A Chinese humanoid robot captivated audiences on a popular U.S. talent show, receiving a standing ovation, while U.S. lawmakers simultaneously pushed for legislation labeling it a national security threat.
According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency and Hong Kong's SCMP, the humanoid robot G1 from the Chinese company Unitary made its debut on NBC's 'America's Got Talent' on June 2.
The performance featured eight G1 robots alongside renowned Chinese dancer Wu Yifei, showcasing tumbling and synchronized dance routines. The robots executed intricate movements, changing formations and seamlessly coordinating with the lead dancer.
Following the performance, both the audience and judges erupted in applause. Judges praised the act, with comments like, "It's unbelievable, but fantastic," and "Perfect," unanimously advancing the robots to the next round.
The video posted on the official YouTube channel garnered over a million views within a day, sparking significant online interest. However, the following day, U.S. Congress introduced a regulatory bill targeting Chinese-made robots.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the 'GUARD Act,' co-sponsored by Rep. John Molinaro, chair of the House China Special Committee, asserts that Chinese robots could pose threats to U.S. critical infrastructure and labor markets.
Molinaro specifically warned that Unitary receives substantial subsidies from the Chinese government, which could represent an "existential threat" to the U.S. robotics industry.
Experts suggest this incident highlights the contrasting perceptions of Chinese technology within American society. Kyle Chan, a researcher at the Brookings Institution, told SCMP, "The reactions surrounding Unitary illustrate the differing views between the general public and lawmakers regarding Chinese technology."
Chan also noted that despite Chinese drone manufacturer DJI's dominance in the U.S. market, it has faced national security scrutiny, similar to the regulatory pressures on the video platform TikTok.
Meanwhile, Unitary is actively pursuing global market expansion, recently announcing plans for a new humanoid robot in collaboration with NVIDIA.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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