China’s robot conference highlights the changing face of humanoids By Reuters

By Qiaoyi Li and Kevin Krolicki

BEIJING (Reuters) – As China tries to advance the development of humanoid robots, its supply chains showcased cheaper and more innovative parts at the world robot conference in Beijing, but some executives warn that the industry has yet to improve product reliability.

Wisson Technology (Shenzhen), known for its flexible robotic manipulators, does not depend on motors and gearboxes – transmission devices commonly used in robotics – but uses 3D printed plastics and relies on pneumatic artificial muscles to power its robots.

This less expensive form of production allows it to price its flexible arms at about one-tenth that of traditional robotic arms, said Cao Wei, an investor in Wisson through venture capital firm Lanchi Ventures, in which he is a partner.

The flexible technology will introduce robotic arms at a cost of about 10,000 yuan ($1,404), Wisson said on its website.

“(Wisson’s) flexible arms could be used in humanoids,” Cao said, adding that the company has already provided samples to overseas companies that make humanoid robots, without elaborating.

Yi Gang, founder of Shanghai-based Ti5 Robot, a company specializing in integrated joints, highlighted some of the problems he sees in the robotics supply chain.

“The entire supply chain still needs to address product reliability issues,” Yi said, adding that because of defect rates, his company can only produce products in volumes of up to 1,000.

Harmonic gear (NASDAQ: ), which refers to machines that play a key role in motion control, was a key issue, he said.

China’s robotics push is underpinned by President Xi Jinping’s policy of developing “new productive forces” in technology — a point made in brochures for last week’s event.

Across China, the world’s largest market for industrial robots, increasingly sophisticated technology is changing the face of traditional industries such as manufacturing, automotive, agriculture, education, as well as health and home services.

Gao Jiyang, formerly CEO of Chinese self-driving startup Momenta before founding Galaxea AI, a startup focused on robot hardware and embodied AI, said the intensification of intelligent driving is leading to advances in robotics .

“Autonomous driving means AI-plus cars, which are also a type of robot,” Gao said.

At the end of Sunday’s conference, Premier Li Qiang said it was essential to implement President Xi’s guidelines on the importance of the robot industry.

“The robot industry has broad prospects and huge market potential,” Li said, according to China’s official Xinhua news agency.

Describing robots as “an important criterion for technical innovation and cutting-edge manufacturing power,” Li called for efforts to maintain supply chain stability and progress on the international stage.

“It is necessary … to promote the expansion and popularization of robots in various fields such as industry, agriculture and the service industry,” he said.

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