Latest Cover Story | The Robots Are Coming (AI Translation)
Listen to the full version
文｜财新周刊 杜知航 深圳，包云红 上海，刘沛林 美国圣何塞
By Caixin Weekly Du Zhihang in Shenzhen, Bao Yunhong in Shanghai, Liu Peilin in San Jose, USA
文｜财新周刊 杜知航 深圳，包云红 上海，刘沛林 美国圣何塞
By Caixin Weekly's Du Zhihang in Shenzhen, Bao Yunhong in Shanghai, Liu Peilin in San Jose, USA
高楼林立的深圳市南山区，聚集着中国最多、最老牌的机器人公司。这里有“人形机器人第一股”优必选（09880.HK），会做前空翻机器人的众擎，送餐机器人公司普渡和仿人脸机器人公司数字华夏，以及做触觉传感器的戴盟和帕西尼等公司。它们有的在某个写字楼占据数层，有的只是租住几间小房子，但所有公司都会有一间实验室，给机器人行走、跳跃等留够空间。
In Nanshan District of Shenzhen City, known for its towering buildings, lies the highest concentration of the oldest and most established robotics companies in China. Among them is UBTECH Robotics (09880.HK), recognized as the first publicly listed humanoid robot company; together with innovators like EXR, famed for their robotic front flips, and Pudu, a developer of food delivery robots. Also present are Shuzihua Xia, specializing in humanoid face robots, alongside Daring and Passini, who focus on tactile sensors. While some of these companies occupy several floors in office buildings, others rent just a few small rooms. Nevertheless, all companies maintain a laboratory ample enough for robots to walk, jump, and perform various activities.
蛇年春节后，南山区组织了“企业风采嘉年华”晚会，八家机器人公司上台亮相，公司负责人积极接受媒体采访拍摄。会后，“深圳具身智能八大金刚”的说法不胫而走。
After the Spring Festival in the Year of the Snake, the Nanshan District organized a "Corporate Style Carnival" evening gala, where eight robotics companies took the stage, and company executives eagerly participated in media interviews and photography sessions. Following the event, the term "Eight Great Kings of Embodied Intelligence in Shenzhen" spread rapidly.
- DIGEST HUB
Digest Hub
Back
- Shenzhen's Nanshan District hosts China's top robotics companies, including UBTECH Robotics, known for humanoid robots, with companies exploring innovative technologies like tactile sensors and humanoid face robots.
- The rise of "embodied intelligence" emphasizes adapting robots with human-like features for dynamic environments, marking a shift from traditional industrial robotics, spurring interest from industries and governments.
- Investment in robotics, particularly in Shenzhen and China overall, has soared, with strategic support from government policies and expectations for mass production in humanoid robots by 2025, despite ongoing technical challenges.
In Shenzhen's Nanshan District, known for its high concentration of established robotics companies, many firms are making profound strides in humanoid robotics. UBTECH Robotics, which became the first publicly listed humanoid robot company, is prominent among them, along with companies like EXR and Pudu, which focus on unique robotic capabilities such as performing tricks and food delivery. The recent "Corporate Style Carnival" highlighted eight local robotics companies, earning them the nickname "Eight Great Kings of Embodied Intelligence in Shenzhen" due to their advanced work in AI and robotics.[para. 1][para. 2][para. 3]
"Embodied intelligence" represents advanced AI that mimics human physical functionalities and has gained significant attention in both technological and investment arenas over the past two years. These technologies, focusing on human-like bodies performing intelligent actions, have expanded beyond traditional industrial uses. Events like the Spring Festival Gala demonstrated robots’ capabilities globally, marking a pivotal moment for AI robotics.[para. 3][para. 4]
In a climate where AI companies like Hangzhou's DeepSeek are gaining popularity, cities such as Shenzhen and Hangzhou are positioning themselves as technological powerhouses with policies promoting innovation. The "Thirteen Taibao of Shenzhen Robotics Companies" is a testament to Shenzhen's emerging dominance in this field. With new policies focused on the technological industries, cities like Hangzhou and Shenzhen are offering incentives to support and boost AI and robotics.[para. 5][para. 6]
Investor interest in humanoid robots is surging as capital markets draw parallels between technological advancements in the U.S. and China. While Chinese companies lead in AI advancements, manufacturing capabilities position China ahead in the robotics race. Experts highlight that China excels in bringing theoretical innovations into practical production due to its strong industrial manufacturing capacity, making it ideal for humanoid robot developments.[para. 7][para. 8]
The current discourse on the mass production of robots indicates a shift, yet a unified market definition remains elusive. Despite breakthroughs, humanoid robots still struggle to master tasks due to data training limitations. Efforts are underway to address these challenges with initiatives from companies like NVIDIA.[para. 9][para. 10]
The influx of investment into robotics, particularly from eager investors, is igniting the industry. As embodied intelligence becomes a buzzword, companies are receiving substantial funding to fuel development and establish market dominance. In recent months, several companies have secured significant financing, with valuations skyrocketing due to strategic investments and the anticipation of future demand.[para. 11][para. 12]
A strategic geographic split characterizes China's robotics industry. Beijing excels with its academic resources, while the Pearl River and Yangtze River Deltas shine in manufacturing prowess. Local governments' substantial investment reflects a drive to become significant players, while major tech companies collaborate with robotics firms, hinting at widespread industry interest.[para. 13][para. 14]
Mass production is gaining momentum with predictions of 2025 being the "first year of mass-produced robots." Companies like Tesla and Unitree Robotics are taking steps towards substantial production, aiming to integrate robots into practical scenarios, such as factory tasks. However, cost-cutting measures remain crucial to make robots economically viable for broader market entry.[para. 15][para. 16]
Steps towards reducing costs and optimizing production are in motion as suppliers rally to support the robotics boom. Technological advancements and strategic supplier positioning are paving the way for scalable production. LIDAR companies, for instance, are leveraging their existing infrastructure to explore production opportunities, contributing to a swiftly evolving supply chain environment.[para. 17][para. 18]
Overall, as China hones its manufacturing capacities, combined with robust AI capabilities, it positions itself as a formidable force in the humanoid robotics domain, with the year 2025 slated as possibly defining for the mass production industry.
- May 2023：
- Galaxy General was established.
- November 2023：
- Noematrix was established and secured funding.
- December 2023：
- UBTech went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
- November 2024：
- Galaxy General completed a 500 million yuan financing round, raising a total of 1.2 billion yuan in two rounds.
- December 2024：
- Noematrix completed a pre-A+ funding round, established by Unitree Sci-Tech.
- January 7, 2025：
- Fourier announced the completion of Series E funding totaling nearly 800 million yuan.
- February 18, 2025：
- Changsheng Bearing announced cooperation with Unitree Robotics and received orders, leading to a stock price surge.
- February 26, 2025：
- Robosense announced a new share placement raising approximately 1 billion HKD for R&D in robotics.
- March 2025：
- Embodied intelligence was highlighted in the government work report as an industry of the future during the National People's Congress and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.
- March 6, 2025：
- Zhipingfang announced completion of Pre-A+ round financing; LimX Dynamics completed its A+ round of financing.
- March 17, 2025：
- Fourier demonstrated its latest generation robot, GR-2, around Century Park in Shanghai.
- After the Spring Festival in the Year of the Snake 2025：
- Nanshan District organized a "Corporate Style Carnival" evening gala featuring eight robotics companies.
- PODCAST
- MOST POPULAR
Sign in with Google
Sign in with Facebook
Sign in with 财新