In the wave of artificial intelligence, humanoid robots are gradually moving from science fiction to reality, and have become key equipment to promote the digital and intelligent development of the industry. On October 28, 2024, China took a solid step in the field of humanoid robots, and the first batch of humanoid robot embodied intelligence standards in the country were released in Shanghai, which is not only a reflection of technological progress, but also a signal that the market is about to explode.
Ⅰ, the far-reaching impact of the release of technical standards
The release of the "Application Guide for the Classification and Grading of Humanoid Robots" and the "Classification Guide for Embodied Intelligence and Intelligence" provide a unified technical language and a clear development direction for the development of humanoid robot technology in China and even the world. These standards subdivide the technical level of humanoid robots into L1 to L4, and the intelligence level from G1 to G5, covering a full range of capabilities from basic to advanced intelligence levels. Such a segmentation not only helps technical exchanges and cooperation within the industry, but also provides an important reference for relevant enterprises in R&D and market positioning, effectively reduces technical barriers, and promotes the rational allocation of resources.
At the same time, the introduction of these standards will also attract more investors and entrepreneurs to enter the market. Clear criteria mean increased market maturity, which is significant positive news for investors. Standardization can reduce investment risks, increase market expectations, and thus stimulate more technology research and development and innovation.
Figure: "Application Guide for Classification and Grading of Humanoid Robots" and "Gradation Guide for Embodied Intelligence and Intelligence" were released (Image source: Pudong official account)
Ⅱ, the scale of the industry and market potential
According to the "2024 Humanoid Robot Industry Research Report" released by 21 Finance, the scale of Chinese's humanoid robot industry will increase to 3.91 billion yuan in 2023, a year-on-year increase of 85.7%. It is estimated that by 2026, the scale of the industry will exceed 20 billion yuan. This forecast is based on the trend of continuous advancement and cost reduction of humanoid robot technology, which indicates huge market potential and business value.
At present, the rapid development of the industry is mainly due to several driving factors. On the one hand, technological breakthroughs have made the application of humanoid robots in complex environments more feasible, and the demand for automation in enterprises is increasing. On the other hand, with the improvement of consumers' awareness and acceptance of smart products, the market demand for humanoid robots in the family, medical and other fields is expanding day by day.
Ⅲ. Technological innovation and application cases
Technological innovation in humanoid robots is advancing at an unprecedented rate. For example, the "Tiangong" robot successfully developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Center has reached the world's leading level with its pure electric drive anthropomorphic running ability and adaptability to complex environments. In terms of practical applications, humanoid robots have shown potential in many fields such as logistics and warehousing, automotive automation, and patrol. Companies such as Amazon and Tesla have begun to test the use of humanoid robots in warehouses and factories, actively exploring how humanoid robots can improve work efficiency and reduce labor costs.
The success of these application cases not only provides empirical evidence for the promotion of technology, but also lays the foundation for market development. When implementing humanoid robot projects, enterprises can continuously optimize and improve through data and feedback, making the robot system more intelligent and efficient. In the future, as the technology continues to mature, the application scenarios will continue to expand, covering more industries and fields.
Ⅳ, the improvement of the industrial chain and policy support
The development of the humanoid robot industry needs the support of a complete industrial chain. China already has a certain foundation in core component manufacturing, system integration, terminal applications, etc. At the policy level, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued the "Guiding Opinions on the Innovation and Development of Humanoid Robots", which puts forward the goal of the initial establishment of the humanoid robot innovation system by 2025, emphasizing the importance of key technological breakthroughs and the safe and effective supply of the industrial chain.
Specifically, the improvement of the industrial chain will be reflected in several aspects. First of all, the breakthrough of core technology will promote the localization of parts, reduce dependence on foreign technology, and enhance the autonomy of the industry; Secondly, the government's financial support and policy tilt for the research and development of humanoid robots will effectively encourage enterprises to invest in technological innovation; Finally, as the market matures, the establishment of industry standards will also create more opportunities for upstream and downstream enterprises to cooperate.
Ⅴ. Future outlook and editorial views
With the advancement of technology and the expansion of the market, humanoid robots will play a greater role in many fields such as industrial manufacturing, medical health, and home services. The global humanoid robot market is expected to reach $154 billion by 2035. As an important carrier of artificial intelligence, humanoid robots will become a new engine to promote social progress.
The editor of China Exportsemi believes that humanoid robots are not only a technical problem, but also a social problem. With the popularity of humanoid robots, it will inevitably have an impact on traditional jobs. This requires us to pay attention to the retraining and career transformation of employees while promoting technological innovation, so as to ensure the harmonious development of society in the midst of technological change.
Summary
The release of China's first batch of embodied intelligence standards for humanoid robots provides a clear technological development path for the industry and injects strong confidence into the market. With technological breakthroughs and the expansion of application scenarios, the humanoid robot industry is about to usher in an explosive period, and the market size is expected to show exponential growth in the next few years. This change will bring more convenience to human society, but it will also pose new challenges, such as ethics, regulations and employment, which need to be faced and solved by the whole society.
In this process, enterprises, governments and research institutions need to work closely together to promote the progress and application of humanoid robot technology and build a healthy and sustainable industrial ecosystem. Through continuous innovation and collaboration, the humanoid robot industry will pave the way for the realization of the vision of an intelligent society.
