AI-powered humanoids likely to take over factories by 2027, Chinese firm says

 

Chinese startup Leju is making bold predictions about manufacturing, suggesting that AI-powered humanoid robots could replace human factory workers within the next two years.

The Shenzhen-based company, which specialises in robotics, is currently fine-tuning its research and development efforts to make this vision a reality.

“We believe that within one to two years, our robots will be ready to deploy in industrial factories,” Zhao Xiaofei, Leju's head of overseas markets, told The Standard in an interview at the firm's base in Shenzhen.

“They can become smarter and smarter, integrating AI computing capabilities that will allow them to adapt to complex home and factory environments.”

Humanoid robots, designed to resemble humans in shape and movement, have emerged as a hot investment area in China.

Interest spans various sectors, including technology, electric vehicles, and manufacturing, with the Chinese government actively identifying them as "new productive forces" crucial for economic growth and technological competition with the United States.

Unlike traditional industrial robots that excel in speed but are limited by pre-programmed, set-path motions, AI-powered humanoids boast greater adaptability.

Experts believe these AI-augmented humanoids could effectively plug gaps in China's labour market, which faces attrition as younger generations increasingly shun repetitive factory jobs.

Leju is focusing on creating humanoid robots designed to mimic human movement and shape.

By utilising advanced 3D simulations, the company aims to develop robots that can perform a variety of assembly tasks typically reserved for human workers.

“We need some big 3D data to make this happen,” Zhao said, highlighting the importance of sophisticated modeling in their development process.

The broader context for this innovation is China’s push to lead in robotics and AI technology.

The Chinese government has identified humanoid robots as key to driving economic growth and competing with the United States in technological advancements.

Major firms like UBTech and Unitree are already making waves in the industry, with robots capable of walking, climbing, and even performing complex tasks.

As younger generations increasingly turn away from traditional factory jobs, experts believe humanoid robots could fill the gap in China’s labour market.

Zhao noted that the educational market has also played a vital role in fostering interest in robotics, particularly in integrating AI with hardware that becomes smarter over time.

“Eight years ago, the costs of developing such technology were prohibitively high. Now, with advancements in AI and robotics, we are seeing a shift,” Zhao added. “If our story works well, we will see a new industrial revolution fueled by these AI-powered humanoids.”

The potential for these robots extends beyond factories.

Zhao envisions them eventually moving into homes as well.

As the competition in the robotics sector heats up, companies like Xiaomi, which launched its CyberOne humanoid robot in 2022, are also contributing to the rapid development of this technology.