Your First Humanoid Robot Coworker Will Probably Be Chinese (www.wired.com)

At the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, a range of humanoid robots showcased the strides being made in China's robotics sector, particularly by companies like Unitree. These robots, while currently limited in autonomy and functionality—often requiring human operators for tasks like walking and hand movements—signal a significant shift in how robots could integrate into daily life and the workforce. Experts predict that automation could drastically alter job landscapes, with projections of billions of humanoids in use globally by 2050, predominantly in China. Unitree has emerged as a leader in this field, introducing cost-efficient humanoids and quadrupeds that outperform competitors like Boston Dynamics. The company’s latest models, such as the G1 and R1, are designed for diverse applications, from factory work to entertainment. Additionally, innovations like BAAI's Robobrain 2.0 are experimenting with how large language models can enhance robotic understanding and interaction with the physical world. However, challenges remain, particularly in data gathering and developing dexterous manipulation capabilities, which are crucial for humanoids to succeed in complex, real-world tasks.