#20 Humanoid Robots: China vs. USA in the Tech Showdown

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Holidays are over, and we’re slowly getting back to reality. That time between Christmas and New Year’s is like a magical limbo where nobody knows what day it is, no one is quite sure what to do, and everyone is asking themselves whether a 10 AM drink is acceptable or not.

One thing is certain:
It’s a great time for some fresh robotic news!

In this episode:

China vs. America in the Tech Arena

#1 Without a doubt, 2024 is the year of humanoid robots.
Sure, there are probably as many fans as there are critics – like the eternal debate over raisins in cheesecake. Love them or hate them, one thing is clear: we’re standing on the brink of a revolution. As humans, we’ll have to – or maybe want to – share our world with robots.

I believe that a little professional skepticism towards humanoid robots never hurt anyone. However, #2 without a doubt, what these machines bring to the table has the potential to revolutionize the world. Over the past few years, technology has leaped forward – maybe even triple-jumped – and is now being tested in real-world scenarios. This week, two companies announced that their humanoid robots are officially in commercial use.

America’s Move – Figure 02 in Action

Figure AI from the US has announced that their humanoid robot, Figure 02, is already working with its first client. Just a year ago, this robot was only a prototype. Now, it’s operating on a production line. Thanks to a partnership with OpenAI, these robots don’t just work – they “talk” too. A sci-fi twist that makes them feel more human.

Figure AI has tested its humanoid in environments like BMW’s factory, where it performed sheet metal tasks. While the price and complexity of such robots raise questions, the Americans are focusing on quality and advanced technology. These robots are designed not only to ease humans’ routine tasks but to prove that humanoids are the future.

China’s Answer – PM01 for Everyone

On the other hand, we have EngineAI Robotics from China, which has introduced its PM01 robot. This humanoid is a direct response to American solutions, but with a characteristic Chinese twist – affordability and accessibility. PM01 is priced at just $12,000 and is available in both commercial and educational versions.

The robot is smaller and more versatile – its open architecture allows for a wide range of applications, from schools to factories. The Chinese are betting on scalability and universality, which might be the key to winning the global race. Their vision? Humanoids everywhere – from universities to small businesses.

#3 Without a Doubt – A New Reality

Humanoid robots are more than just human-like machines. They symbolize a technological breakthrough that’s redefining how we think about work, education, and the relationship between humans and technology. Both Figure AI and EngineAI Robotics are proving that humanoids are not just gadgets – they’re real tools for changing the world.

The big question remains: Are we ready for a world where robots are part of our daily lives? Testing them in “real-world scenarios” – factories and schools – aims to answer that. One thing is certain: both America and China see humanoids as the key to the future, and their technological rivalry could benefit us all by shaping a better world.

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Would you like to be a superhero?

I have a soft spot for exoskeletons.
Why? Because they directly help people. They lighten the load, assist in working in awkward positions by relieving joints, help the paralyzed walk… Basically, they turn us into superhumans.

Scientists in Tokyo have raised the bar. Engineers from the Suzumori Endo Robotics Lab in Tokyo have created an exoskeleton that could help you set a Guinness World Record for endless spinning on a bar.

I suspect no one will use it the way they did in the demo video, but someone came up with a pretty creative way to showcase its capabilities. ;)