Deeper dive into Optimus and China/US policy for robotics and humanoids

Plus rare Chinese dissent on the use of humanoids for warfare

humanoid robot soldier

According to The Economic Times, China’s top military newspaper PLA Daily published an article warning against using humanoid robots in war. The article goes against President Xi Jinping’s military tech ambitions, especially his focus on high automation and AI in the army, as per the reports.

Three writers—Yuan Yi, Ma Ye, and Yue Shiguang—wrote the piece, but it’s not clear if they are from the army or civilian defence. The article says using humanoid robots in large numbers could cause “indiscriminate killings” and accidental deaths, which could lead to legal issues and moral backlash, as stated in the report by The Telegraph.
As both Washington and Beijing push for robotics development, analysts say it is difficult to pinpoint who is in the lead. Reports have named leading humanoid manufacturers as almost exclusively from both countries, such as Tesla from the US and Chinese firm Unitree Robotics.

From the US Federal Newswire:

The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) has raised concerns about China's rapid advancement in the development of humanoid robots, citing the country's military-civil fusion policy. The USCC shared its findings in an October 10 issue alert paper.

According to the USCC, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and government support have accelerated the development of humanoid robots, particularly in the United States and China. These robots, characterized by their human-like appearance, possess three key attributes: locomotion, dexterity, and intelligence. Locomotion refers to their ability to navigate human-designed environments; dexterity involves interacting with objects using fine motor skills; and intelligence, increasingly driven by AI, enables them to perceive and engage with the world. Recent breakthroughs in AI have led to more autonomous humanoid robots capable of complex interactions.

The USCC reports that China is actively pursuing leadership in the humanoid robot industry through a multifaceted approach similar to its strategy for other critical technologies. This includes government support via subsidies, tax breaks, development zones, promoting domestic adoption, and fostering public-private research collaboration. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has set goals for China's humanoid robot sector, aiming for a world-class innovation ecosystem by 2025 and integration into manufacturing supply chains by 2027. Significant investment has been directed towards this industry from technology giants, private equity firms, state-owned enterprises, and government funds.

Although general-purpose autonomous humanoid robots are not yet commercially available, some companies have announced near-future releases despite existing limitations. Chinese firms appear competitive regarding robot size and speed but lag behind in hardware precision, durability, and key sensor technology. The future of humanoid robots in China holds transformative potential for its economy and society by addressing labor shortages and rising labor costs. However, China's military-civil fusion policy raises concerns about potential military applications of these technologies.

The USCC was established in 2000 to assess the national security implications of trade and economic ties between the U.S. and China.

In yesterday’s newsletter I referred to The Information article on Tesla’s Optimus by Theo Wayt and Rocket Drew. I’ve also put added details here.