The awesome demonstrations of humanoid robots at the planet Robotics Conference in Beijing are only the tip of the iceberg. The real strength of the Chinese revolution lies not in shiny prototypes, but in precisely planned, multi-annual state strategy and giant streams of money. Beijing does not just want to compete – it wants to make and dominate the full ecosystem, from the smallest screw to advanced AI software. It's a textbook example of building a technological empire on steroids.The plan is one: Global domination
While the West frequently relies on innovations driven by private companies and the free market, China has a systemic approach. Robotics and, in particular, humanoid robotics have been found to be “The future industry” of strategical importance to national and economical security.
The key paper that is the road map for this revolution are “Guidelines on innovation and improvement of humanoid robotics”, published by the Ministry of manufacture and Information Technology (MIIT). It's not a loose suggestion, it's a concrete action plan.
Main pillars of the Chinese strategy:
- Technological self-sufficiency: Beijing seeks to make a full national supply chain. The goal is to become independent of abroad technologies, especially in key areas specified as servo-mechanisms, sensors and advanced integrated circuits.
- Control over “brain” and “body”: The MIIT plan emphasizes the simultaneous improvement of “brain” (advanced AI models, operating systems), “brain” (traffic control systems) and “fines” (precise mechanical components). This holistic approach is to guarantee that Chinese robots are not only physically efficient but besides intelligent.
- Standardisation and ecosystem: China wants to make national standards for components and software. This is simply a clever decision that in the future can force global players to adapt to Chinese standards if they want to enter this gigantic market.
“What we see is simply a coordinated, top-down effort to take control of the full industry”, commented analysts. “China does not want to be just a monttown. They want to be a designer, maker and main exporter of the most advanced technologies in the world."
Money Factory: How the Revolution Is Financed
Ambitious plans require immense money, and Beijing does not hesitate to usage them. The mechanics for financing the Chinese robotic revolution is based on 3 powerful pillars:
1. Government funds and grants
The central point is Beijing Robotics manufacture improvement Fund, with the amount fuelled 10 billion yuan (about $1.4 billion). It's money that goes straight to start-ups support, investigation backing and infrastructure development. They act as a catalyst, attracting even more private capital.
2. Investments of technological giants
State goals are a signal for the largest players in the market. Companies specified as Xiaomi, Tencent or Huawei invest billions in their own R&D departments and promising start-ups. For them, robotics is simply a natural extension of their ecosystems – from smart homes to integrated cloud services.
3. Fever in the venture capital market
Government support and successes of the first companies have sparked a real investment fever. Venture capital funds outrun the financing of companies like Fourier Intelligence is Unitree. They know that by supporting a possible leader at an early stage, they can anticipate returns from investments that no another sector offers.
A Predominance the West Can Envy
This combination of central planning, unlimited funds and a immense interior marketplace gives China a unique advantage. While US or European companies must fight for each circular of backing and worry about short-term profitability, Chinese companies have long-term support and a clear direction designated by the state.
Jeff Burnstein, president of the American Association for the improvement of Automation (A3), explicitly acknowledged that The national strategy gives China a immense advantage.
The robotic revolution we're watching is more than a technological race. This is simply a geopolitical game about who will form industry, economy and society in the 21st century. And China has just shown that they have a plan, money and determination to win in this game.
Leszek B. Glass
Email: [email protected]
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