It’s so uncanny how culture eventually shapes the technology around us. Self-driving tech made in the USA would NEVER work in the global south or countries like India – it wouldn’t anticipate street animals or local vehicles. Similarly, tech developed for and from countries like China might be fairly global, but I did notice a big difference at the this year – an absolute multitude of humanoid robots.
To be fair, this isn’t my first China expo; I visited Shanghai for CES Asia (when it was still a thing), and noticed the exact same pattern there too. While I speculate the West generally fears robots and the power they hold over humanity (look at every bit of pop culture, from Terminator to Love, Death, and Robots), the East doesn’t hold such reservations. In countries like China, Japan, and South Korea, humanoid robots thrive, working as concierges, assistants, and even talented parts of the workforce (we even saw robot musicians). So it got me asking myself – why is China obsessed with Humanoid Robots?
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This East/West divergence isn’t merely aesthetic; it’s deeply cultural. In the West, robots often symbolize existential threats. From Skynet’s apocalyptic AI in “Terminator” to Ultron’s malevolent intelligence in “Avengers,” robots are frequently portrayed as harbingers of doom. Even the Decepticons in “Transformers” embody this fear. Conversely, Eastern narratives, particularly in China and Japan, depict robots as allies. Astro Boy, created by Osamu Tezuka, is a benevolent android hero. Gundams are piloted protectors, not autonomous threats. These stories foster a perception of robots as companions and protectors. However, that’s just my theory.
A demo robot from SenseTime
At the 2024 World Robot Conference in Beijing, over 27 different models were unveiled, showcasing the country’s commitment to leading in this sector. Officials emphasize that these robots are designed to assist, not replace, human workers, aiming to enhance productivity and undertake tasks in hazardous environments. This approach aligns with the cultural narrative of robots as helpers and protectors.
This cultural lens influences real-world applications. China’s government actively promotes humanoid robotics. At the X-Humanoid innovation center in Beijing, officials emphasized that these robots aim to assist, not replace, human workers. They are designed for tasks humans find hazardous or undesirable, such as deep-sea exploration or space missions.
A humaoid robot from Noetix
Unitree’s G1 humanoid bot
Demographics also play a role. China faces a rapidly aging population, with the number of people over 65 increasing significantly. To address the impending caregiver shortage, the government is integrating humanoid robots into eldercare. These robots can provide companionship, monitor health, and assist with daily activities, offering a solution to the demographic challenge.
Eastern philosophies and religions, such as Buddhism and Taoism, often emphasize harmony between humans and their environment, including technology. This perspective supports the integration of robots into society as harmonious entities rather than disruptive forces. The concept of techno-animism, where technology is imbued with spiritual essence, further explains the comfort with humanoid robots in Eastern cultures.
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Noetix Hobbs mimicking human expressions
That philosophical outlook ends up shaping how China makes its humanoid robots. Below is Huawei’s FusionCube Chat Bot, a fun robot designed to assist and answer questions. Unitree’s G1 robot retails for $16,000 and is used in elder-care, having the robot perform human activities that the owner is too old to do or physically incapable of doing. On the other hand, some robots are made for special activities, like the Hobbs from Noetix, designed to expertly mimic human expressions – something that works great in human-like applications but also in movies and entertainment.
Huawei FusionCube ChatBot
The result is a society where humanoid robots are not only accepted but celebrated. At the Spring Festival Gala, robots performed traditional dances alongside humans, symbolizing this integration. In marathons, humanoid robots run alongside human participants, showcasing their capabilities and societal acceptance.
China’s approach to humanoid robotics is a confluence of cultural narratives, governmental support, demographic necessity, and philosophical harmony. This multifaceted embrace positions China at the forefront of humanoid robot integration, offering a distinct contrast to Western apprehensions.
Hexuan’s robots can play music with the same dexterity as a human
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