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What if Chinese, US firms make humanoid robots together? Tech CEO calls for collaboration

With advantages respectively held by China and the US, the founder of Unitree Robotics points to opportunities for their private companies to work together

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Wang Xingxing, founder of Chinese robotics company Unitree, called for greater international collaboration in the robotics sector during a press conference (pictured) on Tuesday, saying a state of “shared global prosperity” is achievable. Photo: Handout
Xinyi Wuin Hong KongandJi Siqiin Beijing

The founder of a prominent Chinese robotics start-up sees great value in working with American peers to advance the global development of humanoid robots – and his call for stronger collaboration between the fractious trade partners comes as China’s private sector is playing an increasingly larger role in innovation.

“China has a deep foundation in manufacturing and hardware, while the United States possesses a rich AI software ecosystem,” said Wang Xingxing, founder and CEO of Hangzhou-based humanoid robot maker Unitree Robotics.

“Each has its advantages, making global collaboration and joint promotion of the field worthwhile,” he added, noting that the world shared a common goal for the industry.

Wang was speaking on Tuesday at a press conference organised by the government to promote confidence in the private sector, and executives from other leading private companies were also present.

The burgeoning field of humanoid robotics has become a new frontier in the broader technological competition between the US and China, with a race to commercialisation under way among companies in the two countries.

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An emerging-industries representative, Wang attended February’s entrepreneur symposium that President Xi Jinping chaired to shore up confidence in China’s private sector. It was the first such meeting since late 2018.
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