China’s humanoid robot half marathon winner wants to be ‘Android’ of robotics

China’s humanoid robot half marathon winner wants to be ‘Android’ of robotics

With its win in China’s first half marathon for humanoid robots, the state-backed Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Centre has entered the national spotlight as it aims to become something akin to Google’s Android operating system for artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled machines. The centre, also known as X-Humanoid, operates the Tien Kung Ultra robot, which secured first…

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China’s political class counts up sci-tech feats and counts on tipping point with US

China’s political class counts up sci-tech feats and counts on tipping point with US

As China’s political elite gathers for the country’s annual legislative sessions, we examine the broader forces likely to influence policies and decision-making for the coming year. In the eighth part of the series, Dannie Peng looks at recent strides made in China’s scientific and tech sectors, the country’s ambitions and the challenges it faces, particularly…

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China’s ‘world’s factory’ eyes industry modernisation with economic crown on the line

China’s ‘world’s factory’ eyes industry modernisation with economic crown on the line

Guangdong will further strengthen its manufacturing and industrial base and make it more “modern” to maintain its decades-long status as China’s economic powerhouse, according to the top official in the country’s richest province. The southern province will “adhere to the principle of making the real economy our foundation, and manufacturing our mainstay”, Guangdong party secretary…

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With DeepSeek, China’s economic growth suddenly seems tied to AI

With DeepSeek, China’s economic growth suddenly seems tied to AI

While artificial intelligence (AI) start-up DeepSeek surprised the world with its latest low-cost reasoning model – dubbed R1 – the revelation reignited overseas interest in Chinese tech and capital market investments while raising expectations that a subsequent surge in AI-fuelled productivity will serve to elevate the national economy. From analysts to economists, many point to…

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