With the rapid development of intelligent manufacturing, humanoid robots are accelerating out of the laboratory and towards practical application scenarios. As a new productivity carrier integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, high-end manufacturing, and new materials, humanoid robots are not only expected to promote the intelligent transformation of the manufacturing industry, but also may occupy an important strategic high ground in global scientific and technological competition. In the face of the practical challenges of weakening demographic dividend and structural shortage of labor, the development of humanoid robots has become a key choice for China to build a future industrial system and release new kinetic energy.
In order to accelerate the industrialization process, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued the "Guiding Opinions on the Innovation and Development of Humanoid Robots" in November 2023. The document clearly states that by 2025, a humanoid robot innovation system will be initially built, breakthroughs will be made in key technologies, and the whole machine products will reach the international advanced level and have mass production capacity; By 2027, technological innovation capabilities and comprehensive strength will rank among the world's leading ranks, forming a complete industrial ecology.
The policy document identifies three key tasks:
The first is to expand application scenarios.
On the one hand, promote the application of humanoid robots in the field of special services, such as rapid movement in complex environments, accurate perception and decision-making, protection control, etc.; On the other hand, it will accelerate its implementation in typical scenarios of the manufacturing industry, including structured processes such as assembly, operation, testing, and maintenance, as well as its wide application in unstructured links with complex human-machine-environment interactions.
In the context of an aging population and an intensifying trend of low birth rate, China's manufacturing industry is facing an increasingly prominent employment gap. It is predicted that the gap between labor supply and demand will widen further in 2025. In this case, humanoid robots are not only a product of technological development, but also a strategic tool to alleviate labor tension and improve industrial resilience, especially in completing complex and non-standardized manufacturing tasks.
Figure: Humanoid robots are a key part of the contradiction between manpower supply and demand in the manufacturing industry
The second is to cultivate key products.
In terms of the whole machine, it will promote the development of two types of humanoid robot products: the basic type has the functions of human-like appearance, two-legged walking and two-arm operation; The functional model focuses on interactive performance, high-precision operation and adaptability to extreme environments. In addition, it will also consolidate the technical foundation of core components such as sensors and servo actuators, and improve the stability and adaptability of the performance of the whole machine.
The third is to break through core technologies.
Focusing on the "brain" and "cerebellum" of humanoid robots, the former is based on large model technology to endow robots with intelligent cognition and decision-making capabilities; The latter focuses on precise motion control to improve their autonomous movement and coordination. At the same time, it is also necessary to overcome the key technologies of "robot limbs", including perception system, power system and ontology structure, etc., to lay the foundation for the realization of human-like movement and operation capabilities.
At present, humanoid robots are in a critical stage of transformation from "technical reserves" to "industrial breakthroughs". Through the coordinated promotion of policy guidance, technical research and application scenario expansion, China is expected to lead in this frontier field and inject new momentum into the development of intelligent manufacturing and digital economy.
