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China is accelerating its efforts in humanoid robot development, and its supply chains have demonstrated cost-effective and innovative components.
As China accelerates its efforts in humanoid robot development, its supply chains have showcased cost-effective and innovative components at the World Robot Conference in Beijing. However, some industry executives warn that product reliability remains a significant hurdle.
Wisson Technology (Shenzhen) has garnered attention for its flexible robotic manipulators, which stand out because they do not rely on traditional motors and reducers—key transmission devices in robotics. Instead, Wisson uses 3D-printed plastics and pneumatic artificial muscles to power its robots.
This innovative approach drastically reduces production costs, allowing Wisson to price its flexible robotic arms at approximately one-tenth the cost of traditional robotic arms.
According to Cao Wei, a partner at venture capital firm Lanchi Ventures and an investor in Wisson, this pliable technology could bring robotic arms to market at around 10,000 yuan ($1,404). Wisson has already provided samples of these arms to overseas companies developing humanoid robots.
Industry leaders highlight ongoing challenges in the robotics supply chain despite these innovations. Yi Gang, founder of Shanghai-based Ti5 Robot, which specializes in integrated joints, pointed out that product reliability is still an issue.
Due to high defect rates, his company can only produce up to 1,000 units at a time. Yi specifically mentioned problems with harmonic gears, crucial components in motion control, as a significant bottleneck.
China’s focus on robotics aligns with President Xi Jinping’s policy of fostering “new productive forces” in technology. This emphasis was echoed throughout the conference and highlighted in official brochures.
As the world’s largest market for industrial robots, China is leveraging increasingly sophisticated technologies to transform traditional industries such as manufacturing, automotive, agriculture, education, and healthcare.
Gao Jiyang, a former executive director at autonomous driving start-up Momenta and founder of Galaxea AI, noted that advancements in smart driving contribute to robotics progress. “Autonomous driving means AI-plus cars, which are also a type of robot,” Gao explained.
As the conference concluded, Premier Li Qiang underscored the importance of following President Xi’s guidelines on advancing the robot industry.
He emphasized that the robot industry has “broad prospects and huge market potential” and called for efforts to stabilize the supply chain and enhance China’s standing on the global stage.
Li stressed the need to expand and popularize the use of robots across various sectors, including industry, agriculture, and services.
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