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TimesLIVE
13-05-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
China's AI-powered humanoid robots aim to transform manufacturing
Widening deployment of humanoids, especially into factories, is likely to accelerate data collection. MagicLab, another humanoid startup, said in an interview that its focus on the robots' brains has allowed it to recently begin deploying prototypes in production lines for tasks such as quality inspection, material handling, and assembly. "These breakthroughs lay the foundation for our focus in 2025 on real-world applications," said CEO Wu Changzheng, adding that MagicLab has integrated its robots with AI models like DeepSeek, Alibaba's Qwen, and ByteDance's Doubao. "DeepSeek has been helpful in task reasoning and comprehension, contributing to the development of our robots' 'brains.'" China's clearest advantage, however, is its domination of the hardware that makes up a humanoid. The country is capable of making up to 90% of humanoid components, lowering barriers to entry, according to analysts and startups. As a result, China now accounts for the majority of manufacturers working on such projects globally and dominates the supply chain, according to Morgan Stanley. Some Chinese startups are selling robots as cheaply as 88,000 yuan ($12,178). "If you have a requirement in the morning, suppliers might come to your company with materials or products by the afternoon, or you can go directly to their site to see for yourself," said Zhang Miao, chief operating officer of Beijing-based startup CASBOT. "It's difficult to achieve this level of efficiency overseas," she added, as companies would need to import materials from China. The sector has seen an explosion of new firms. In 2024, 31 Chinese companies unveiled 36 competing humanoid models versus eight by US companies, according to Morgan Stanley. At least six companies in China, including market leaders Unitree and UBTech, have said they have entered mass production or are preparing to do so this year. Jobs at risk? While the industry remains incipient, Chinese lawmakers have begun to discuss the far-reaching implications intelligent humanoid robots could have for the workforce. Some 123-million people work in manufacturing in China, according to a 2023 survey by the National Bureau of Statistics. At this year's National People's Congress, social security expert Zheng Gongcheng warned that the development of robots and AI would affect around 70% of China's manufacturing sector, which could lead to a steep decline in social security contributions. At the same gathering, Liu Qingfeng, chairperson of domestic AI firm iFlytek, suggested the creation of an AI unemployment insurance program that would provide six to 12 months of coverage for workers replaced by robots. Tang Jian, chief technology officer at the government-backed Beijing Innovation Centre of Human Robotics, told Reuters on the sidelines of the Beijing robot half-marathon in April that its prototypes were targeting jobs that humans don't want to do due to their boring or repetitive nature, as well as dangerous tasks. Despite concerns about the impact on jobs, Beijing sees the technology as key to plug labour shortages in areas such as elderly care, where demand is increasing as China's 1.4-billion population ages. China's government published a national elderly-care plan in December that encouraged integration of humanoid robots and AI. Soon after, tech giant Ant Group announced the creation of new subsidiary Ant Lingbo Technology, whose humanoid robots will focus on elderly care, among other areas. "The robots in five or 10 years could organise a resident's room, pick up a package or even transfer people from a bed to a washroom," said AgiBot's Yao.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MagicLab Unveils MagicHand S01 Dexterous Hand, Progressing Toward Mass Adoption of Humanoid Robots
Suzhou, China--(Newsfile Corp. - February 20, 2025) - MagicLab, a startup specializing in embodied intelligence and humanoid robotics, today launched its first self-developed dexterous hand, the MagicHand S01. The MagicHand S01 represents a new breakthrough in robot dexterity and application potential To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: This marks a significant milestone in MagicLab's research and application of embodied intelligence. The MagicHand S01 features 11 degrees of freedom and uses advanced hybrid force/position control technology that combines electricity current and tactile feedback. This design allows it to perform precise and complex movements like grasping, gripping, two-finger movement and other object manipulation operations. MagicLab CEO, Wu Changzheng, stated, "dexterous hands are critical to making robots more human-like. The MagicHand S01 not just offers the flexibility of human fingers; it also possesses an impressive payload. Paired with advanced embodied AI control technology, it can be used in various industrial, commercial, and real-world applications." He added, "we are also developing more advanced dexterous hand products with greater degrees of freedom and intelligence to meet the needs of different industries." The MagicHand S01 leads the industry in three key metrics: flexibility, payload, and reliability. With a force resolution as precise as 0.1N, the model's control technology enables it to perform both everyday tasks like grasping and more precise movements like two-finger operations. A 20-kilogram payload makes the dexterous hand ideal for tasks such as material handling, assembly and inspection To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: This greatly expands the capabilities of humanoid robots, allowing them to handle delicate tasks like part picking, screw-tightening, and more with relative ease. Exceptional payload The MagicHand S01 boasts an impressive 5-kilogram payload, setting a high industry standard. When equipped with this dexterous hand, MagicLab's flagship humanoid robot, MagicBot, can lift up to 20 kilograms using its arms. This makes it ideal for industrial tasks like material handling, assembly, and inspection, significantly expanding the applications of humanoid robots in industrial and commercial settings. To achieve a high payload, the MagicHand S01 utilizes high-torque motors and reinforced structures. A lightweight design for non-load-bearing components, coupled with high-pressure die casting techniques, also helps balance weight and performance, ensuring strength without sacrificing efficiency. The MagicHand S01 also stands out for its reliability. Built with MagicLab's proprietary technology, it incorporates key components like the six-axis electric actuator, encoder, and tactile sensors, offering stability and reducing production costs. This also sets the stage for large-scale production. The core components of the MagicHand S01, like its miniature actuator, have been designed with extra redundancy. For example, the actuators have a 30% safety margin to ensure maximum reliability, with the goal of enhancing parts durability. The MagicHand S01's communication interface integrates seamlessly with the MagicBot, achieving real-time synchronization at up to 100Hz. This allows for smooth control between the robot's body and its brain, facilitating precise execution of tasks. Advancing real-world applications On December 2nd, MagicLab released a video showing multiple MagicBot working on a factory production line, performing tasks like product inspection, material handling, part placement, and barcode scanning. These robots worked in collaboration with one another, showcasing their potential for industrial use. Flexible production, like line iterations and product changes, pose a bigger challenge to the robots' dexterous hand. The MagicHand, with its optimized components, is better suited for manufacturing scenarios. In December 2024, MagicLab raised 150 million yuan in an angel funding round, led by Zhuichuang Ventures, with participation from Yipu Fund. The company plans to use the proceeds to expand its team, continue advancing its core technologies, speed up volume production, and explore new applications in industrial and commercial sectors. About MagicLab Founded in January 2024, MagicLab is a developer of humanoid robot and embodied intelligence, with capabilities extending from independent R&D to manufacturing and sales. Its product lineup includes general-purpose humanoid robot, quadruped robot, and more, meeting the diverse needs of industries like manufacturing, commerce, and home applications. For media inquiries, please contact:Company: MagicLabContact: Shi Qinyu, branding and marketing managerEmail: PR@ Website: To view the source version of this press release, please visit Sign in to access your portfolio
