TMTPOST -- The development of humanoid robots in China is being driven by a synergy between the hardware supply chain in southern China and the software solutions in northern China, creating a competitive edge in the global market.  

The Yangtze River Delta and Shenzhen regions boast the most comprehensive industrial chains for robotics hardware. Guo Tao, CTO of Peitian Robotics, told AsianFin that the two regions provide mature supply chain support, from the production of basic structural components to specialized parts like cable connectors. For humanoid robots, which require highly customized components, the ability of suppliers to respond quickly to manufacturers' needs is critical.  

"Even seemingly minor issues, like cable routing, become significant challenges during commercialization and engineering," Guo noted, adding that the agglomeration of supply chains in these regions offers a significant advantage for early-stage research and development in embodied intelligence.

China's robot-related enterprises are concentrated in China’s tech hub Shenzhen that borders Hong Kong, Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, China’s manufacturing powerhouse Shanghai, and major industrial hub Suzhou, with 49,400, 44,100, 36,100, and 35,200 enterprises, respectively, according to company information platform Qichacha.

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, with Shenzhen at its heart, accounts for over 55% of China’s embodied intelligence supply chain. If the Greater Bay Area is considered as one unit, the region holds 24% of the global embodied intelligence supply chain, which can rival Europe and even beat Japan.

The development of humanoid robots hinges on breakthroughs in three key areas: the cerebrum for understanding and perception, the cerebellum for fine motor control, and the body for physical components like joints and limbs.

AI software companies focus on embodied intelligence, using computing power, large models, and algorithms to enable functions like visual analysis, semantic understanding, and motion planning. Core hardware manufacturers provide sensors, motors, reducers, and energy systems to build perception, control, and motion modules. Robot body manufacturers integrate these components into complete products.

Key players in the hardware supply chain include Leader Harmonious Drive System, Haozhi Industrial, TC Drive, and Han's Laser, covering critical sectors like reducers, motors, and brakes. The region's robust ecosystem is further bolstered by the rapid growth of the new energy vehicle (NEV) industry, which has driven advancements in motors, electronic controls, and batteries—technologies that are now being repurposed for humanoid robots.  

While southern China dominates hardware, the northern part excels in software, particularly in large AI models. By the end of March, Beijing-based companies had released over 115 large model products, ranking first in China. These models include Baidu's Ernie bot, Douyin's BytePlus, JD's Yanxi, and Zhipu AI's ChatGLM, which are applied in content generation, intelligent Q&A, IT support, and data analysis.  

In 2023, AI startups headquartered in Beijing recorded 156 financing events, accounting for 29.4% of the national total. This highlights the region's strength in AI innovation and its role as a hub for software development.  

Zhu Hui, a product manager for Galbot, emphasized the transformative impact of large AI models on robotics. "Before the advent of large models, robot operations relied on pre-set fixed programs, which were limited in flexibility. Now, with sufficient data and continuous parameter adjustments, these models offer a feasible path for robots to understand human intentions and operate intelligently," Zhu told AsianFin.  

The humanoid robot industry in China benefits from the complementary strengths of the north and south. The hardware supply chain in the south provides the physical components necessary for advanced robotics, while the north's software expertise drives innovation in AI and intelligent control systems.  

This collaboration is further supported by the NEV industry's advancements, which have accelerated the miniaturization, safety, and energy density of components. The Yangtze River Delta, a major hub for NEV production, contributed 36.2% of China's total NEV output in 2023, further strengthening the region's role in robotics development.

By leveraging the hardware expertise of the south and the software innovation of the north, China is positioning itself as a global leader in the humanoid robot industry. This unique synergy not only enhances domestic capabilities but also sets the stage for China to play a dominant role in the future of robotics and AI.

China’s humanoid robot sector saw over 60 financing events in 2024, showing strong investor interest, according to Gaogong Robotics Industry Research. The agency predicts that by 2035, China's humanoid robot market will reach 755,000 units in B2B scenarios, valued at 75.5 billion yuan (US$ 10.4 billion), and 1.256 million units in B2C scenarios, worth 62.8 billion yuan.

Wang Xingxing, the founder of Unitree Robotics, attributed the industry's boom to the rise of large AI models, which have significantly accelerated robotics development. "Previously, it took one to two years for a humanoid robot to learn to walk. Now, with AI algorithms, it can be achieved in just a month," he told AsianFin. He anticipates more general humanoid robots will emerge by late 2025, further accelerating industry growth.

Billionaire investor and Bridgewater Associates founder Ray Dalio has recently expressed skepticism about the United States' ability to regain its competitive edge in manufacturing, stating that the country is "greatly behind" in extreme manufacturing and unlikely to catch up with China in this area.

Speaking on the topic of global competition, Dalio emphasized that while the U.S. does not have a competitive advantage in manufacturing, it continues to lead in innovation, particularly in areas such as Nobel Prize-winning research, top-tier universities, and a strong legal and capital market system.

He suggested that America’s strength lies in its ability to attract and nurture the best talent from around the world rather than attempting to revive large-scale domestic manufacturing.

"We’re not going to have competitive advantages in those things," Dalio said, referring to manufacturing. "What we’re competitive in is that small percentage of the population that is uniquely inventive... The United States dominates in Nobel Prize winners, in inventiveness, in having the best universities, and in creating an environment where innovation can thrive."

Dalio noted that the U.S. legal and capital market system allows it to harness global talent and resources to maintain its position as a leader in technological advancements. However, he dismissed the idea that manufacturing could return to being a major strength for the U.S., particularly in competition with China.

"We do not have manufacturing, and we’re not gonna go back and be competitive in manufacturing with China in our lifetimes," he said.

(Note: 1 USD equals 7.25 yuan)