China's humanoid robots represent the materialization of its aspirations in artificial intelligence.
China's AI sector is making strides with the announcement of Unitree's full-size humanoid robot, the R1, set to launch for an affordable price of under $6,000. This move reflects China's advanced and rapidly progressing AI development, driven by significant government support, regulation, and strategic planning.
Advanced Research and Commercial Applications
China is leading in large language models, multimodal AI models, and embodied AI, as demonstrated by technologies such as boxing robots and strategic Mahjong-playing machines at events like the 2025 World AI Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai. Efforts are also made to build foundational AI infrastructure, including large Chinese-language datasets and high-quality labeled data for sectors like transportation, finance, and health.
Government Support and Governance
AI governance is a top priority in China, with a centralized yet diversified regulatory architecture led by key ministries like the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), and the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC). The CAC regulates AI algorithms, content moderation, and data usage, having enacted pioneering rules on generative AI and algorithmic transparency.
China has become the first country to implement formal regulations on generative AI, requiring public AI chatbots and models to pass government reviews and licensing. This emphasis on safety and security is framed within the concept of “Comprehensive National Security,” acknowledging AI as a “double-edged sword” with both opportunities and risks.
International Collaboration and AI Governance
Premier Li Qiang has called for global cooperation on AI governance, proposing the creation of a new global AI cooperation organization to create international AI frameworks that are consensual, safe, and inclusive. China emphasizes AI as a global public good and expresses willingness to share technology and expertise, especially with countries in the Global South.
The government promotes multilateral and bilateral cooperation for joint AI research and open-source sharing, seeking to influence international standards and frameworks for AI governance.
The WAIC Expo
This year's WAIC, the first since January, saw the integration of AI into everyday life beginning to pick up pace. Visitors could interact with AI companions, observe humanoid robots performing party tricks, and even create their own digital avatars. The forum involved over 800 companies showcasing over 3,000 products.
Baidu, a key player in China's AI sector, announced a new generation of technology for its "digital humans", AI agents modeled on real people, capable of thinking, making decisions, and collaborating. Baidu also recently ran a successful six-hour e-commerce broadcast hosted by the "digital human" of a well-known streamer and another avatar, which beat the human streamer's debut sales in some categories.
Future Prospects
With the launch of the R1 and the continued advancements in AI technology, China aims to position itself as a world leader in both AI technology and regulation. Some experts think China might already have the upper hand over the United States in the field of robotics. Baidu was granted a permit to operate fully driverless robotaxis in parts of the Pudong district, marking its first foray into downtown Shanghai.
Wu, the head of the department, insists that AI should be used to improve quality, save time, and still requires human input, addressing concerns about job impact. The Chinese government also aims to balance innovation with social governance, running pilot zones in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai to experiment with AI policies and regulations.
In summary, China’s AI sector is characterized by advanced research and commercial applications, supported by a strong, centralized regulatory framework that integrates security, ethical oversight, and international collaboration. The government aims not only to lead domestically but also to shape the global governance of AI technology in a controlled and socially responsible manner.
Technology giants in China continue to explore the intersection of arts, business, and technology, with efforts to integrate AI into various sectors. For instance, Baidu, a key player in China's AI sector, has ventured into the realm of arts by developing digital humans, AI agents modeled on real people, capable of thinking, making decisions, and collaborating. These digital humans can even participate in commercial activities, as demonstrated by their success in e-commerce broadcasts. Moreover, the Chinese government, recognizing the potential of AI in addressing societal challenges, forges ahead with advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly in the area of robotics, such as the launch of Unitree's R1 humanoid robot. This multi-faceted approach to AI development is expected to shape both China's domestic landscape and the global governance of artificial intelligence technology.
