Humanoid robots: From factories to orchestras

A humanoid robot is skilled in assembly line work. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

The Zhejiang Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, located in Haishu district of Ningbo, is making preparations for the mass production of humanoid robots.

Established in December 2023 by the Ningbo government and Professor Xiong Rong's team from the Robotics Laboratory of Zhejiang University, the center introduced "NAVIAI" at the 2024 World Robot Conference.

The center's engineers are working to enhance the robot's "brain" by integrating various algorithms to enable robots to generalize from the robots' experiences.

NAVIAI is already employed in several factories, performing basic assembly line tasks. The center collaborates with local industries to improve key components like reducers, essential for the robot's joint quality and precision. This interdisciplinary effort aims to enhance coordination and agility.

Notably, NAVIAI can also conduct an orchestra, replicating the movements of a human conductor. This achievement results from enhanced joint performance and algorithm integration, overcoming high-dynamic precision control challenges.

The center, where young researchers and dozens of robots work together, serves as both a laboratory and assembly base. The robots, which are manually assembled, have garnered significant orders. In addition, a new production factory in Haishu district is under construction, which is set to produce 100 robots annually, driving intelligent manufacturing and smart living revolution.

A humanoid robot conducts music. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]