In a vast warehouse on the outskirts of Shanghai, dozens of humanoid robots are actively controlled by operators to perform repetitive tasks such as folding T-shirts, making sandwiches, and opening doors. These robots work up to 17 hours daily, carefully executing their duties to produce large volumes of data crucial to Ag, a Chinese humanoid robotics startup. Ag aims to advance humanoid robots' capabilities to integrate them seamlessly into everyday human life. Yao Maoqing, a key figure at Ag, envisions a near future where robots handle routine tasks in homes and workplaces, freeing humans to engage in more creative and meaningful activities. This highlights the significant role humanoid robots are expected to play across various sectors, from manufacturing to personal assistance. China’s emergence as a leader in humanoid robotics is driven by substantial investments and development efforts. Alongside Ag, multiple local developers are striving to build robots that closely replicate human form and function, focusing on efficient task performance and safe, intuitive human interaction. This surge in development occurs amid global geopolitical and economic factors, with the United States involved in negotiations impacting technology transfer, research collaboration, and market competition in robotics. These international complexities affect how humanoid robots are developed and deployed. In recent years, China has made notable progress in hardware engineering and artificial intelligence, fostering a conducive environment for humanoid robotics innovation. As revealed for the first time by Reuters, the focus has shifted to using robots running continuously for long hours in controlled settings to gather vast operational data.

This strategy aims to speed up learning algorithms and enhance robot dexterity and decision-making. Reuters’ investigation included interviews with over a dozen sources—industry insiders, robotics experts, and analysts—who provided insights into the sophisticated AI systems enabling these machines to autonomously navigate complex tasks and environments. Integrating AI with advanced robotics positions China to strengthen its status as a global leader in manufacturing and technological innovation. China’s strategic goal is to leverage these advancements to maintain a competitive advantage in the world’s leading manufacturing hub, promoting sustainability and increased productivity. Government support for domestic robotics firms, combined with private sector innovation, seeks to transform industry through automation and intelligent systems. However, concerns remain about the social and economic impacts of widespread humanoid robot use. While these machines offer efficiency and economic benefits, there is apprehension over potential layoffs among human factory workers, necessitating policies for workforce transition, retraining, and maintaining social stability. Despite these challenges, the potential for humanoid robots to revolutionize industries and daily life drives ongoing research and development in China. Progress by companies like Ag ensures that robotics discourse today encompasses not only technological possibilities but also the shaping of the future global socio-economic landscape. As humanoid robots approach practical, widespread use, global stakeholders closely monitor how China manages the complex nexus of innovation, ethics, economics, and international relations in this advanced field.