From racetracks and boxing rings to factory floors and restaurants – Asia has been a frontrunner in robot adoption. Firms in the region are pushing the boundaries of innovation to make machines that look more like us. The third episode of Bloomberg Tech: Asia explores the flashy humanoid developments coming out of China with one of the country’s rising stars — plus, insights on the future of Japan (and humanity) with the man known as the ‘father of humanoids,’ Hiroshi Ishiguro. Counterpoint Research joins anchors Shery Ahn and Annabelle Droulers to discuss whether the humanoid hype has legs.
Chapters:
00:00:00 – Bloomberg Tech: Asia begins
00:01:23 – China’s humanoid frenzy
00:04:20 – Droidup CEO Qingdu Li on competition in China’s humanoid scene
00:10:23 – Counterpoint Research Principal Analyst for AI Wei Sun
00:17:08 – A look back at humanoid history
00:18:56 – ‘Father of humanoids’ Hiroshi Ishiguro
——–
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@lilyrose7467
August 22, 2025 at 11:24 am
génial
@DucaTech
August 22, 2025 at 1:18 pm
US leads in LLM / software, but when you look into the companies that do AI, most of the AI engineers / researchers are Chinese anyways. So technically American Chinese vs PRC Chinese.
@keithdow8327
August 23, 2025 at 3:09 pm
In the Space Race it was our Nazi scientists versus Russia’s Nazi scientists. Wernher von Braun was the head of the SaturnV program. That is the rocket that got us to the moon. He was also in charge of the V2 rocket program during WWII.
@Ellesar925
August 23, 2025 at 11:18 pm
There is no technicality. Only fools bank on ethnicity.
In extremis, only your State will save you.
@marke9036
August 23, 2025 at 4:44 am
*Really? US lead in LLM? Somehow China used less computational power achieved similar perforance as the ones with almost unlimited computational power 🙂 I know my comment is not going to be published but it’s okay*
@Penaming
August 23, 2025 at 6:25 am
Decades? You forget you are talking about China speed.
@urbanstrencan
August 23, 2025 at 6:57 am
I’m so excited for the future of Boston Dynamics now that they are under Hyundai Group umbrella ⚡👍
@keithdow8327
August 23, 2025 at 3:10 pm
Yes, the American’s plan well.
@aipluscodin
August 23, 2025 at 11:04 am
A humanoid robot is, of course, very interesting, but it’s more about emotions. It is perceived more emotionally by people. For work, however, a human-like structure is not the best option. For example, for work at a factory, this is not the best option, and quite difficult. Also for work in warehouses, it is inefficient. For work in supermarkets, for the distribution of goods, it is inefficient. But it is good as a companion of a human.
@keithdow8327
August 23, 2025 at 11:21 am
Thank you China!
@paultsjan6047
August 23, 2025 at 6:41 pm
China is undergoing a significant transformation in humanoid robotics, underscoring China priority placed on this technology.
China has witnessed remarkable acceleration in the development of humanoid robots with continuous technological innovation, enhancing the robots’ mobility, intelligence, and interactive capabilities, which lays a solid foundation for more widespread adoption.
China filing 5,688 humanoid robotics patents over the past five years, nearly four times the 1,483 filed by the US.
Companies such as Unitree Robotics have launched cost-effective models like the R1 humanoid priced at $5,900, showcasing athletic capabilities including running and cartwheels.
The integration of AI is central to China’s strategy, with breakthroughs in robot “brains” enabling autonomous learning and complex task execution, moving beyond pre-programmed functions.
China’s coordinated efforts in industrial application and AI integration are positioning it as a dominant force in the global humanoid robotics race, challenging traditional leaders and reshaping the future of manufacturing and service industries.
@Wunderpus-photogenicus
August 23, 2025 at 8:00 pm
Is any thing of significance that China is NOT leading us?
Arrogance?
Egotistical behavior?
@Ellesar925
August 23, 2025 at 11:19 pm
I don’t understand the fascination with humanoid robots.
Robots should look different. Imagine experiments to make humanoid pets, it’d feel icky, no? How are robots any different?!
@tiwam
August 24, 2025 at 3:34 am
I want humanoid robots to do construction work. We have severe labor shortages in that field.
@antonlindgren8095
August 24, 2025 at 1:53 pm
Buy XPENG, a leg in EVs and humanoid robots
@dunai2012
August 24, 2025 at 3:22 pm
What is really strong on China’s robot industry is not what you’re seeing in the game studio or demonstration exhibits but what is behind yhe scene: sophisticated and complete supply chain. China can manufacture all critical parts for robot assembling. Any other countries or companies including the US and Tesla that want to develop their own products must buy parts from China.