SEOUL, January 31 (AJP) - Sixteen humanoid robots took center stage at China’s annual Spring Festival Gala, performing alongside human dancers in a striking display of the country’s progress in robotics.
Watched by hundreds of millions, the performance underscored Beijing’s ambitions to become a global leader in artificial intelligence and automation.
The high-profile showcase comes against the backdrop of growing U.S.-China tensions over advanced technology.
Washington has imposed restrictions on the export of artificial intelligence chips to China, and additional controls remain under consideration. As Beijing accelerates its push for self-sufficiency in AI and robotics, the gap between the two tech superpowers continues to narrow.
The H1 robots, developed by the Chinese robotics firm Unitree, moved in sync with human performers, executing traditional northern Chinese dance routines while dressed in festive red jackets. The three-minute segment, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Zhang Yimou, saw the robots skillfully manipulate red scarves and coordinate complex choreography - a feat that required three months of artificial intelligence training.
Priced at $16,000 per unit, the H1 model is part of a rapidly evolving robotics sector in China. Unitree has since introduced an advanced model, the G1, as the company continues to push the boundaries of humanoid robot development.
Beijing has set aggressive targets for the industry, with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology aiming for mass production of humanoid robots and world-leading technological capabilities by 2027. To accelerate progress, the government has established large-scale training facilities, spanning 5,000 square meters.
Chinese startups are already ramping up production, with some companies expecting to manufacture thousands of humanoid robots by next year. Major corporations, including Huawei and BYD, have also entered the field.
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