China Humanoid Robots Shift to Industrial Utility

Summary

Bloomberg's Allen Wan reports from Beijing's World Robot Conference that Chinese humanoid robot makers are moving from entertainment demos to practical industrial and household uses. Unitree's founder forecasts commercial takeoff within two years once robots can complete at least 80% of tasks and mass-market popularity within a decade. Unitree recently became China's first listed humanoid robot company after its Shanghai debut.

• The World Robot Conference in Beijing focuses on practical uses rather than singing and dancing robots.
• Exhibitors showcase humanoid robots for precision assembly-line work and household chores such as laundry.
• Unitree's founder says humanoid robots could reach mass-market popularity within a decade.
• The founder sees industry takeoff within two years once at least 80% of tasks can be completed by robots.
• Unitree's successful Shanghai listing made it China's first listed humanoid robot company.
• Some robots still provide entertainment, including ping pong and table hockey.