As China aims to lead in humanoid robot development, the World Robot Conference in Beijing showcased affordable and innovative parts from its supply chains. However, some executives cautioned that the industry still needs to address issues of product reliability.

Wisson Technology (Shenzhen) has adopted 3D-printed plastics and pneumatic artificial muscles in place of traditional motors and reducers, allowing it to offer flexible robotic arms at approximately one-tenth the cost of conventional models.

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This cost-effective approach is expected to price these arms around 10,000 yuan ($1,404). Wisson has provided samples of these arms to international humanoid robot manufacturers.

Yi Gang, founder of Ti5 Robot in Shanghai, pointed out ongoing reliability problems in the robotics supply chain, particularly with harmonic gears essential for motion control. Due to defect rates, his company can only produce up to 1,000 units.

China’s robotics development is supported by President Xi Jinping’s policy of fostering “new productive forces” in technology, as highlighted at the conference.

With China being the largest market for industrial robots, the technology is transforming sectors like manufacturing, automotive, agriculture, education, and health services.

Gao Jiyang, founder of Galaxea AI, noted that advancements in autonomous driving are also pushing forward robotics technology. Premier Li Qiang emphasized the importance of following President Xi’s guidelines, underscoring the robot industry’s vast potential and the need for stable supply chains and international progress.