Storyline Embodied robots become China's new factory workforce In China, humanoid robots are stepping off of sci-fi movie screens and taking on real-world jobs in factories and manufacturing plants across the country. At this robotic company in the eastern Chinese city of Suzhou, two embodied robots that have been designed for industrial use are busy assembling electronic parts. A product designer at the company says the robots can do various high-risk and repetitive jobs. Wu Chaoxin, Product R&D Director, PL-Universe Robotics: "They are primarily deployed in manufacturing to assist with high-risk tasks or repetitive jobs that demand high accuracy. It can handle different tasks in a day." Staff from the company say robots like these have been used in the production of 3C electronic products, automotive parts and semiconductors. And new orders keep pouring in. Ge Jin, COO, PL-Universe Robotics: "We have received orders from over ten clients, and most of them have demand for flexible production. They all want a robot, capable of flexible production with industrial-level precision and efficiency.” The numbers tell a promising story. Data from National Development and Reform Commission shows that China is now home to more than 150 humanoid robot companies. The embodied intelligent industry, represented by humanoid robots, is developing at a growth rate of over 50 percent, with the market size expected to reach about 14 billion U.S. dollars by 2030. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]
We are inundated with technological hype. Self-driving cars, human-like robots and AI chatbots are the subject of sometimes outlandishly exaggerated predictions and promises.
