Robots will work with humans, not replace them: Chinese official

A senior Chinese tech official has stated that humanoid robots are being developed to assist rather than replace human workers. Liang Liang, deputy director of the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, emphasised this vision during a recent demonstration of robotic capabilities, according to a recent report by Reuters.   

The comments came after China hosted the world's first robot half-marathon last month, where 20 robotic teams competed on a separate track from human runners. Liang described the event as symbolic of how robots and humans will coexist, each developing their own capabilities without direct competition.  

"Robots will handle dangerous tasks like deep-sea exploration or nighttime operations," Liang explained, adding they would create "better, cheaper products" while humans focus on other work. The official spoke at the Beijing Humanoid Robotics Innovation Centre, which showcased robots including the marathon-winning Tiangong Ultra model capable of 12 km/h speeds.  

China is investing heavily in humanoid robotics, with state-backed projects developing machines for both specialised tasks and everyday functions. The technology is seen as crucial for maintaining productivity as China's workforce ages, though officials insist it won't cause mass unemployment. Other prototypes displayed included robots designed to navigate obstacles in changing environments.