Humanoids dance and thread needles as Japanese robotics developers look to outdo Chinese
Chinese firms showed cheaper humanoids and utility robots as Japan’s labor shortage drives interest in machines that can replace human workers.
- The Humanoids Summit Tokyo opened on Thursday, showcasing dexterous mechanical hands and delivery robots as Chinese companies dominated the event alongside established players like Honda Motor and Toyota Motor Corp.
- Japan initially led the field with Honda Motor's walking humanoid Asimo, first shown in 2000, but failed to commercialize the technology; Chinese newcomers like Booster Robotics and LimX Dynamics fine-tuned those designs for cheaper mass production.
- Tokyo-Based GMO is developing humanoids for Japan Airlines cargo tasks using Unitree technology, while exhibitors showcased affordable options like High Torque's $5,500 Mini Pi Plus robot for consumer entertainment.
- To combat Japan's serious labor shortage, developers aim to create robots interchangeable with human workers; a recent Pew survey shows Japanese anxiety about AI at about 28%, lower than the U.S. at 50%.
- Author Tim Hornyuk characterized the industry's struggles as 'Galapagos syndrome,' where innovative products fail internationally, and warned that 'China has already stolen their lunch' as Japan loses competitive edge.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Humanoids in Japan Showcase Competitive Dance Against Chinese Robotics
At the Humanoids Summit Tokyo, Japanese robotics unveiled advanced humanoids, while Chinese firms attracted attention with cost-effective models. Japan's historical lead in robotics faces pressure from China's rapid advancements. Experts highlight Japan's cultural acceptance of robotics as an asset in maintaining industry competitiveness.
This professor asked his robot clone about the future: 'I think robots will coexist with people. Robots are the mirror of human beings'
Mechanical hands dexterous enough to thread a needle, childlike dancing robots and adult-sized ones to help with deliveries were on display Thursday as the Humanoids Summit Tokyo opened. Among the dozens of companies taking part, including well-known players like Boston Dynamics and Toyota Motor Corp., the big stars now were clearly the Chinese. Chinese newcomers, like Booster Robotics and LimX Dynamics, took the technology initially developed i…
Associated Press News
Humanoids dance and thread needles as Japanese robotics developers look to outdo Chinese
The Humanoids Summit Tokyo showcases advanced robotics, highlighting China's growing influence. Companies like Booster Robotics and LimX Dynamics are refining technology initially developed in Japan and the U.S., often for cheaper mass production.
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