At the 2024 World Robot Conference held last month, the top 10 trends for humanoid robots were unveiled, highlighting key development paths and a strategic vision for the industry.
During the conference, state-of-the-art robot products were introduced, with prominent global player ABB among those presenting pioneering innovations and solutions.
As one of the world's top four robot companies, ABB Group has been strategically expanding its operations in China. In December 2022, the company opened a $150-million robot super factory in Shanghai's Pudong New Area. Subsequently, in October 2023, ABB launched its robot empowerment center within the Zhangjiang Robot Valley, focusing on the life sciences and medical industries.
2024 has been dubbed the "year of explosion" for humanoid robots by industry insiders. From simple limb control a decade ago to possessing intelligent "brains", agile "cerebellums", and flexible "limbs" today, humanoid robot technology is advancing rapidly. Experts believe that humanoid robots, with their versatility, intelligence, and ability to use human tools, will continue to see their application scenarios deepen and expand.
In Pudong, companies like Fourier Intelligence and Kepler have introduced their humanoid robot prototypes, most of which were unveiled in 2023. These robots not only boast sleek designs but also demonstrate impressive hardware and motion capabilities.
According to a research report on the humanoid robot industry released this year, the market size of humanoid robots in China is expected to reach nearly 2.76 billion yuan ($387.82 million) in 2024. By 2029, it is projected to reach 75 billion yuan, capturing 32.7 percent of the global market, indicating that the humanoid robot industry is poised for even further explosive growth in the coming years.