NEWS  AI  November 7, 2023  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

The Chinese government has laid the foundation for a visionary plan: by 2025, they have set their sights on commencing large-scale production of humanoid robots integrated with advanced cognitive systems. This ambitious endeavor, as detailed in a comprehensive nine-page report from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), was recently revealed by the South China Morning Post.

In a bid to achieve this technological feat, the authorities are urging the nation's manufacturing sector to establish an innovative framework for humanoid robots, make groundbreaking strides in a multitude of critical technologies, and ensure the secure and efficient supply of essential components.

The ultimate aim is to establish China as a preeminent global force in the realm of technology by 2027. MIIT has explicitly specified that the industry should focus on the development of the robot's "intellect," the "cognitive core," and its "appendages," harnessing the latest advancements in artificial intelligence. Moreover, the document emphasizes the necessity for these robots to function effectively in "challenging" and potentially hazardous situations, although the exact nature of these scenarios remains unspecified.

Nevertheless, given China's previous initiatives that have involved deploying robots for firefighting and law enforcement purposes, it is probable that the intended application leans more toward infrastructure and public service rather than military endeavors. In contrast to the ongoing competition between the United States and China in the development of robotic warships and combat aircraft, the United States seems to hold a substantial advantage when it comes to humanoid robotic soldiers, and even more remarkably, the concept of hybrid human-robot soldiers.

As early as 2014, there were indications that the U.S. military was contemplating the replacement of human soldiers with autonomous counterparts in the near future, although the deployment of combat robots on battlefields remains relatively limited. In the meantime, Boston Dynamics, a frontrunner in the humanoid robotics industry, is striving to address the surging demand for armed robots.

Unlike their American counterparts, the Chinese authorities acknowledge in the document that substantial enhancements in humanoid robot technology are imperative to realize the goal of mass production. This entails establishing a robust and dependable industrial supply chain system while simultaneously fostering an industrial ecosystem that boasts international competitiveness.

(Cover Image by Freepik)