by manufacturing, resulting in a relative shortage of AI talent.

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Kawasaki’s humanoid robot Kaleido takes out the rubbish as crowds watch during the IREX show in Tokyo. Photo: Wency Chen
Japan

Fur real? In Japan, rise in bear attacks spurs demand for robot wolf, AI cameras

Authorities in a prefecture have also deployed drones that mimic dogs barking and spark fireworks to scare off bears.

China technology

China’s Deep Robotics raises US$70 million as sector draws more investors

Company founder Zhu Qiuguo says the new funding would be used for research and the recruitment of top robotics talent.

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Midea

Chinese home appliance giant Midea unveils 6-arm robot for factory work

China is witnessing a surge of interest and strategic investment in the deployment of humanoid robots.

The Midea booth is seen at the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, in southern China’s Guangdong province, April 15, 2025. Photo: AFP
Science

With one small step for AI, Chinese scientists make giant leap for humanity

Researchers give robotic arms the skill and precision of experienced surgeons, all thanks to the inspiration of a simple slip knot.

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Technology

Opinion | Does AI’s rise have to mean job losses? East Asia tells a different story

Studies from Vietnam to South Korea show AI adoption has not cannibalised jobs. Instead of simple mechanisation, economies are synergising.

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Made in China 2025

China’s Pudu Robotics rolls out overseas charm offensive with robot dog

Quadruped dubbed D5 from Pudu – founded by former HKUST engineering student Felix Zhang – draws crowds at Tokyo expo.

Pudu Robotics’ latest quadruped model, D5, debuted at IREX. Photo: Wency Chen
China technology

China’s regions roll out 5-year plan priorities, with tech topping the list

Following Beijing’s proposals for its next half-decade of policymaking, localities are following suit, with a focus on emerging fields.

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An employee produces semiconductor chips for export at a factory in Binzhou, in eastern China’s Shandong province. Photo: AFP
Shenzhen

Guangdong touts Huawei chips and HarmonyOS to outrun the DeepSeek eclipse

China’s richest province highlights Huawei’s Ascend 910C chips and HarmonyOS to prove it still sits at the heart of Chinese innovation.

Artificial intelligence

Shenzhen robotics start-up Daimon secures China Mobile backing for AI push

Daimon Robotics, co-founded by HKUST professor Wang Yu, received a fresh injection of funds from the mobile operator’s Lianchang Fund.

Mainland China

Tsinghua University sets up research institute in push for robotics talent

The Institute for Embodied Intelligence and Robotics will be led by Zhang Tao, director of the university’s automation department.

Tsinghua University’s Institute of Embodied AI and Robotics will integrate resources from its different schools. Photo: Shutterstock
Science

‘Real Steel’: PLA unveils motion-controlled combat robot to 13 countries

Chinese and foreign military cadets test bomb disposal robot using voice commands and discuss ethical boundaries of AI in war: state media.

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Cadets from China and foreign militaries view a robot at the PLA Army Engineering University during the 12th International Army Cadets Week from November 3 to 9. Photo: Handout
Artificial intelligence

Chinese schools offer ‘embodied intelligence’ courses to aid robotics industry

Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Zhejiang University are among seven schools that plan to offer ‘embodied intelligence’ as a new major.

Mainland China

Changan Auto becomes latest Chinese carmaker to join humanoid robot bandwagon

State-owned carmaker invests US$31.8 million to take a 50 per cent stake in Changan Tianshu Intelligent Robotics Technology.

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China manufacturing

China’s top economic planning agency warns of rise of too many robots

NDRC says there are now more than 150 humanoid robot manufacturers in the country and highlights risk of potential investment bubble.

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A journalist touches a hand made for Xpeng’s second-generation Iron humanoid robot at the company’s Guangzhou headquarters on November 6. Photo: AFP
Wealth: Alternative Investments

Could investing in China’s AI industry prove more lucrative than the US’?

Amid US fears of an AI bubble, experts argue that China’s home-grown innovation offers robust growth opportunities for investors.

Supported by
BNP Paribas Wealth Management
Xiaomi

Xiaomi hires engineer from Tesla’s Optimus team to lead robotic hand development

Zach Lu Zeyu joins Xiaomi as lead of its dexterous hand research and development operations.

Robotics: Companies

UBTech humanoid robots to patrol China-Vietnam border crossings

The initiative features the industrial-grade Walker S2, billed as the world’s first humanoid robot capable of replacing its own battery.

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A UBTech humanoid robot seen at the China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing in July. Photo: Reuters
Hong Kong stock market

China’s UBTech Robotics eyes US$400 million in Hong Kong share placement

Sixth fundraising this year will aid push into industrial manufacturing, a ‘historic opportunity for humanoid robots’, company says.

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UBTech Robotics has raised HK$4.37 billion (US$562 million) in five share placements since August 2024. Photo: Handout
China technology

China’s robotics twin stars join national committee to shape industry standards

Unitree’s Wang Xingxing and AgiBot’s Peng Zhihui have been appointed to the Standardisation Technical Committee for Humanoid Robots.

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Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong’s Paul Chan to lead delegation to Italy to showcase tech, boost trade

Science Park to invite eight tech start-up companies to attend Trade Development Council’s symposium in Milan.

Xiaomi

Xiaomi open-sources AI model spanning autonomous driving and robotics

EV and AI initiatives have become an increasingly important part of Xiaomi’s business.

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A Xiaomi car seen outside the company’s electric vehicle factory in Beijing. Photo: AFP
China economy

Opinion | The rise of a Beijing-led ‘Global South Consensus’

As the Global South seeks a better development model and China looks for alternatives to mature markets, a match made out of mutual need is emerging.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Plus meeting in Tianjin, China, on September 1. Photo: EPA/Iranian Presidency handout
China Future Tech briefing

Robotics | China’s humanoid robots enter workforce as Tesla wait goes on

Xpeng, Unitree and other Chinese robot makers are nearing mass production of humanoid units as problems including hands delay Elon Musk’s plans.

Open Questions series

Open Questions | Nicholas Lardy on China’s unique economic advantage

Economist at US think tanks on bright prospects for China, the challenges it faces and why more market discipline is needed.

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