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Robotics

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Robotics: Companies
Robotics: Policy
Robotics: Science
Robotics: Industry Trends
Robotics: Geopolitics
Robotics
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.
UBTech’s Walker robot seen at the company’s offices in Shenzhen. Photo: Edmond So
Artificial intelligence

Huawei, UBTech team up to bring humanoid robots to factories and homes

The partnership aims to establish smart factories, leveraging Huawei’s strengths in self-developed AI processors.

Artificial intelligence

China’s humanoid robot makers lack unified ‘end-to-end’ AI system: Unitree CEO

Hong Kong science and tech

Hong Kong launches bay area’s first industry-focused AI research institute

Cybersecurity

China’s Unitree fixes flaw that gives hackers remote control of robots

The start-up has downplayed the impact of the vulnerability, noting that the affected model has been discontinued.

Unitree’s Go2-W robot interacts with an attendee during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Photo: AFP
Science

‘Smallest, lightest, fastest’: China unveils new wireless morphing robots

Chinese team says their microrobot, with a design inspired by Lego, could be used in complex environments like disaster rescue operations.

Artificial intelligence

China’s answer to Autodesk is betting on AI to build a ‘world model’

As it plans for an IPO in Hong Kong, Manycore is touting its data advantage in building towards an AI-powered future.

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China technology

How a Chinese robotics firm maintains high-voltage power lines

Crownpower’s robots are taking over the potentially deadly work of safety inspection and maintenance of high-voltage power grids.

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Crownpower’s X-ray detection robot moves along a power cable at a speed of 6 metres per minute, as it checks for any potential damage. Photo: Handout
Artificial intelligence

Opinion | The convergence of AI and robotics couldn’t have come at a better time

The country’s manufacturing prowess and sophisticated supply chains will propel humanoid robot development.

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US-China trade war

Chinese maker of cleaning robots has US deal suspended amid tariff turmoil

Lingdu Intelligent Technology’s first US buyer halted a US$1.6 million deal for its X-Human robots as it waits for changes in US tariff policy, COO says.

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Science

‘Degrees of consciousness’: a 15-year-old philosopher considers the rights of AI

Teen author and aspiring sleep educator Benjamin Qin Mujia impressed at the China trials for the International Philosophy Olympiad.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
China technology

Why car park operator Shoucheng is doubling down on China robotics investment

The company, a subsidiary of Chinese steel giant Shougang, plans to invest in about 50 robotics firms over the next two to three years.

Shoucheng Holdings presents humanoid robots from some of its investee firms, including Unitree Robotics and Galaxea AI, at an event in Hong Kong on April 30, 2025. Photo: Handout
Artificial intelligence

Robotic hair washer to set up shop in Hong Kong after mainland debut

The first shop in Hong Kong, scheduled to open in June, would be equipped with six of the second-generation hair washers.

US-China tech war

Chinese AI and robotics start-ups respond to Xi’s self-reliance call

The Chinese president met representatives from several AI and robotics start-ups during a visit to Shanghai.

Midea Group

China’s UBTech, Midea push humanoid robots into factories amid push for adoption

UBTech’s Walker humanoids are headed for a car plant, while Midea plans to have its own robots in an appliance factory by next month.

A demonstration of one of UBTech’s Walker-series humanoid robots during a media tour of the company’s offices in Shenzhen on April 23. Photo: Edmond So
Hong Kong stock market

Unitree leads influx of mainland companies eyeing IPOs in Hong Kong

Surge in listing plans augurs well for city’s effort to claw way back to top of global ranking of fundraising destinations.

Shanghai-based Auntea Jenny aims to raise up to US$35 million in a Hong Kong share listing. Photo: Sohu
Hong Kong science and tech

Hong Kong urged to act fast for Zhejiang tech firms amid US-China trade war

Under new cooperation mechanism, city will provide supply chain services for mainland enterprises, helping them to overcome US blockages.

Artificial intelligence

Tesla is testing robotaxi service with employees in Texas, California

The plan is to launch this summer a Robotaxi service that would be driverless and under remote supervision.

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US-China trade war

‘Nothing like this in US’: for China’s robot makers, Trump’s tariffs don’t bite

Many firms say they feel little pressure to lower prices, as there are few viable alternatives to their products.

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Chinese robotics companies said interest from overseas buyers remained strong at this year’s Canton Fair, China’s largest trade expo, despite the ongoing trade war with the United States. Photo: Xinhua
Hong Kong science and tech

Is Hong Kong the key to helping mainland China’s rising tech stars go global?

Presence of mainland tech firms in Hong Kong would also improve local R&D landscape, observers say.

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Electric & new energy vehicles

Hesai to quadruple lidar output to extend lead in laser range finders

The company plans to boost production to 2 million units this year from about 502,000 units in 2024, founder and CEO David Li Yifan says.

Tesla

Tesla’s robot project faces ‘magnet issue’ after China’s rare earth curbs

CEO Elon Musk said ‘China wants some assurances’ that the magnets Tesla is trying to buy will not be used for military purposes.

Visitors look at Tesla’s humanoid robot Optimus at its exhibition booth during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai on July 5, 2024. Photo: AFP
Robotics: Companies

China’s humanoid robot half-marathon puts technology’s limits on public display

Videos of robots falling, trembling and struggling to stay upright circulated widely, with only six out of 21 finishing the race.

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A robot loses control at the start of what is billed as the world’s first robot half-marathon in Beijing on April 19. Photo: AP

Video | Chinese humanoid robotics unicorn Unitree opens new factory

Robotics: Companies

Chinese robotics star Unitree opens Hangzhou factory amid humanoid frenzy

Unitree opened the 10,000-square-metre facility this year, located just 15 minutes from its headquarters.

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China technology

China’s humanoid robot sector enters mass production in 2025

Six humanoid robot makers plan to produce more than 1,000 units in 2025, driving the value of domestic output to US$616 million this year.

The mass production of humanoid robots reflects intensifying competition in China’s robotics industry. Photo: Shutterstock

Video | China hosts world’s first robots vs humans half-marathon

The race was used to showcase the Chinese tech industry and to test the robots’ ability to carry out various tasks

Running robots put through their paces alongside humans in Beijing half-marathon
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Mainland China

China’s humanoid robot half marathon winner wants to be ‘Android’ of robotics

Likening its tech to Google’s Android, the state-backed X-Humanoid is seeking a greater role in China’s highly competitive robotics industry.

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Marathons

Can robots outrun humans? This Chinese half-marathon found out

Some robots wear running shoes, others fall over, but Yizhuang race in Beijing’s E-Town showcases country’s growing robotics industry.

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