Chinese tech firm unveil humanoid robot set to be used among some of the most vulnerable in society
A tech firm has unveiled a humanoid robot that is expected to be brought into spaces where some of the most vulnerable in society live.
The AI bot is set to become a ‘home service’ robot that can assist with simple tasks such as cleaning surfaces and retrieving items.
These are a new development by China Mobile, which is the largest wireless carrier in China.
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The tech firm displayed their robots at this year’s Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain.
The humanoid robot, which is known as ‘Fengqi’, was first unveiled in October 2024 at the China Mobile Global Partners Conference.
Zhang Wencheng, who is the technical management manager of the Family Vision Product Department of the China Mobile Smart Home Operations Center, shared that the team had started their research into robotics in 2023.
It’s expected that Fengqi will become commercially available in the next three to five years but first the bots will be sent out into the community as a test pilot.
These will be semi-structured environments including nursing homes where the humanoid robots will complete simple tasks.
In a press release by China Mobile, it read: “The home robot is available in multiple designs, integrating advanced intelligent analysis with agile functionality to help manage household tasks and provide comprehensive security for your family.
“Equipped with cognitive and memory abilities, it serves as an emotional companion, assisting with children’s learning, offering comfort to the elderly, and safeguarding your home.”
The tech company also showed off their dog robot named ‘Xiaoli’.
The pooch might look like Nintendogs come to life and while China Mobile hopes that the metal pet will act as a companion, its function is also to be a home security device.
Equipped with a camera and the ability to climb stairs, the robot will soon be able to patrol homes like some sort of futuristic guard dog.
Other AI advancements in robots
The China Mobile robot wasn’t the only one showcased at this year’s MWC.
Robotics company, Unitree, was there to display its Go2 model, which is a dog-like robot that moves on all-fours.
Unlike a dog though the bot can carry up to 120kg as well as trek through difficult terrain, climb over obstacles and more.
The company described the robot as being capable of completing ‘dangerous, urgent and repetitive tasks’.
Although, it doesn’t look quite as friendly as the China Mobile dog!