As humanoid robots take centre stage in China, do androids dream of economic spotlight?

This is the first story in a three-part series examining the future of China’s humanoid robots; competition between the US and China; and the Chinese government’s efforts to gain an advantage in this emerging arena. In this piece, we look at how the roles of humanoid robots are expanding.

Humanoid robots will move from factory floors and convention centres to a more spiritual realm this year when more than 20 robotic monks manufactured by Shanghai Qingbao Engine Robot begin delivering sermons at a temple in India.

With their serene faces framed by orange robes as they sit cross-legged in the traditional Buddhist lotus posture, they will mark the world’s first instance of robots assuming a spiritual role in a religious setting, engaging with the public in ways never previously thought possible.

Shanghai Qingbao, which revealed the development recently, also makes robots used in cultural tourism roles and at conventions. It is among the thousands of companies entering the humanoid robot race, arguably one of the world’s hottest commercial and technological arenas, following heavyweight players such as America’s Tesla and Nvidia, as well as Chinese electric vehicle giants like Xiaomi and Xpeng.

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Dancing robots take the stage at China’s Spring Festival Gala performance

Dancing robots take the stage at China’s Spring Festival Gala performance