Inside China’s insane humanoid factory
A short video clip circulating on social media has sparked amusement and concern as it unveils the inner workings of a Chinese humanoid robot factory.
The video offers a glimpse of numerous humanoid robots in different stages of development, showcasing the pace at which robotics technology is advancing.
The uploaded video on TikTok is known to be from the manufacturing floor of the Chinese robotics firm Ex Robots.
At the 2023 World Robot Conference, the company showcased an array of humanoid robots in a preview of its ambitions. Their products surprised attendees with their hyper-realistic appearance and movements, accurately mimicking the people around them.
Advancing humanoid robotics
Chinese startup EX Robots was established in 2009 and started developing humanoid robots in 2016. Now, EX Robots specializes in intelligent bionic humanoid robot research, development, manufacture, sales, and service.
Five years later, the business opened the EX Future Science and Technology Museum in Liaoning Province, which is the first robot museum in the nation.
The firm said in a statement earlier, “The museum integrates high-tech achievements such as bionic humanoid robots, 5G cloud robots, interactive science and technology products, etc.”
The entire museum offers comprehensive robot one-stop service, encompassing a bionic experimental module, an artificial intelligence robot research center, a bionic robot manufacturing center, and other cutting-edge scientific and technological exhibits.
In 2023, it was reported that EX Robots may have achieved a groundbreaking feat in crafting the lightest humanoid robot worldwide and advancing silicone skin simulation technology.
Their strides in this field, powered by modern techniques such as 3D scanning, digital design, and 3D printing, have positioned them at the forefront of innovation in artificial intelligence and humanoid robotics.
These techniques are instrumental in developing lifelike skin and flexible movements for the robots, complementing their patented lightweight mechanical structure.
As a result, EX Robots’ creations stand out as the “world’s lightest in their category,” marking a significant milestone in robotics technology.
China’s push for robotic supremacy
The video shared by user ‘meimei4515’ showcases an expansive production facility with humanoid robots created to mimic different service personnel employed in various industries.
As the presenter moves through the workshop, viewers are treated to rows of pretty cyborg ladies standing alongside disembodied heads on stands.
These fully human-like presenters are wearing shirts and pants. Notably, a tree-like structure emerges, composed of humanoid arms performing synchronized flexing and twirling motions with their white-fingered hands.
The video serves as a glimpse into the impending influx of robotics set to integrate into our daily lives in the foreseeable future.
EX Robot, in particular, aims to develop humanoids that communicate with people and serve the public. These robots are currently used in various settings, including science museums, tourist spots, public service centers, hotel lobbies, educational environments, and corporate settings.
China is vying for the pole position in the robotics domain, with developers giving stiff competition to Western players like Tesla, Boston Dynamics, Figure, and Agility.
Recently, multiple Chinese startups, such as Unitree, UBTech/Baidu, Astribot, LimX, Kepler, and the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, have introduced advanced humanoid offerings.
ABOUT THE EDITOR
Jijo Malayil Jijo is an automotive and business journalist based in India. Armed with a BA in History (Honors) from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, and a PG diploma in Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, he has worked for news agencies, national newspapers, and automotive magazines. In his spare time, he likes to go off-roading, engage in political discourse, travel, and teach languages.
