China Targets Mass Humanoid Robot Rollout by 2025

China is targeting the mass rollout of humanoid robots by 2025, and advanced levels of the technology by 2027.

A nine-page report released by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) calls on the country’s manufacturing sector to rapidly ramp up its robotic technology to “realize mass production by 2025.”

The report, according to a Google translation, said China should "establish a humanoid robot innovation system, make breakthroughs in several key technologies and ensure the safe and effective supply of core components" by 2025 and establish humanoid robots as an “important new engine of economic growth” by 2027.

The initiative is part of China’s mission to bolster its domestic industrial supply chain, cement its position as a leading robotics developer and generally strengthen its self-reliance when it comes to emerging technologies.

MIIT said humanoid robots are set to become “disruptive products” in the near future that will “profoundly change” human lives and reshape global economies, with China intending to be at the forefront of this change.

According to the document, robots are expected to see significant use cases in industries such as health care, home services, agriculture and logistics, though the ministry stressed the particular need to develop robots for the manufacturing industry, as well as for hazardous environments.

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As per the timeline set out in the document, by 2025 the ministry is hoping for a humanoid robot innovation system to be initially established, including several key technologies “such as ‘brain, cerebellum and limbs’"

By 2027, the ministry said the technological innovation capabilities of humanoid robots should be “significantly improved,” and that a safe and reliable industrial chain supply chain system should have been created.

“An internationally competitive industrial ecosystem will be built, and the comprehensive strength will reach the world's advanced level,” the report reads.

MIIT also added that China would focus on building infrastructure and support networks to bolster the development of the humanoid robotics industry, including laboratories, industry organizations and open-source communities.

It also said it would help develop policies and workforce training to support the industry’s development. 

China has been ramping up robotics development and deployment in recent years, with Beijing's Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology unveiling plans for a $1.4 billion robotics fund in August to promote domestic robotics technology development and innovation.

The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) reported last December that China reached the fifth-highest level of robot density deployment, surpassing the U.S. for the first time. 

While the nation came behind the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Japan and Germany, the IFR noted China was the fastest-growing robot market “in the world,” with the highest number of annual installations.

The report also noted that China has not yet reached its full automation potential.

“Robot density is a key indicator of automation adoption in the manufacturing industry around the world,” said Marina Bill, IFR’s president. “The new average of global robot density in the manufacturing industry surged to 141 robots per 10,000 employees – more than double the number six years ago. China’s rapid growth shows the power of its investment so far, but it still has much opportunity to automate.”