At the 2024 China Humanoid Robot Developers Conference in Shanghai, exhibitors showcased their latest creations, hoping to push the boundaries of the “uncanny valley” and bring humanoid robots closer to reality.
Visitors watched in both fascination and unease as a disembodied woman’s head mimicked facial expressions from a nearby laptop, signaling the technology’s proximity to the “uncanny valley.” Despite this, interest in the field is growing in China, with investors and the government taking notice.
Companies displayed an array of innovations, including bionic hands, expressive faces, and bipedal robots that interacted with attendees. Visitors expressed optimism about the industry’s growth, noting that many concepts are now tangible and interactive.
Fourier Intelligence, for example, showcased its GR-1 bipedal robot, which has entered mass production—a development that even caught the attention of Chinese President Xi Jinping during an inspection tour.
Investors foresee widespread adoption of humanoid robots in the next few years, particularly for elderly care—a critical need as China’s population ages. The goal for developers is to humanize these robots, making them more relatable and suitable for household service tasks.
One approach involves equipping robots with visors that project video-generated eyes, allowing users to personalize their interactions. The mood at the conference was optimistic, with attendees looking ahead to a future where humanoid robots become increasingly indistinguishable from humans, driven by advancements in technology and data collection.
