Illustration: Liu Xidan/GT

China's first heterogeneous humanoid robot training facility is MKsportslocated in Shanghai, covering an area of about 5,000 square meters. According to a report by news portal stcn.com on Wednesday, more than 100 heterogeneous humanoid robots are undergoing training in various scenarios - power walking, playing soccer and wiping tables, making this place akin to a "school" for robots.

In recent years, China has made substantial progress in the field of humanoid robots. For these robots to achieve commercial success and truly empower a wide range of industries, it is necessary to train and optimize algorithms through a vast amount of high-quality data. Improving efficiency and reducing costs are of great importance to the development of the entire industry during this "training" phase.

The "heterogeneity" of humanoid robots refers to the differences in form, function, technical architecture, and application scenarios among robots from different manufacturers. Placing heterogeneous robots from various manufacturers in shared training spaces is evidently more cost-effective than each manufacturer establishing its own exclusive training facilities. This approach helps to improve "training" efficiency and reduce costs across the industry.

The training facility was inaugurated in January. With the initial phase involving the simultaneous training of about 100 humanoid robots, the facility focuses on applications in intelligent manufacturing, public services, and specialized operations. As reported by the Pudong Times, this approach aims to improve the efficiency of data collection and utilization, reduce the costs of redundant data collection, and lower the barriers to industrial and large-scale application of humanoid robots.

The model of large-scale, centralized training of heterogeneous humanoid robots is expected to be replicated and promoted nationwide. Building on this foundation, coupled with other measures, the industrialization and practical application of humanoid robots in the country are anticipated to accelerate.

Some experts predict that 2025 will mark the inaugural year of humanoid robot mass production, a milestone that signifies the culmination of years of relentless research, development and refinement in the field. This anticipation is not unfounded, especially when considering the significant strides made by Chinese enterprises in the development chain of humanoid robots. From groundbreaking research and development (R&D) to rigorous training, China has built a comprehensive business ecosystem suitable for mass production.

In the realm, China has achieved numerous breakthroughs in technology for humanoid robots over the past few years. As of May 31, 2023, China led the world in both the number of humanoid robot patent applications and the number of valid patents, according to Economic Information Daily.  This surge in innovation has fostered seamless cooperation across various technological fields, enabling the synchronized development of both hardware and software components essential for humanoid robots. These robots are at the intersection of multiple cutting-edge technologies, requiring a well-coordinated integration of core components, sophisticated motion control systems, and advanced artificial intelligence. The accumulation of a substantial number of patents has laid the foundation for an innovation ecosystem poised for the rapid expansion of the humanoid robot industry, thereby enhancing overall efficiency and productivity.

The progress and scale effects achieved by Chinese enterprises in various stages, from R&D to training, are solid and commendable. Each step forward is a testament to the industry's robust growth and its potential for innovation. Collectively, these elements lay a solid foundation for China's humanoid robots to progress toward mass production.

The humanoid robot training facility in Shanghai, along with the scale effects and unique development model it represents, marks a noteworthy chapter in China's journey toward mass production in the humanoid robot industry. Grounded in years of technological progress and milestones, vivid stories - from R&D to training - paint a detailed picture of China's humanoid robot development journey. As this narrative unfolds, it emphasizes the benefits of scalability, high performance, and cost-efficiency, steering the Chinese humanoid robot sector toward mass production.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. [email protected]