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China Robot Conference Showcases Cutting-Edge Humanoid Robots
- Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
- Fact-Checked by
The World Robot Conference (WRC) 2024, which featured cutting-edge technology in the robotics industry, took place in Beijing last week, from August 21st to the 25th.
According to Reuters , one of the most impressive technologies has been the development of humanoid robots, a record of 27 models has been registered. Wisson Technology was one of the companies that stood out for its advances in pneumatic artificial muscle development and for using cheaper alternatives to achieve sophisticated results.
The Chinese company has managed to create flexible arms that can be used in humanoid robots for around $1,404 and is already discussing production with other companies across the globe.
During the event, the main challenges in developing the new technologies were also addressed. “The whole supply chain still needs to address issues with product reliability,” said Yi Gang, founder of Ti5 Robot—a company that specializes in joints— to Reuters, and explained that the maximum volumes they can reach are 1,000 robots due to defect rates.
While the conference wasn’t focused on humanoid robots, and other companies showcased important progress in other industries, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and education, most visitors were interested in the human-like structures.
“Wherever the humanoid robots went, they were surrounded by large crowds taking photos and making videos,” reported Global Times in a chronicle of the event. Companies like Leju and UBTECH brought their latest humanoid robots to show visitors their achievements.
“Humanoids are taking off,” reported CNBC in a recent video covering the event, “they can play music, cook, serve you a soft drink, and work in the living room.”
The Associated Press also covered the event and showed videos of the new humanoids that can blink, move their fingers and arms, and speak.
Tesla was also present at the conference with its humanoid robot, Optimus , among other humanoid robot developers.
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Apple Explores Robotics to Expand Products and Services
- Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
- Fact-Checked by
Apple is exploring robotics as a strategy to innovate and expand products and services. According to Bloomberg , the tech giant is already working on a shift into robotics as most of the devices the company sells are already part of its customer’s day-to-day lives.
The company has been facing innovation challenges for the past few years and seems to be evolving and adapting to new trends and technologies. A few weeks ago, it was revealed that the company was working on a foldable iPhone , and now Bloomberg informs that the innovation plans have expanded to robotics.
Even though the company is still at an early stage, Apple is working on a tabletop device that can move and hold a display screen that looks like an iPad. The project codenamed J595, was designed in 2022 but has been developing fast in the past few months, according to anonymous sources interviewed by the media company.
Apple is expecting to work on the new Apple robot for a few more years and offer it to customers in 2026 or 2027. The new device will be capable of holding devices for video calls, operating remotely, and assisting users in their homes.
The tech giant has dropped its efforts to target the automobile market and has shifted to the smart homes market. Kevin Lynch, Apple’s vice president of technology, has been transferred from his car team role to the robot project.
As part of its business alliances, the company has hired top industry companies, such as the Israeli research institute Technion.
Apple has also been recruiting new talents for its AIML team. In a recent job post published this month, the company said that this branch is “working to leverage and build upon groundbreaking ML robotics research, thereby enabling the development of generalizable and reliable robot systems.”
