China plans to start mass production of humanoid robots

Gu told the South China Morning Post that Fourier Intelligence plans to mass-produce humanoid robots and ship “thousands of units” from 2024.

The Chinese company intends to focus on developing the hardware that forms the “body” of the robots and leave the work on the “brain” of the androids to AI developers. Fourier co-founder and chief strategy officer Zen said the startup is in talks about potential LLM partnerships with a number of companies.

Humanoid robots could be used in elderly care, education and hospitality, Gu said. The businessman believes they will bring his company more revenue in the next three to five years than the rehab robots Fourier is launching now.

According to the head of the startup, humanoid robots can become a full part of people’s daily lives, but this will take a long time.

“Don’t expect a miracle in a year or so, even from Tesla, we all have to wait [начала массового производства человекоподобных роботов]Gu said. “But also don’t underestimate the possibility that this could be part of people’s daily lives in five or 10 years.”

Last year, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced the launch date for mass production of humanoid robots at the electric car maker’s factories. The billionaire promised that the production of Optimus androids will begin at the end of 2023.

Founded in 2015, Fourier Intelligence was initially engaged in the development of rehabilitation robots: the company supplies devices to medical institutions in more than 10 countries.

In July 2023, the startup introduced the GR-1 humanoid robot: an android capable of walking on two legs at a speed of 5 km/h and carrying loads of up to 50 kg.

Cover photo: Youtube