As China seeks to pull ahead in the development of humanoid robots, its supply chain showcased cheaper and more innovative parts at a global robotics conference in Beijing, according to Reuters.
Wisson Technology (Shenzhen), known for its flexible robotic arms, doesn’t depend on motors and gearboxes, but instead uses 3D-printed plastic and relies on pneumatic artificial muscles to power its robots.
According to Cao Wei, an investor in Wisson through venture capital firm Lanchi Ventures, this lower-cost form of manufacturing allows it to price its flexible arms at about one-tenth the price of traditional robotic arms.
The flexible technology will lead to robotic arms priced at around 10,000 yuan ($1,404), Wisson reported on its website.
“(Wisson’s) pliable arms could be used in humanoids.”
Yi Gang, founder of Shanghai-based Ti5 Robot, a company specialising in integrated connectivity, spoke about some of the challenges he saw in the robotics supply chain.
The whole supply chain still needs to address issues with product reliability.
Yi also said that due to the number of defects, his company could only produce products in volumes of up to 1,000 pieces. He said the key problem was harmonic gear, which refers to mechanisms crucial to motion control.
Growing significance of robotics
In China, the world’s largest market for industrial robots, increasingly sophisticated technology is changing the face of traditional industries such as manufacturing, automotive, agriculture, education, as well as healthcare and consumer services.
Gao Jiyang, founder of Galaxea AI, a startup focused on robotic hardware and embodied AI, stated that the rise of intelligent driving lead to advances in robotics.
“Autonomous driving means AI-plus cars, which are also a type of robot.”
After the conference ended on Sunday, Premier Li Qiang said it was crucial to implement President Xi Jinping’s instructions on promoting the importance of the robotics industry.
The robot industry has broad prospects and huge market potential. It is necessary … to promote the expansion and popularisation of robots in various fields such as industry, agriculture and service industry.
