Humanoid Robots Will Not Replace Human Workers, Says Chinese Official
Beijing has witnessed rapid growth in humanoid robot technology, yet a top official overseeing a major tech hub insists these robots will not replace human workers. Instead, they are expected to enhance productivity and handle jobs too dangerous or difficult for people. The official emphasized that humanoid robots will complement human efforts rather than cause mass unemployment.
Liang Liang, deputy director of a key economic and technological development area in Beijing, shared in a recent interview that robots serve as tools to improve efficiency and undertake tasks humans are unwilling or unable to do. “We don’t believe robots will make people unemployed, but rather they’ll boost efficiency or take on tasks humans are unwilling to do – like exploring the vast universe or the ocean depths where people can’t go. Machines can assist us in that exploration,” he explained.
He added, “When it’s nighttime and humans need rest, machines could keep working, giving us better, cheaper, and more user-friendly products. So we see this as the direction for our future development.” This highlights the vision of robots as partners in progress rather than replacements.
Showcasing Cooperation Through the Robot Half-Marathon
To demonstrate this harmony between humans and machines, the world’s first robot half-marathon was recently held in Beijing. The event was designed to emphasize that humanoid robots will support humans instead of competing against them directly.
The race featured two separate tracks divided by a railing. On one side, human runners pushed their physical limits, while on the other, 20 teams controlled robots of various sizes and abilities. Liang remarked, “You see, in the marathon, humans have their track where they push their physical limits, and the machines have their own track where they jointly challenge their limits – but they aren’t trying to take over the human course to sprint to the finish line. The future will be like this too.” This metaphor illustrates how humanoid robots will work alongside humans without replacing them.
Advances in Robot Capabilities and Practical Applications
At the innovation center, the state-backed robotics team showcased their robot, Tiangong Ultra, which won the inaugural robot half-marathon. This model can reach speeds up to 12 kph (7.56 mph) and reflects progress in robotics designed for sports and physical tasks.
Beyond athletic abilities, the center also demonstrated robots capable of handling everyday chores. In one test, a robot repeatedly relocated a piece of litter, adapting whenever the object was moved or taken from its grasp. This self-correcting function is essential for robots to operate effectively in unpredictable environments.
These developments suggest humanoid robots will soon become reliable assistants in various industries, performing tasks that are repetitive, hazardous, or require precision beyond human capability.
The Future Role of Humanoid Robots Will Not Replace Human Workers
Overall, the message is clear: humanoid robots will enhance human work rather than replace it. They will help increase efficiency, tackle dangerous jobs, and operate continuously when humans rest. As development continues, these robots are expected to become valuable partners in advancing society’s capabilities.
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