Chinese automakers are making bold strides into emerging industries, ranging from humanoid robotics to flying cars, capitalizing on their strengths in technology and supply chain management to secure an early lead in cutting-edge technologies.
GAC Group, a prominent auto manufacturer, recently showcased GoMate, its third-generation humanoid robot. This life-sized, wheeled robot can navigate stairs, climb inclines, and overcome single-sided obstacles, demonstrating advanced mobility capabilities.
Equipped with GAC’s state-of-the-art battery technology, GoMate boasts an impressive six-hour battery life, making it suitable for diverse applications such as security, healthcare, logistics, and education.
Zhang Aimin, who heads GAC’s robotics R&D division, outlined the company’s strategic timeline: demonstration applications across industries by 2025, small-scale production by 2026, and ultimately, large-scale manufacturing.
GAC is not alone in exploring humanoid robotics. BYD has invested in the robotics startup AgiBot, while Chery has teamed up with AI company Aimoga to develop a humanoid robot tailored for use as a retail sales assistant. Chang’an Auto has revealed plans to integrate humanoid robots into its ecosystem, committing over 50 billion yuan (around $7 billion) within the next five years.
The convergence of technologies in intelligent vehicles and humanoid robotics—such as shared software, hardware, supply chains, and production processes—has prompted automakers to venture into this innovative field.
Experts highlight significant overlaps between technologies used in autonomous driving, such as sensors, machine vision, and artificial intelligence, and those required for humanoid robotics. Moreover, automakers find that their factories offer controlled environments ideal for testing and deploying these robots, creating a self-sustaining loop of research, manufacturing, and application.
Jin Qiao, president of Wuhan AI Research, pointed out that both autonomous driving and humanoid robotics represent trillion-yuan markets, emphasizing their immense economic potential.
Parallel to advancements in robotics, Chinese automakers are delving into the “low-altitude economy” by developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. These vehicles can ascend and descend vertically, much like helicopters, eliminating the need for runways.
In December, XPENG’s “Land Aircraft Carrier,” a cutting-edge flying car, successfully completed its test flight in Shanghai’s Lujiazui business district. The innovation garnered over 3,000 orders during November’s Airshow China, underscoring its market appeal.
Analysts note that up to 80% of the supply chain for eVTOLs overlaps with that of electric vehicles, a synergy that positions China’s flying car industry for substantial growth.
The foray of Chinese automakers into future industries underscores the transformative role of AI in the technology sector.
Zhang Yongwei, vice chairman and secretary-general of the China EV 100 think tank, observed that the competitive edge in the automotive industry is increasingly tied to AI-driven intelligence. He stressed that the sector is transitioning into an era of full AI-based competition, heralding a pivotal phase of industry evolution.
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