Key facts
- Asian manufacturers are increasingly adopting AI to improve electric vehicles and humanoid robots.
- This strategy aims to compete with rapidly expanding Chinese players in these sectors.
- China is focusing on humanoid robotics, leveraging its expertise in EV supply chains.
- Companies like Unitree Robotics and UBTECH Robotics are developing advanced humanoids.
- AI is enhancing robot capabilities, enabling intuitive control and autonomous task execution.
Asian manufacturers are increasingly integrating artificial intelligence into the development of electric vehicles (EVs) and humanoid robots, seeking to gain a competitive edge amidst the rapid expansion of Chinese players in these burgeoning industries.
Jun Seki, chief strategy officer for EVs at Foxconn, highlighted at the Global Digital Summit 2026 that electric vehicles are poised to become more prominent as driving becomes increasingly automated. This focus on AI-driven advancements is crucial for manufacturers aiming to differentiate themselves in a market where China is making significant strides.
China is strategically positioning itself to lead in humanoid robotics, drawing parallels with its successful expansion in the EV sector. The country is leveraging its established expertise in supply chains for batteries, motors, and large-scale manufacturing to advance humanoid development. While Chinese original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are concentrating on task-specific industrial humanoids, Western developers are prioritizing high-end, general-purpose models, indicating diverse global strategies.
Companies across Asia are showcasing advanced robotic capabilities. Unitree Robotics has demonstrated its G1 humanoid with enhanced agility and an AI system named 'Benben' for natural communication and learning. UBTECH Robotics presented its Walker S, capable of complex manufacturing tasks, and Zhiyuan Robot is focusing on embodied AI for domestic kitchen systems. Kepler Robotics offers the Forerunner K2, a versatile humanoid with advanced sensors, while SoftBank Robotics Group has showcased AI-RAN solutions and a 'Porter Robot'.
Significant investment in AI chip research by Chinese companies is enabling robots to perform complex tasks autonomously. Advancements in AI are facilitating intuitive control through natural language and adaptive learning. Furthermore, companies like Japan's Mujin are developing universal intelligent robot controllers that streamline industrial automation by eliminating manual programming requirements.