Latest news with #DengHua
Borneo Post
19 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
From the means to the end, collaborative robots are reshaping human roles in China's workforce
A dual-arm collaborative robot system is pictured at a provincial embodied artificial intelligence robot innovation center in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, June 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Deng Hua) BEIJING (Aug 12): The boundary between reality and science fiction is fading fast. At a robotics company in Beijing, my morning began with a coffee made by a dual-arm robot. It expertly brewed the espresso, frothed the milk, and handed me a latte carefully topped with a decorative image of my choice. Coffee in hand, I stepped into an adjoining massage room, where another robot assessed my physical condition before gently placing its mechanical arm on my back to deliver a soothing massage. Behind this and other futuristic scenes are the collaborative robots, or 'cobots,' manufactured by AUBO (Beijing) Robotics Technology Co., Ltd. Unlike typical industrial robots, which generally operate within physically isolated units, cobots work directly alongside their human colleagues. In the commercial cobot sector, Denmark's Universal Robots is widely recognized as a pioneering leader. Founded in 2015, AUBO Robotics is at the forefront of China's cobot industry, ranking first domestically and second globally in cobot sales for years. 'Last year, our collaborative robot sales surpassed 1 billion yuan (about 139 million U.S. dollars), capturing over 36 percent of the domestic market,' said Han Yongguang, chairman of the intelligent robot manufacturer. The company also takes pride in its full ownership of intellectual property (IP) rights, breaking decades-long monopolies held by foreign companies in the robotics sector. These IP rights are also recognized by its some 500 partners across more than 50 countries. Compared to typical industrial robots, cobots offer far greater versatility, making them suitable not just for factories but also retail, health care and education settings. 'Cobots substantially boost efficiency,' said Tian Hua, senior marketing manager at AUBO Robotics, speaking from the company's headquarters near Zhongguancun in Beijing, which is often dubbed 'China's Silicon Valley.' She cited massage businesses as an example: 'Some of our business clients complained that skilled massage therapists are difficult to hire, train and retain. Cobots solve this problem with just a few button taps, performing physically demanding massage tasks tirelessly.' The consistency of robots is another advantage. 'By late afternoon, human therapists can experience fatigue, affecting their performance. Robots, on the other hand, never tire,' Tian explained. Though hardly a Luddite, I nonetheless found myself reflecting, latte in hand, as the robot massaged my back: Are these cobots enhancing our lives, or quietly replacing us? 'In fact, it is precisely market demand that has driven the creation of these versatile robots,' noted Dr. Song Zhongkang, director of the AUBO Research Institute. 'These collaborative robots were never intended to replace people — as their very name indicates. Humans still supervise robotic operations. More importantly, customers often just want someone to chat with,' Song said, highlighting the irreplaceable value of human connection regardless of technological advancements. Song considers cobots a revolutionary development in robotics: 'Cobots are also seen as the first generation of intelligent robots.' 'Compared to traditional robots, cobots leverage and combine the strengths of both humans and machines, taking on physically demanding, repetitive and hazardous tasks,' Song said. 'This allows humans to focus on lighter, more creative tasks, ultimately improving work quality.' This calls to mind the philosopher Immanuel Kant's distinction between means and ends: instead of reducing people to mere means for completing tasks, technological progress — such as the rise of cobots — enables humans to become the true ends, placing their well-being and creativity at the center of innovation. At AUBO Robotics, I glimpsed the answer to questions of how technology could indeed serve humanity's greater good. Perhaps this trend is also a microcosm of China's — and the world's — shift toward intelligent transformation. Machines exist not to replace humans, but to enrich human life. This principle holds true not only here in China, but also around the world. As cobots quietly enter factories, hospitals and cafes, China's journey toward intelligent automation has evolved beyond just enhancing efficiency. And amid this rising tide of technology, I am heartened to see human values not overshadowed, but illuminated — guiding us toward a future where technology uplifts rather than replaces, and where humanity remains the true measure of progress. – Xinhua artificial intelligence China robots technology
CTV News
6 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
What is chikungunya, the virus now spreading in southern China?
Residents wade through debris along a flood-hit street after waters from a river overwhelmed towns following days of heavy rain, in Huaiji County, south China's Guangdong Province on June 19, 2025. (Deng Hua/Xinhua via AP) LONDON — Chinese authorities have taken measures this week to try to curb the spread of chikungunya, a virus that often causes fever and joint pain. As of Wednesday, the government reported there had been more than 7,000 cases, mostly in the southern manufacturing hub of Foshan. Here's what to know about chikungunya: What is chikungunya? Chikungunya is a disease caused by a virus of the same name. The chikungunya virus was first identified in people sickened during an outbreak in Tanzania in 1952. Its name is derived from a word in the Makonde language, which means 'that which bends up,' due to the severe pain it can cause. Chikungunya is transmitted by infected mosquitoes and mostly causes mild symptoms. The majority of people who get chikungunya recover without needing medical attention after one to two weeks. What are the symptoms of chikungunya? Chikungunya typically produces symptoms including fever, muscle pain, nausea, fatigue and a rash. But in rare cases, it can cause debilitating joint pain that persists for months or even years. Patients who get severely ill often require hospitalization because of the risk of organ damage. The World Health Organization says severe cases and deaths are rare and mostly occur in babies or elderly people with underlying health conditions. Is there a treatment or vaccine? There is no specific treatment for chikungunya, but health workers can treat the symptoms by giving medicines to lower fevers or ease muscle pain. Two vaccines have been approved in several regions, including Britain, Brazil, Canada and Europe. Those are mostly targeted at travelers and are not widely available in the countries most affected by chikungunya. Where does chikungunya normally occur? Chikungunya causes regular outbreaks in Africa, Asia and the Americas, with occasional small epidemics in Europe. As of July, there have been about 240,000 cases of chikungunya, including 90 deaths in 16 countries, according to the European Centres for Disease Prevention and Control. The countries that reported the highest number of infections were Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina and Peru. What's happening in China? With thousands of confirmed cases, this appears to be the biggest chikungunya outbreak ever documented in China, according to César López-Camacho of the University of Oxford. 'What makes this event notable is that chikungunya has never been established in mainland China before,' he said in a statement. 'This suggests that most of the population had no preexisting immunity, making it easier for the virus to spread quickly.' In response to the outbreak in Foshan, near Hong Kong, Chinese authorities have begun taking measures like distributing mosquito nets, having workers spray residential areas, streets and construction sites with insecticide. People who do not empty bottles, flower pots or other outdoor receptacles, where water might accumulate and allow mosquitoes to breed, can be subject to fines of up to 10,000 yuan (US$1,400) and have their electricity cut off. Unusually heavy rains and high temperatures this year have worsened the crisis in China. Are we seeing more chikungunya outbreaks? Yes. The number of outbreaks has increased since 2000, just as there have been more outbreaks of other mosquito-transmitted diseases like dengue and Zika, according to Robert Jones, an assistant professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Jones said in a statement that in 2013, chikungunya was first seen in the island of St. Martin and that over the next three years, cases were confirmed in almost 50 countries in the Caribbean and the Americas, with more than 1 million suspected cases. Jones said the risks of chikungunya epidemics have risen due to climate change and urban expansion, warning that the current outbreak could spread to other parts of southern China with humid climates and dense cities. __ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. The Associated Press
CTV News
6 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
China tackles chikungunya virus outbreak with wide range of measures as thousands fall ill
FILE -In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, residents wade through debris along a flood-hit street after waters from a river overwhelmed towns following days of heavy rain, in Huaiji County, south China's Guangdong Province on June 19, 2025. (Deng Hua/Xinhua via AP, File) TAIPEI, Taiwan — An outbreak of the chikungunya virus in China has prompted authorities to take preventive measures from mosquito nets and clouds of disinfectant, threatening fines for people who fail to disperse standing water and even deploying drones to hunt down insect breeding grounds. More than 7,000 cases of the disease have been reported as of Wednesday, focused largely on the manufacturing hub of Foshan near Hong Kong. Numbers of new cases appear to be dropping slowly, according to authorities. Chikungunya is spread by mosquitoes and causes fever and joint pain, similar to dengue fever, with the young, older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions most at risk. Chinese state television has shown workers spraying clouds of disinfectant around city streets, residential areas, construction sites and other areas where people may come into contact with virus-bearing mosquitos that are born in standing water. Workers sprayed some places before entering office buildings, a throwback to China's controversial hardline tactics used to battle the COVID-19 virus. People who do not empty bottles, flower pots or other outdoor receptacles can be subject to fines of up to 10,000 yuan ($1,400) and have their electricity cut off. The U.S. has issued a travel advisory telling citizens not to visit China's Guangdong province, the location of Donguan and several other business hubs, along with countries such as Bolivia and island nations in the Indian Ocean. Brazil is among the othe rcountries hit hard by the virus. Heavy rains and high temperatures have worsened the crisis in China, which is generally common in tropical areas but came on unusually strong this year. China has become adept at coercive measures that many nations consider over-the-top since the deadly 2003 SARS outbreak. This time, patients are being forced to stay in hospital in Foshan for a minimum of one week and authorities briefly enforced a two-week home quarantine, which was dropped since the disease cannot be transmitted between people. Reports also have emerged of attempts to stop the virus spread with fish that eat mosquito larvae and even larger mosquitos to eat the insects carrying the virus. Meetings have been held and protocols adopted at the national level in a sign of China's determination to eliminate the outbreak and avoid public and international criticism.
Borneo Post
13-07-2025
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
China's innovative solutions propel global shifts toward smarter, greener industries
A staff member sets parameters before welding at Guangdong Lyric Robot Automation Co., Ltd. in Huizhou, south China's Guangdong Province, June 27, 2025. (Xinhua/Deng Hua) GUANGZHOU (July 14): As global industries accelerate their transition toward intelligence and sustainability, China's innovative solutions form vital components of international supply chains, driving cross-sector transformation. SMARTER FACTORIES At Guangdong Lyric Robot Automation's Huizhou facility in south China, an automated warehouse operates efficiently with only two staff members. Materials glide autonomously through storage systems, arriving precisely at workstations as needed. A central control screen displays real-time inventory levels, material usage frequency, and shelf capacity. 'This system cuts operational costs by over 30 percent while boosting productivity by 40 percent,' said Duan Yajie, general manager of Lyric subsidiary Shunchu Intelligence. Overseas orders for such integrated solutions now constitute over 40 percent of the subsidiary's total business. Lyric's intelligent factories serve industry leaders across six countries. From battery plants in North America to a comprehensive automotive logistics center in Hungary, as well as sectors like renewable energy and AI computing, Lyric has supported clients in establishing digital factories using technologies such as intelligent sensing, precision control and execution systems. With subsidiaries in 14 countries, including the United Kingdom, Poland, France, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, and the United States, Lyric has navigated cross-cultural challenges through co-developed standards. 'Building consensus during the design phase helps prevent conflicts during implementation,' Lyric's co-founder Lu Jiahong said. 'Once rare on European streets, electric vehicles are now increasingly common, reflecting the combined efforts of Chinese equipment, battery and auto manufacturers,' she added. POWERING ENERGY REVOLUTION EVE Energy Co., Ltd., a leading Chinese lithium battery company headquartered in Huizhou, Guangdong Province, is advancing its global manufacturing strategy with a new battery production base in Hungary's Debrecen. The facility represents a transformative industrial upgrade for the region, introducing advanced manufacturing systems where agricultural production once dominated the local economy. 'We're bringing advanced industrial production to this region, creating employment while accelerating the energy transition,' stated EVE vice president Jiang Min. He added that the Debrecen base is scheduled to begin production in late 2026, while their overseas facility in Malaysia is already operational. Ranked fourth globally in cylindrical battery shipments and second in energy storage capacity for 2024, EVE Energy operates 12 production bases across Asia, Europe and North America. Its power batteries supply premier global automakers including Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Jaguar Land Rover. According to Jiang, the company continues to expand investments in carbon-reduction technologies. It has recently established a comprehensive resource recovery ecosystem with over 10 partners. 'Collaborative expansion across the industrial chain creates mutual benefits,' Jiang said. A staff member operates a robot to perform synchronous action at a provincial embodied artificial intelligence robot innovation center in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, June 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Deng Hua) VISION FOR INTELLIGENT MACHINES At Orbbec's Shenzhen exhibition hall, a food-delivery robot navigates through display areas, skillfully avoiding obstacles. This agility comes from its 3D vision sensors, powered by the proprietary 'MX6600' chip, which measures about 9 square millimeters. This chip processes depth-sensing data to enable high-precision spatial mapping. Currently, 7 out of 10 service robots in China use Orbbec sensors, while international clients grew by 77 percent year on year to 1,469 in 2024, including major companies like Nvidia and Microsoft. 'We concentrate on foundational technologies,' said Huang Yuanhao, founder of Orbbec. 'We are one of the few companies worldwide to cover all major 3D vision perception technology approaches, serving global robotics enterprises across various sectors, such as smart factories, warehouse logistics, construction automation, and intelligent inspection,' he added. Orbbec also offers rapid technical support to better serve its global users. 'Some of our products have demanding technical service requirements, and excellent service is a major factor why overseas users choose us,' said Orbbec's CFO Chen Bin. China's global engagement is transitioning from manufacturing exports to integrated technological empowerment, said Yang Boru, professor at the School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-sen University in Guangdong. As these innovative solutions expand worldwide, they have become key drivers of intelligent and sustainable industrialization, he added. – Xinhua China industrial innovation robotics supply chain
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Uber Inks Deal With Robotaxi Maker Pony AI, to Launch in Middle East This Year
Deng Hua / Xinhua / Getty Images Key Takeaways Uber and Pony AI announced a partnership Tuesday to bring Pony AI's robotaxis to Uber's platform. The companies expect to launch their partnership in the Middle East later this year. The collaboration is the latest of many for Uber as it aligns itself with autonomous vehicle makers. Uber Technologies (UBER) and Chinese autonomous vehicle maker Pony AI (PONY) announced a partnership Tuesday to put Pony AI's robotaxis on Uber's platform. The companies will launch their collaboration in the Middle East later this year, and plan to expand to other markets later. Uber users in the covered areas will be able to select a Pony AI robotaxi for their trip, and the companies said all rides will come with a "safety operator" until Pony AI's fully autonomous software launches. 'Partnering with Uber accelerates our shared mission to make autonomous mobility a real, everyday experience for more consumers around the world," Pony AI CEO Dr. James Peng said. The partnership is one of several Uber has made with autonomous vehicle companies, including Alphabet's (GOOGL) Waymo, WeRide (WRD), and others. Pony has also previously partnered with automakers like Toyota (TM) to develop and manufacture its robotaxis. Uber is set to report its first-quarter results on Wednesday. Shares of Uber were down about 1% in Tuesday morning trading, while Pony AI shares rose 4%. Read the original article on Investopedia
