Latest news with #WorldRobotConference
Arabian Post
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Arabian Post
Tesla's Factory Bots Face Scrutiny Amid Practicality Concerns
Tesla's ambitious plan to deploy thousands of Optimus humanoid robots across its factories by the end of 2025 has drawn scepticism from within its own ranks. Chris Walti, the former project lead for Optimus, has expressed doubts about the suitability of humanoid robots for high-speed, repetitive factory tasks, suggesting that simpler robotic designs may be more practical and efficient. Elon Musk envisions Optimus as a transformative force in manufacturing, with aspirations to produce a million units annually by 2030. However, Walti argues that the complexity of humanoid robots makes them ill-suited for the rigours of industrial applications. He points out that the intricacies involved in replicating human-like movements and dexterity present significant challenges that are yet to be overcome. Despite these concerns, Tesla has made strides in integrating Optimus into its operations. The company has initiated trial production, aiming for 10,000 units this year and targeting 50,000 by 2026. Some reports indicate that Optimus robots have already been deployed in Tesla's factories, performing tasks autonomously. However, specific details about their roles and effectiveness remain undisclosed. ADVERTISEMENT The broader industry context reveals a competitive landscape, with companies like BMW and Mercedes-Benz also exploring the integration of humanoid robots into their manufacturing processes. BMW, for instance, has partnered with robotics startup Figure to deploy humanoid robots in its South Carolina facility, focusing on tasks that are difficult, unsafe, or tedious for human workers. In China, the push towards humanoid robotics is gaining momentum, bolstered by significant government support and investment. At the World Robot Conference in Beijing, over two dozen Chinese companies showcased humanoid robots designed for factory and warehouse applications. Analysts note that China's advantages in supply-chain integration and mass production capabilities position it as a formidable player in the emerging humanoid robotics industry.
Sharjah 24
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Sharjah 24
Beijing to host the first humanoid robot games in history
According to China Daily, this competition, part of the 2025 World Robot Conference, will be the first global sporting event dedicated solely to humanoid robots. The games will feature 19 events across three main categories: athletic competitions, performance showcases, and scenario-based challenges, all aimed at testing the robots' agility, coordination, and practical skills. Athletic events will mimic traditional human sports, including sprints, long jumps, gymnastics, and small-team soccer matches. Performance events will showcase solo and group robot dances, while scenario-based challenges will simulate tasks in hospitals, industrial settings, and hospitality, such as drug sorting, material handling, and concierge services. Additionally, three "peripheral events" will include non-humanoid robots competing in basketball, table tennis, and badminton, adding an interactive and entertaining aspect to the program. Organisers aim to showcase the latest advancements in robotics while promoting broader applications in daily life and encouraging technological progress in fields like artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and sensor design.
South China Morning Post
31-03-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Chinese venture capital veteran Allen Zhu questions humanoid robots' commercial value
Chinese venture capitalist Allen Zhu Xiaohu publicly questioned the commercial viability of humanoid robots while revealing that his fund had exited several investments in the sector, sparking a heated debate in the country's robotics community amid surging interest in artificial intelligence (AI)-powered machines. Advertisement While the concept of embodied AI – the application of AI in physical systems equipped with sensors – had been gaining traction, its commercial path remained uncertain, in particular for humanoid robots, said Zhu, managing director at GSR Ventures, in an interview with consultancy ChinaVenture published last week. GSR Ventures invested in some early-stage embodied AI companies but has been withdrawing from these investments over the past few months, according to Zhu. 'I often joke that nowadays, every humanoid robot can do somersaults , but where is the commercialisation?' Zhu said. 'This has become a space that early-stage venture capitalists like us want to avoid.' 01:44 Beijing hosts World Robot Conference as China eyes expanding humanoid robot market Beijing hosts World Robot Conference as China eyes expanding humanoid robot market Known for his early investments in Chinese internet companies, including ride-hailing platform Didi Chuxing and social media platform RedNote , Zhu has been relatively restrained when it comes to funding AI start-ups. Advertisement
