“Goal!”
As the ball kicked by the red team humanoid (human-shaped robot) went into the goal, a user of Douyin (Chinese TikTok) who was live broadcasting shouted joyfully. The comment section was also flooded with 'Nice ball' (好球). In this soccer match, four humanoids, each 82 cm tall and weighing 17 kg, about the size of kindergarteners, participated in teams of two. The process leading up to the score was challenging. The ball often went out of bounds, and at times, it even stopped right in front of the goal. One robot stumbled as it approached the ball, colliding with the goalpost. The first goal was finally scored thanks to the goalkeeper completely leaving their position and standing right in front of the goal.
Various sporting events showcasing humanoids' physical abilities have been held continuously in China. Following the recent global attention garnered by the world's first humanoid half marathon, soccer and basketball competitions have also been organized. Analysts suggest that despite the immature technology of humanoids, China continues to create such platforms to encourage related corporations and accelerate the pace of automation in the industry. This is seen as a way to overcome the weakening of growth drivers due to the U.S.-China conflict with advanced technology.
◇ Robots participating in soccer match… technical advancements still lack formal competition
According to reports from Chinese media, including Caixin, the China Electronics Society, an academic group under the China State Council, has been conducting the first annual embodied intelligence robot sports festival since the day before in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province. Embodied intelligence refers to the ability of artificial intelligence (AI) with a physical body to interact with the surrounding environment and make self-judgments. Following the forum the day before, this festival officially began, featuring more than 100 robot corporations participating in various events, including a 5 km sprint, cross country, soccer, basketball, and dance. Major players in the Chinese robotics industry, such as Unitrip and Leju Yubitech, also joined the lineup.
Particularly noteworthy was the soccer event. Soccer requires basic running skills, along with flexibility, agility, and situational judgment, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of humanoid technology levels. Observations from the event revealed that humanoid technology still has many areas needing improvement. Robots developed by Guangdong-based robotics company Gaoqing Jidian (高擎機電) were able to stand still and kick the ball, but seemed to lack the technology to run while dribbling. The humanoids moved slightly while rolling their feet, leading to occasional moments where the ball would hit their feet. There were instances where the ball was passed to the opposing team, or the goalkeeper completely left the goal and went in the opposite direction.
At the same time, a soccer match featuring humanoids was also held at the 'China Humanoid Ecosystem Conference' in Shanghai. The robots here also struggled to showcase a proper soccer game. However, it was evident that humanoid physical capabilities are gradually advancing. One robot knelt in the middle of the field and began to do push-ups by reaching its arms forward. An engineer suddenly entered the field and forcefully kicked the robot over, but it quickly got back up and regained its balance. A Wuxi sports festival official noted, “The purpose of this sports competition is to provide a platform for corporations to showcase their products and strengths, expand application scenarios for corporations, and accelerate the pace of industry attraction.”
◇ The Chinese government lays the groundwork for competition… U.S.-China rivalry as a catalyst
The Chinese government has been holding various humanoid events, including the world's first humanoid half marathon held on the 19th in Yizhuang, southern Beijing, as well as the sports festival on this day. Foreign media report that, similar to how China has dominated the global electric vehicle market thanks to government-led policies, a similar process is occurring in the humanoid sector. Numerous corporations are encouraged to compete with each other, creating an environment that fosters the enhancement of technological capabilities. According to U.S. Business Insider, “In the race to dominate humanoids, China is not just gaining an advantage but is already leading the way.”
Analysts suggest that the Chinese government's direct support for the humanoid industry and the establishment of related platforms have been catalyzed by the U.S.-China conflict. China has long faced concerns about a decline in industrial competitiveness due to a shrinking population, and the ongoing tariff war with the U.S. has made it essential to find a breakthrough. The country is leveraging humanoids as a means to demonstrate technological superiority while enhancing industrial competitiveness. The British Financial Times (FT) stated, “The goal is to expand factory automation by providing the foundation for humanoids to catch up with industrial robots specialized in performing a single repetitive task.”
Thanks to this, China's humanoid supply chain is gradually becoming more robust. According to the British Economist, among approximately 60 listed companies producing cameras, sensors, and other components for humanoids' eyes, hands, muscles, and joints, 48 are Chinese corporations. Among them, only 12 companies posted revenues exceeding $1 billion last year, of which 10 were Chinese. Bank of America (BoA) projects that due to this supply chain, the production cost of Chinese humanoids will drop to $17,000 (about 24 million won) by 2030, which is half of the current level.
Major global economic organizations foresee that China will bring about a significant transformation in the humanoid industry. Citigroup predicts that the humanoid market size will reach $7 trillion by 2050, while BoA forecasts that there will be 3 billion humanoids by 2060, equivalent to one humanoid for every three people. Goldman Sachs anticipates that the market size will grow from $150 billion in 2023 to $200 billion within ten years. The British Economist reported, “All three banks expect China to lead this revolution.”