Robotics Daily News: China's Unitree Robotics Launches Affordable Humanoid Robot R1

China's Unitree Robotics Launches Affordable Humanoid Robot R1

Unitree Robotics has introduced the R1, a new bipedal humanoid robot priced at 39,900 yuan ($5,566), significantly lower than the previous G1 model's 99,000 yuan. The R1, weighing 25 kilograms, features a multimodal large language model capable of processing both speech and images, reflecting decreased manufacturing costs and a push to make advanced robotics more accessible. (reuters.com)

UK's NHS Plans to Integrate Robotic Surgery into 10-Year Strategy

UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting has unveiled a 10-year plan to incorporate robotic-assisted surgeries into the NHS, aiming for one in eight operations to be robot-assisted by 2035, up from the current one in 60. The strategy also includes robotic support in pharmacies and data entry through robotic process automation, though concerns about capital investment and technology adoption remain. (ft.com)

China's Humanoid Robots Outshine National Soccer Team in AI-Powered Tournament

In Beijing, four university teams competed in China's first fully autonomous 3-on-3 robot soccer tournament, showcasing advanced AI technologies like visual recognition and autonomous decision-making. The event highlighted China's growing investment in AI-powered humanoid robots, using sports as a testing ground for real-world applications. (apnews.com)

China's AI-Powered Humanoid Robots Aim to Transform Manufacturing

Amid economic challenges, China is advancing the use of AI-powered humanoid robots in manufacturing. Startups like AgiBot and MagicLab, supported by government subsidies, are deploying robots capable of complex tasks such as assembly and quality control, with the government allocating over $20 billion to this initiative. (reuters.com)

U.S. Manufacturing Relies on Imported Robots Amid Automation Push

The Trump administration's initiative to revitalize U.S. manufacturing through automation heavily depends on foreign-made industrial robots, as most used in American factories are imported. Despite historical leadership in robotics, the U.S. now lags behind countries like China, which prioritizes robotics under the 'Made in China 2025' initiative. (axios.com)