China’s humanoid robots will not replace human workers, Beijing official says

A Chinese official managing a tech hub in Beijing stated that humanoid robots in China will not substitute human workers or lead to widespread unemployment, despite the sector’s fast growth and government financial support.

Liang Liang, a deputy director at the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, home to one of China’s largest tech hubs, stated during a Friday interview with foreign media that he does not think humanoid robots will surpass their human creators, but rather enhance productivity and function in dangerous environments.

Liang indicated that the inaugural robot half-marathon, which took place last month in Beijing, was intentionally organized to emphasize his and other officials’ aspirations that these humanoids will aid and assist humans instead of taking their place.

The half-marathon included two lanes divided by a barrier, where humans raced against one another on one side while on the opposite side, 20 teams managed robots, each differing significantly in size and capability.

Liang addressed reporters at the headquarters of state-supported X-Humanoid, also referred to as the Beijing Humanoid Robotics Innovation Centre, where the robot Tiangong Ultra triumphed in the first-ever robot half-marathon.

In addition to the sports-oriented Ultra model, capable of achieving a maximum speed of 12 kph (7.56 mph), the center showcased other prototypes that indicated its efforts in developing robots that can handle routine tasks amidst obstacles and varying surroundings.

During one demonstration, an employee consistently altered the location of a piece of litter or grabbed it from the robot’s grasp, which would subsequently reposition the item and continue performing the task until it was finished, a self-correcting capability that the center claims will be crucial in transforming the humanoids into effective workers.