The 26th China International High-Tech Fair recently took place in Shenzhen, marking one of the most significant high-tech events of the year. This prominent exhibition attracts leading companies, research institutes, and professionals from around the globe, showcasing the latest innovations and advancements in technology. This year’s event featured representatives from over 5,000 enterprises and international organizations from more than 100 countries, displaying more than 4,300 new technologies, products, and achievements.
Highlights of the Exhibition
Among the many innovations, hyperrealistic robots stood out as the exhibition’s main attraction, drawing large crowds of fascinated spectators. China’s active development in the hyperrealistic robot industry aims to position the country as a global leader in this field. These robots are designed to mimic human appearance and behaviour, finding applications across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and service industries. They serve roles such as teachers, medical assistants, concierges, and guides, offering high-quality service and interaction.
Key Players in Hyperrealistic Robotics
One of the key players in this domain is the Chinese company Ex Robots, established in 2016. They manufacture bionic robots featuring skin that mimics human texture and even opened China’s first robot museum in 2022. The functionality of hyperrealistic robots continues to improve with advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and sensor technologies, allowing them to recognize and interpret human emotions, adapt to different scenarios, and perform complex tasks.
Addressing Demographic Challenges
The Chinese government actively supports the robotics industry, aiming to achieve a density of 500 robots per 10,000 workers by 2025. This ambitious initiative envisions widespread robot adoption in healthcare, agriculture, logistics, and other essential industries. The renowned company Unitary Robotics, which has broken numerous world records this year, also participated in the exhibition, focusing heavily on independent research and development to pioneer innovative technologies.
Innovative Robotics on Display
Unitary Robotics showcased three remarkable robots: the robot dogs Go O2 and B2, and the much-discussed humanoid robot G1. The G1 recently set a world record for long jumps among robotic machines, achieving a standing long jump of over 1.4 meters. Standing at 127 cm tall and weighing 35 kg, the G1 utilizes a neural network model for its control system, trained using reinforcement and imitation learning techniques.
The Drone Revolution
The exhibition also featured an impressive array of Chinese drones and futuristic flying vehicles. China’s drone industry is recognized as one of the most advanced in the world, with the country producing over 80% of the world’s civilian drones, significantly contributed by industry leader DJI. These drones are utilized in agriculture for crop monitoring, fertilization, and pollination, as well as in logistics for delivering goods to hard-to-reach areas and in videography for high-quality aerial imagery.
Military Applications
China is heavily investing in civilian drones and flying transport, with drone-based flying taxis already being tested as an eco-friendly and efficient mode of urban transportation. Additionally, the military sector is making strides in developing combat drones and modular drones capable of splitting into several mini-drones for diverse tasks.
Industrial Robotics: A Growing Force
In addition to hyperrealistic humanoids, the exhibition showcased numerous industrial robots that are actively replacing human labor in workplaces. For every 10,000 workers in China, there are nearly 400 industrial robots. Each year, more than 200 new robotics companies emerge, producing robotic transporters, loaders, and manipulators. Under the government’s industrial development program, “Made in China 2025,” robotics has emerged as one of ten priority sectors.
Transitioning to High-Tech Production
Ten years ago, Chinese authorities set a goal to transition the industry from labor-intensive practices to high-tech production. This shift became essential as the country began to lose its competitive edge in cheap manual labor. Currently, China produces half of all industrial robots globally, with production volumes growing by approximately 5% annually. If this growth continues, the country is poised to become the leader in industrial robot density within the next seven years.
Robotic Baristas and Coffee Innovations
Visitors to the exhibition had the unique opportunity to enjoy coffee prepared by robotic baristas. These coffee-making robots can brew a variety of coffee types, ensuring a consistently perfect flavor by precisely measuring coffee and water. The speed of these robots allows them to prepare coffee in mere seconds, enhancing service efficiency while maintaining consistent beverage quality.
Chinese Automakers Shine
Chinese automakers also made a significant impact at the exhibition. The company BYD showcased the Yang Wang U9, an electric vehicle that has gained attention as one of the most innovative models in the company’s lineup. First unveiled in April 2023, the U9 features four electric motors, one for each wheel, providing an impressive total power output of 1,300 horsepower and a torque of 1,680 Nm. This hypercar accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.3 seconds and boasts a top speed of 309 km/h, with a range of approximately 700 km.
Advanced Suspension Technology
A standout feature of the Yang Wang U9 is its innovative DAUS suspension system, which allows the vehicle to maintain stability while driving on three wheels and even perform jumps and dance movements. Priced at around 1,680,000 yuan (approximately $233,000), this car symbolizes BYD’s ambition to enter the premium supercar market.
Luxury Electric SUVs
At the Shenzhen exhibition, Chinese manufacturers also unveiled the Hongqi EH9, an electric SUV positioned as a competitor to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. This flagship model, produced by the Hongqi brand under the FAW Group, exemplifies a blend of luxury, advanced technology, and impressive performance. The EH9 is available in multiple configurations, featuring dual electric motors that deliver a combined power output of 551 horsepower and a torque of 750 Nm, allowing for acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds.
Battery Performance
The battery capacity of the Hongqi EH9 ranges from 84 to 120 kWh, offering a driving range between 460 and 660 km on a single charge. Fully charging the SUV from a standard household outlet takes approximately 9.5 hours, making it a practical choice for luxury electric vehicle consumers.
Conclusion
The 26th China International High-Tech Fair showcased the impressive advancements in the realm of robotics and technology. With hyperrealistic robots, innovative drones, and groundbreaking electric vehicles, it’s clear that Chinese robots are set to conquer the world stage. As the industry continues to evolve, these technologies will play a crucial role in shaping the future across various sectors including healthcare, education, and transportation.
