AgiBot has a unique way of training its robots, they believe the best way to teach them is through experience, not just instructions. Think of how a child picks up new skills by watching others and trying things out. AgiBot is doing something similar with its robots, feeding them large amounts of real-world data so they can learn naturally. The aim isn’t just to build machines that follow orders, but ones that understand situations, respond smartly, and fit smoothly into everyday human life. This is exactly the kind of learning process that powers an AI humanoid robot.
On the outskirts of Shanghai, in a quiet industrial area, there’s a large warehouse that seems unremarkable from the outside. But inside, there’s something quite interesting happening. Dozens of robots, built to look like humans, are being guided by their operators as they repeat basic tasks, like folding clothes or making a sandwich. The atmosphere is more like a training space than a lab, where these robots are learning to do everyday things, just as people do. Each AI humanoid robot is trained to adapt to real-world environments.
How China’s Humanoid Robots Are Changing Work and Daily Life
The startup behind this vision, a Chinese company focused on humanoid robots, aims to have these machines integrated into our lives, reshaping the way we go about our daily routines. From helping out with household chores to offering support in workplaces and even providing companionship, these robots will do much more than follow orders. Their goal is to become a natural part of our world, improving how we connect and live, making everything more seamless and efficient. An AI humanoid robot could soon be part of your home or office.
Imagine a future where, in our own factory, robots are assembling themselves, said Yao Maoqing, a partner at AgiBot, envisioning a new era of innovation. That future is being shaped by every AI humanoid robot in training today.
Chinese President Xi Jinping visited AgiBot’s robot facility in Shanghai last month. The visit showed how important humanoid robots are becoming to Beijing. China is facing several challenges, including trade issues with the U.S., a declining population, and slower economic growth. Robots are seen as part of the solution. During the visit, Xi joked that the robots might even join a football team one day.
Earlier this year, Xi hosted a meeting with private companies, and Unitree, a Chinese company developing humanoid robots, was part of the group. In his speech, Xi encouraged these businesses to step up and play a major role in strengthening China’s economy for the future. China’s government sees the AI humanoid robot as a pillar of economic growth.
While the US and China continue negotiating tariffs, China focuses on its own future plans. President Donald Trump introduced the tariffs to bring manufacturing jobs back to the US. In contrast, China plans to launch a new industrial revolution. In this vision, human-like robots will handle many tasks in factories.
China’s Growth and Financial Support for AI Technology
Chinese humanoid robots have been impressing audiences with their advanced abilities. They can perform flips, run half-marathons, and even play football. These feats are pushing the limits of technology, just as Xi had humorously imagined.
China’s progress in artificial intelligence is making headlines. This growth is driven by local companies like DeepSeek and strong government support. According to Reuters, the advances help developers combine robots’ hardware with key software. This combination makes the robots not only impressive but also useful for businesses. The blend of software and hardware is what gives AI humanoid robots true intelligence.
In a series of interviews, Reuters spoke to more than a dozen people. These included manufacturers, investors, and robotics experts. They explained that recent breakthroughs in robot “brains” could spark a major shift. Robots may soon evolve from fascinating machines into self-learning, efficient workers. This change could revolutionize the world’s leading manufacturing industry.
According to insiders, China plans to gain an advantage by prioritizing data training and enhancing the complexity of its AI systems. Some also highlighted that DeepSeek’s contributions have been instrumental in this development.
When asked about their roles in the development of humanoid robots, neither DeepSeek nor the Chinese government provided a response.
If China puts these robots to work in many factories, it could help the country stay ahead in making goods and grow its economy even more. This move could also make the race with the United States in this area even tougher.
Beijing hasn’t clearly explained how it will handle the risk of factory workers losing their jobs. Some official sources suggest that early job losses may be difficult, as seen in past industrial shifts. However, they believe new opportunities could emerge over time to replace the lost jobs.
To drive innovation in humanoid robotics, the Chinese government is providing strong financial support to key companies. Over the past year, it has invested more than $20 billion in this sector. In addition, Beijing is launching a massive one trillion yuan ($137 billion) fund. This fund will support startups in areas like artificial intelligence and robotics. These efforts show China’s commitment to leading in advanced technologies.
