A robot "guide" appears at the 2023 China (Zhejiang) Human Resources Service Expo in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province on October 26, 2023. This expo, which brings together various providers in fields like finance, health, welfare, insurance, software and the internet, along with human resource service agencies and educational organizations, is being held in an effort to boost the job market. Photo: VCG

 
China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued a guidance opinion on Thursday to promote the nation's innovative development of humanoid robots, setting key goals to be achieved by 2025 and 2027.

By 2025, China aims to establish an initial humanoid robot innovation system, achieving breakthroughs in crucial components such as "brains, cerebellum, and limbs," while ensuring a safe and efficient supply of core components. The production level for these robots is expected to reach an advanced international standard, with mass production occurring. These robots are anticipated to demonstrate their effectiveness across various fields, from manufacturing to livelihood services.

The 2025 goal also includes the cultivation of two to three globally influential ecological enterprises, along with several specialized small and medium-sized enterprises. This will be coupled with the creation of two to three development clusters employing new business models.

By 2027, the technological innovation capability of humanoid robots is slated to significantly improve, forming a safe and reliable industry supply chain with globally leading comprehensive strength and internationally competitive ecology. The industry will expedite large-scale development with a wider array of application scenarios, with related products deeply integrated into the real economy, becoming an essential new engine of economic growth.

The issuance of this guidance provides a clear roadmap for China's future development in this sector. It also delineates significant paths for technological innovation and resource allocation. According to Wang Peng, an associate research fellow at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, this marks a crucial step in the right direction.

With China's rapid progress in the digital economy, Wang anticipates that the integration of humanoid robots into social and economic development will enhance production efficiency. He also notes that China has already laid a solid foundation in terms of technological reserves, with immense potential waiting to be unleashed in this sector.

While China's technological development in humanoid robots ranks among the world's best, there are still areas where it lags behind some developed countries, particularly in high-end chips and core algorithms. Wang emphasizes that the issuance of this guidance will aid relevant parties in better integrating research and development resources with a market-based approach.

The guidance outlines five key tasks aimed at industrial development, including achieving critical technological breakthroughs, nurturing important products, expanding application scenarios, creating industrial ecology, and bolstering support capacity.

The innovative potential of humanoid robots is poised to further stimulate economic development. With support from the nation's technology and policy efforts, humanoid robots can find applications in industries like healthcare, family services, and more. It's projected that by 2030, China's market scale for humanoid robots will reach 870 billion yuan, as reported by the Xinhua News Agency.