Chinese Humanoids Take On Tesla’s Optimus at Beijing Conference

The World Robot Conference kicked off on Wednesday in Beijing, China. The display of 27 humanoid robots at the event may have launched an Optimus humanoid competition.

CNBC reported that at the event, Chinese companies displayed humanlike robots grabbing sodas and playing the zither while Tesla showed off its Optimus next to its cars.

The Robotics Rush

The events at the Beijing Robot Conference show how tech companies are rushing to invest in humanoid robots. In the same way that China rushed into electric vehicles several years ago, funds are now flowing into humanoid robots.

Over the last decade, China’s robotics industry investment has surpassed the $14.01 billion mark according to Lanchi Ventures Partner, Wei Cao. Lanchi Ventures expects the next milestone in humanoid robot manufacturing to focus on commercial viability where robots move and prioritize tasks. According to Cao, this could happen in the next one or two years.

In the US, Elon Musk has announced plans to roll out tests for Tesla humanoid robots in Tesla plants next year. Musk has claimed that Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot can fold laundry and will one day clean, cook, and teach kids. According to him, this technology could generate upwards of $25 trillion for Tesla.

Humanoid Startups

The Chinese humanoid robot Beijing conference attracted different robotic startups. Agibot, a Shanghai-based startup which is backed by Lanchi Ventures unveiled five new robots just days before the conference. Some of the robots can be preordered.

Agibot plans to commence deliveries in mid-October. Ads show that its robots can act as gallery guides, sales people, and factory part pickers. Stardust Intelligence also showed off its Astribot S1 humanoid robot featured in a promo video in April.

The company also displayed other humanoid robots performing intricate martial arts moves, writing Chinese brush calligraphy, and playing the zither. Other companies that showcased humanoids were Turui and Galbot. Their robots placed products in baskets or moved soda cans from a shelf to the table.

The number and type of demonstrations at the Chinese humanoid robot Beijing conference increased significantly. Some robots were slow and stiff and it was not clear whether their actions were autonomous or controlled remotely.

US Robotics

Tesla did not showcase its Optimus humanoid robot in action during the conference. However, promotional videos show the robot has high capabilities. According to Cao, robotic technology from Tesla and other US-based companies are about one or two years ahead of China.

But when it comes to humanoid supply chains, China has 95% or more self-sufficiency. US Association for Advancing Automation president, Jeff Burnstein presented virtual demonstrations of humanoids from startups like Agility.

“These are demos, but they as well as others are now in pilot programs, and some companies we believe actually started using them more than just a pilot,” he said.

The association will hold a humanoid conference in the US on October 7.

Emerging Trends

One of the trends that emerged from the humanoid competition Beijing robot conference is specialized humanoids. Rather than replicate the entire human being at a go, robotic companies tend to develop specific parts first before moving to others.

Startups showcased an array of robot hands, gears, and other parts. It is expected that a single robot will be able to perform simple nursing care, tasks, medical treatment, and household tasks.