A Beijing official has announced that China is actively developing humanoid robots aimed at assisting human workers, rather than replacing them. Liang Liang, the deputy director of the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, highlighted that these robots are intended to enhance productivity and undertake hazardous tasks, especially in environments where human operation is not feasible, such as deep-sea and space exploration.

Liang Liang emphasized that the focus is on collaboration between humans and robots, stating, "We don't believe robots will make people unemployed, but rather they'll boost efficiency or take on tasks humans are unwilling to do - like exploring the vast universe or the ocean depths where people can't go. Machines can assist us in that exploration." This vision of collaboration was recently showcased in Beijing with the world’s first robot half-marathon, where humanoid robots competed independently of human runners.

The robot half-marathon featured Tiangong Ultra, a humanoid robot developed by X-Humanoid, a state-backed robotics innovation center. Tiangong Ultra demonstrated advanced mobility, achieving speeds of 12 km/h, underscoring China’s dedication to creating adaptive and efficient robotic systems. This event highlighted the potential for robots to complement human capabilities rather than supplant them.

In addition to sports, China’s humanoid robots are being designed to perform repetitive and physically challenging tasks. Demonstrations at the robotics center have shown robots adapting to dynamic environments and human interactions, which is crucial for their integration into future workplaces. Liang reiterated that China’s approach to robotics centers on fostering a future where humans and machines collaborate effectively.

As China continues to invest significantly in both AI and robotics, the government’s emphasis on human-robot collaboration will play a key role in shaping public opinion and promoting industry adoption. The strategic focus on assistance rather than replacement aims to ensure a balanced integration of robotics into the workforce.