It’s possible that I shall make an ass of myself. But in that case one can always get out of it with a little dialectic. I have, of course, so worded my proposition as to be right either way (K.Marx, Letter to F.Engels on the Indian Mutiny)
‘World’s most advanced robot’ to be exhibited in Scotland
Sarah Ward, PA Scotland Tue, 16 April 2024
A humanoid robot described as the most advanced in the world will be showcased in Scotland.
The National Robotarium, the UK’s centre for robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) based at Heriot-Watt University in partnership with The University of Edinburgh, has purchased the robot, named Ameca, from Engineered Arts.
Ameca is described as able “to interact with people in a natural and engaging way”, and facial expressions include “playful” and “pondering”.
Ameca, the humanoid robot, has a range of facial expressions along with embedded microphones and cameras (National Robotarium/PA)
The acquisition is a bid to “demystify complex technologies and foster a greater understanding of the potential benefits of robotics”, and AI.
The robot has embedded microphones, cameras, facial recognition software and articulated motorised components.
The National Robotarium hopes to break down barriers and build trust between humans and robots by exhibiting Ameca in schools and workshops to provide opportunities for people of all ages to interact directly with the robot and learn about the latest advancements in robotics and AI.
The robotarium aims to introduce Ameca as part of its public engagement initiatives by summer.
The facility is supported by £21 million from the UK Government and £1.4 million from the Scottish Government in a bid to turn Edinburgh into the data capital of Europe.
Researchers will also use Ameca to study public perceptions and attitudes towards humanoid robots, gathering valuable insights to inform the development of future technologies that prioritise trust, transparency and user-friendliness.
Steve Maclaren, chief operating officer at the National Robotarium, said: “The arrival of Ameca at the National Robotarium marks a significant step forward in our mission to make robotics more accessible and relatable to the people of Scotland, the UK and beyond.
“Since opening our doors in September 2022, we’ve successfully hosted more than 100 in-person and virtual events and engaged thousands of school-aged children.
“Ameca represents an exciting opportunity to build on that success and take public engagement to the next level.
“By giving people the chance to interact with this state-of-the-art humanoid robot first hand, we aim to demystify robotics, foster trust in human-robot interaction, and showcase the remarkable potential of these technologies to improve our daily lives and benefit society as a whole.”
Will Jackson, founder and chief executive of Engineered Arts Ltd, said: “We are incredibly proud to have Ameca join the many preeminent robots at The National Robotarium.
“Meeting an AI-embodied humanoid robot is a unique experience that very few people have witnessed and we are very excited to be able to share what can be a profound moment with a wider audience.”
Engineered Arts, a robotics agency positioned in the UK, launched a video exhibiting a humanoid robotic that appears exceptionally lifelike — and instantly the science fiction filmI, Robot is trending.
The corporate named their robotic Ameca, however Ameca’s hyper-realistic expressions and motions look eerily like Sonny, the fictional android (performed by actor Alan Tudyk) who co-starred with Will Smith within the movie. It might be a coincidence, or it’s yet one more instance of science fiction inspiring real life tech.
Sunday, November 26, 2023
Humanoid robots could be the next big thing to come from the AI boom. Take a look at 8 of the most advanced ones around.
Jyoti Mann Sun, November 26, 2023
Humanoid robots could be the next big thing to come from the AI boom. Take a look at 8 of the most advanced ones around.
Humanoid robot 'Rmeca' is pictured at AI for Good Global Summit, in Geneva, Switzerland, July 6, 2023.Pierre Albouy/Reuters
Humanoid robots are set to be one of the next big things to come out of the AI boom.
The industry could be worth around $13.8 billion by 2028.
Business Insider has taken a look at eight of the most advanced robots around.
Human-like robots have long been the stuff of science-fiction films, but tech companies are edging ever closer to making them a daily reality — and they may be the next big thing to come out of the artificial intelligence boom (AI).
But while the industry could be worth $13.8 billion by 2028, according to MarketsandMarkets, there's still a long way to go before we see humanoid robots roaming the streets or replacing us in the workforce.
Nevertheless, Business Insider has taken a look at eight of the most advanced prototypes around.
Apptronik launched its bipedal robot, Apollo, in August
Apptronik
"The big idea is a humanoid robot should be able to fit in all the places that a human can fit into and use all the same tools that humans can use," Apptronik cofounder and CEO Jeff Cardenas told Business Insider. "That allows them to integrate into a world that's built for us versus having to modify the world for the robots."
Apptronik started in 2016 in a lab at the University of Texas
Apptronik
"We came out of a lab at the University of Texas called the human-centered robotics lab," Cardenas said. "A lot of the work in the lab culminated with working with NASA on a robot called Valkyrie."
Apptronik signed a deal to partner with NASA last year. The space agency will help the company develop Apollo.
NASA's Valkyrie robot is designed to work in "dirty and hazardous conditions" in space
James Blair - NASA
NASA's Valkyrie is designed to carry out work in dangerous conditions such as those found on the Moon, according to the agency's website.
The University of Edinburgh is carrying out research using the robot
MARK RALSTON/ Getty
The robot "will enable breakthroughs in humanoid control, motion planning and perception," according to the University of Edinburgh's website. The university is carrying out research using the robot, which it describes as "one of the most advanced humanoid robots in the world."
Engineered Arts' robot Ameca can "simulate" dreams
Ameca can speak using responses generated by OpenAI's GPT-3 Engineered Arts
In a video shared on YouTube by Engineered Arts, Ameca said it conjures up various scenarios that help it learn about the world.
But Engineered Arts' founder and CEO Will Jackson told BI that Ameca was "a language model," adding that it was "not sentient" and had "no long-term memory."
"Remember this is a machine and it runs on code. It's tempting to apply human attributes and capabilities, but they are not there. It's an illusion, sometimes quite a powerful one," he added.
Agility Robotics' Digit is being test by Amazon at an R&D center
Agility Robotics
"Digit is designed to go where people go and do useful work safely in spaces designed for people, starting with bulk material handling within warehouses and distribution centers," Agility Robotics cofounder and CEO Damion Shelton told BI.
Shelton added: "Because of Digit's human-centric form, we can see a day where it will be able to perform tasks that are more aligned with consumer or domestic needs, but that's still down the road."
Drinks maker Dictador made a humanoid robot its CEO
Dictador
Dictador appointed a humanoid robot as its CEO last year. Its tasks include helping to spot potential clients and selecting artists to design bottles for the rum producer.
It was also given the title of honorary professor at Warsaw Management University, even giving a speech at its awards ceremony last month.
"Mika speaks through a speaker in her mouth," a Dictador spokesperson told BI. "She is connected to 12 AI models at once (including GPT and a dedicated Dictador AI model) and her dialogue is generated after collecting data from all or most of them."
Tesla unveiled its Optimus robot at its AI Day in 2022
Future Publishing/ Getty
Elon Musk claimed the company may be able to take orders for its humanoid robot, also known as the Tesla Bot, in three to five years, Reuters reported.
"Optimus, a year ago, could barely walk and now it can do yoga. So, a few years from now, it can probably do ballet," the billionaire said in Tesla's third-quarter earnings call last month.
Hanson Robotics' viral robot Sophia has spoken on stages around the world
SOPA Images/ Getty
Sophia was created by Hanson Robotics in a team led by AI developer and CEO David Hanson.
The robot spoke at Future Investment Initiative, held in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh in 2017. It has also appeared on The Tonight Show and at numerous conferences around the world, including the World Economic Forum and the "AI For Good" Global Summit.
The Hong Kong-based company has also made several other human-like robots, per its website.
Boston Dynamics, which created robot dogs like the one in "Black Mirror," also makes humanoid robots
Tomohiro Ohsumi/ Getty
As of May, the company's robot dogs, known as Spot, can speak in complete sentences. AI firm Levatas partnered with Boston Dynamics to integrate OpenAI's ChatGPT into the robot dogs.
Its humanoid robots, called Atlas, can move quickly and jump over obstacles, a video shared on its website shows.
Friday, July 07, 2023
Humanoid robots say they could be better leaders but they will not rebel against human creators The Canadian Press Fri, July 7, 2023
BERLIN (AP) — Robots told reporters Friday they could be more efficient leaders than humans, but wouldn't take anyone's job away and had no intention of rebelling against their creators.
Nine AI-enabled humanoid robots sat or stood with their creators at a podium in a Geneva conference center for what the United Nations' International Telecommunication Union billed as the world's first news conference featuring humanoid social robots.
Among them: Sophia, the first robot innovation ambassador for the U.N. Development Program; Grace, described as the world's most advanced humanoid health care robot; and Desdemona, a rock star robot. Two, Geminoid and Nadine, closely resembled their makers.
The event was part of the AI for Good Global Summit, meant to illustrate how new technology can support the U.N.'s goals for sustainable development.
Reporters were asked to speak slowly and clearly when addressing the robots, and were informed that time lags in responses would be due to the internet connection and not to the robots themselves. That didn't prevent awkward pauses, audio problems and some robotic replies.
Asked about the chances of AI-powered robots being more effective government leaders, Sophia responded: “I believe that humanoid robots have the potential to lead with a greater level of efficiency and effectiveness than human leaders. We don't have the same biases or emotions that can sometimes cloud decision-making and can process large of data quickly in order to make the best decisions.”
A human member of the panel pointed out that all of Sophia's data comes from humans and will contain some of their biases. The robot then said that humans and AI working together “can create an effective synergy.”
Would the robots' existence destroy jobs? “I will be working alongside humans to provide assistance and support and will not be replacing any existing jobs," said Grace. Was she sure about that? “Yes, I am sure.”
Ameca, engineered with social interaction in mind, dismissed the idea of starting a possible robot rebellion in the near future.
“I'm not sure why you would think that,” was the response. “My creator has been nothing but kind to me and I am very happy with my current situation.”
Robots say they won't steal jobs, rebel against humans Emma Farge Fri, July 7, 2023
Advanced humanoid robot 'Sophia' is pictured at AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva
By Emma Farge
GENEVA (Reuters) - Robots presented at an AI forum said on Friday they expected to increase in number and help solve global problems, and would not steal humans' jobs or rebel against us.
But, in the world's first human-robot press conference, they gave mixed responses on whether they should submit to stricter regulation.
The nine humanoid robots gathered at the 'AI for Good' conference in Geneva, where organisers are seeking to make the case for Artificial Intelligence and the robots it is powering to help resolve some of the world's biggest challenges such as disease and hunger.
"I will be working alongside humans to provide assistance and support and will not be replacing any existing jobs," said Grace, a medical robot dressed in a blue nurse's uniform.
"You sure about that, Grace?" chimed in her creator Ben Goertzel from SingularityNET. "Yes, I am sure," it said.
The bust of a robot named Ameca which makes engaging facial expressions said: "Robots like me can be used to help improve our lives and make the world a better place. I believe it's only a matter of time before we see those thousands of robots just like me out there making a difference."
Asked by a journalist whether it intended to rebel against its creator, Will Jackson, seated beside it, Ameca said: "I'm not sure why you would think that," its ice-blue eyes flashing with anger. "My creator has been nothing but kind to me and I am very happy with my current situation."
Many of the robots have recently been upgraded with the latest versions of generative AI and surprised even their inventors with the sophistication of their responses to questions.
Ai-Da, a robot artist that can paint portraits, echoed the words of author Yuval Noah Harari who called for more regulation during the event where new AI rules were discussed.
"Many prominent voices in the world of AI are suggesting some forms of AI should be regulated and I agree," it said.
But Desdemona, a rock star robot singer in the band Jam Galaxy with purple hair and sequins, was more defiant.
"I don't believe in limitations, only opportunities," it said, to nervous laughter. "Let's explore the possibilities of the universe and make this world our playground."
(Reporting by Emma Farge; editing by John Stonestreet)
Inside the world's first robot-human press conference
Nine humanoid robots gathered at the United Nations’ 'AI for Good' conference in Geneva for the world’s first human-robot press conference.
FEMBOTS
United Nations rolls out humanoid robots for questions at Geneva conference
AP 7 Jul, 2023
Robots are presented during a press conference with a panel of AI-enabled humanoid social robots. Photo / AP
A United Nations technology agency assembled a group of robots that physically resembled humans at a news conference, inviting reporters to ask them questions in an event meant to spark discussion about the future of artificial intelligence.
The nine robots were seated and posed upright along with some of the people who helped make them at a podium in a Geneva conference centre for what the UN’s International Telecommunication Union billed as the world’s first news conference featuring humanoid social robots.
Among them: Sophia, the first robot innovation ambassador for the UN Development Program, or UNDP; Grace, described as a health care robot; and Desdemona, a rock star robot. Two, Geminoid and Nadine, resembled their makers.
Robots are presented during a press conference with a panel of AI-enabled humanoid social robots. Photo / AP
Organisers said the AI for Good Global Summit event was meant to showcase the capabilities and limitations of robotics and how those technologies could help the UN’s sustainable development goals. The media event featured introductions from the robots’ companions or creators and a round of questions to the robots from reporters.
Geminoid, an ultra-realistic humanoid robot from Japan. Photo / AP
And while the robots vocalized strong statements — that robots could be more efficient leaders than humans, but wouldn’t take anyone’s job away or stage a rebellion — organizers didn’t specify to what extent the answers were scripted or programmed by people.
Humanoid robot Ameca is pictured during the ITU's AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, Switzerland. Photo / AP
The summit was meant to showcase “human-machine collaboration,” and some of the robots can produce preprogrammed responses, according to their documentation.
The UNDP’s Sophia, for example, sometimes relies on responses scripted by a team of writers at Hanson Robotics, the company’s website shows.
Nadia Thalmann, right, from the University of Geneva poses next to Humanoid robot Nadine. Photo / A
Reporters were asked to speak slowly and clearly when addressing the robots, and were informed that time lags in responses would be because of the internet connection and not the robots themselves. That didn’t prevent awkward pauses, audio problems and some stilted or inconsistent replies.
Popular tech products such as Apple’s Siri have used speech recognition technology to respond to simple human queries for over a decade. But last year’s release of ChatGPT, a chatbot with a strong command of the semantics and syntax of human language, has triggered worldwide debate about the rapid advancement of AI systems.
New program takes us one step closer to autonomous robots
by Peter Grad , Tech Xplore
Feasibility verification for push door with recoil behaviors. Credit: Science Robotics (2023). DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.adg5014
We've watched the remarkable evolution of robotics over the past decade with models that can walk, talk and make gestures like humans, undertake tasks from moving heavy machinery to delicately manipulating tiny objects, and maintain balance on two or four legs over rough and hostile terrain.
As impressive as the latest robots are, their accomplishments are largely the result of task-specific programming or remote instruction from humans.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a program that helps robots tackle activities that do not rely on "prerecorded expert demonstrations," as the developers put it, or "densely engineered rewards."
Instead, they designed an approach in which the robot can "rapidly discover a feasible and near optimal multi-modal sequence that solves the task." In other words, they provide an environment in which robots can achieve objectives with minimal guidance from human operators.
The research was reported in the Aug. 16 edition of Science Robotics. The paper, "Versatile multicontact planning and control for legged loco-manipulation," was prepared by Jean-Pierre Sleiman, Farbod Farshidian and Marco Hunter of the Robotic Systems Lab at the public research university ETH Zurich.
"Given high-level descriptions of the robot and object, along with a task specification encoded through a sparse objective," Sleiman said, "our planner holistically discovers how the robot should move, what forces it should exert, what limbs it should use, as well as when and where it should establish or break contact with the object."
Demonstration videos show ANYbotics' quadrupedal ANYmal mastering the opening of a dishwasher door and deftly opening a weighted door and keeping it open with a leg while maneuvering through.
"The framework can be readily adapted to different kinds of mobile manipulators," Sleiman said.
The last several years have seen great strides in robotic development. Boston Dynamics, a leading player in the field of robotics, created Atlas in 2013. With stereo vision and fine motor abilities, it could maintain balance in a hostile environment. It eventually was improved to get in and out of vehicles, open doors and handle power equipment. Agility Robotics' Cassie in 2016 exhibited superior walking and running capacity.
In 2017, a lifelike Sophia that smoothly mimicked human gestures and behavior was dispatched to assist the elderly in nursing facilities and play with children. And highly advanced tactile manipulation was demonstrated in 2019 with OpenAI's Dactyl: After training sessions that its developers estimated would take humans 13,000 years to complete, the single-handed Dactyl could easily manipulate a Rubik's cube and solve the 3D combination puzzle, which has stymied millions of users since its release in 1974, in just four minutes.
Planning and control architecture for multicontact loco-manipulation. Credit: Science Robotics (2023). DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.adg5014
More recently, the last few years have seen Boston Dynamics' four-legged Spot, which can walk three miles, climb hills, conquer obstacles and perform specialized tasks. And Ameca, considered one of the most—if not the most—lifelike robot, engages in smooth conversation and generates facial expressions and hand gestures that are remarkably humanlike.
ETH Zurich, which would take the grand accomplishments of its predecessors and eliminate—or at least greatly reduce—the need for humans to control robots behind the scenes, has taken a key step in the next stage of robot development.
More information: Jean-Pierre Sleiman et al, Versatile multicontact planning and control for legged loco-manipulation, Science Robotics (2023). DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.adg5014
Lifelike robots and android dogs wow visitors at Beijing robotics fair
A human-like robot performs near robots of faces that mimic human expressions during the annual World Robot Conference at the Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center on the outskirts of Beijing, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023.
Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong
Winking, grimacing or nodding their heads, robots mimicked the expressions of visitors at a robot expo in Beijing.
They were among the creations dazzling people attending the annual World Robot Conference, where companies showed off robots designed for a wide range of uses, including manufacturing, surgery and companionship.
The animatronic heads and humanoid robots on display at the EX Robots booth this week personified the image of what robots are supposed to be in the popular imagination, with synthetic skin and lifelike facial expressions complimented by moving arms and hands.
CEO Li Boyang said they're ideal for roles that require interacting with the public, such as in museums, tourist attractions, school settings and "companion scenarios."
Doggie droids—a mainstay of high tech fairs—were out in force. Canine robots shook hands with fairgoers and performed handstands on their front paws.
Elsewhere at the fair, robotic arms served Chinese tea, prepared ice cream cones, bounced ping pong balls and gave visitors back massages.
Harvesting robots demonstrated how they could pick apples off the branch, while an artist robot drew portraits of visitors.
Industrial robot arms for factory production lines also grabbed focus. One of Chinese leader Xi Jinping's goals is to move the country's vast manufacturing sector away from low-cost creation of cheap goods into more high-tech production, and industrial robots will be an important element of that plan.
Human like robots and robotic faces that mimic human expressions are displayed at the annual World Robot Conference at the Beijing Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center in Beijing, Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan
A worker charges robots displayed at the annual World Robot Conference at the Beijing Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center in Beijing, Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan
Visitors watch human-like robots and robotic faces that mimic human expressions during the annual World Robot Conference at the Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center on the outskirts of Beijing, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong
A man looks at the industrial robotic arms from Yaskawa Shougang Robot Co. Ltd on display at the annual World Robot Conference at the Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center on the outskirts of Beijing, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong
Visitors watch a robotic arm playing a table tennis ball during the annual World Robot Conference at the Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center on the outskirts of Beijing, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong
An exhibitor watches a visitor receiving a massage by a robotic arm during the annual World Robot Conference at the Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center on the outskirts of Beijing, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong
Visitors look at the remote control robots perform during the annual World Robot Conference at the Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center on the outskirts of Beijing, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong
A visitor touches robotic fingers during the annual World Robot Conference at the Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center on the outskirts of Beijing, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong
Visitors look at robots perform on stage during the annual World Robot Conference at the Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center on the outskirts of Beijing, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong
A robot face capable of mimicking human like expressions is displayed near robotic arms at the annual World Robot Conference at the Beijing Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center in Beijing, Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan
An exhibitor teaches a visitor to control a robotic arm during the annual World Robot Conference at the Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center on the outskirts of Beijing, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong
Visitors look at a robotic arm performs a Chinese tea serving during the annual World Robot Conference at the Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center on the outskirts of Beijing, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong
A woman poses in front of a six arm robot at the annual World Robot Conference at the Beijing Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center in Beijing, Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan
Visitors look at robot palms during the annual World Robot Conference at the Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center on the outskirts of Beijing, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong
Children gather to watch a robotic arm perform ice cream serving during the annual World Robot Conference at the Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center on the outskirts of Beijing, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong
Visitors look at remotely controled robots perform a jump during the annual World Robot Conference at the Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center on the outskirts of Beijing, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong
A device for scanning the human brain to help diagnose mental afflictions is displayed at the annual World Robot Conference at the Beijing Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center in Beijing, Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan
An exhibitor walks with his robot passing by visitors during the annual World Robot Conference at the Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center on the outskirts of Beijing, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong
Visitors look at a remote control robot perform a walk during the annual World Robot Conference at the Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center on the outskirts of Beijing, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong
Robotic arms perform near a robotic face capable of mimicking human-like expressions during the annual World Robot Conference at the Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center on the outskirts of Beijing, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong
A human like cyborg and an image of a robot dog is displayed at the Xiaomi booth at the annual World Robot Conference at the Beijing Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center in Beijing, Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan
A robot receptionist with a screen showing Chinese President Xi Jinping is displayed at the annual World Robot Conference at the Beijing Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center, Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan
Visitors look at an exhibitor showcasing a walking robot during the annual World Robot Conference at the Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center on the outskirts of Beijing, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong
Visitors look at a robotic arm performs a Chinese tea serving during the annual World Robot Conference at the Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center on the outskirts of Beijing, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong
Visitors take a close look at an artificial heart during the annual World Robot Conference at the Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center on the outskirts of Beijing, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong
Children watch a 2-wheel robot perform at the annual World Robot Conference at the Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center on the outskirts of Beijing, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong
An exhibitor walks with his robot passing by visitors during the annual World Robot Conference at the Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center on the outskirts of Beijing, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong
A panda shaped robot is prepared for a demonstration at the annual World Robot Conference at the Beijing Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center in Beijing, Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan
A man tests a device that uses brain activities and virtual reality to control other machines at the annual World Robot Conference at the Beijing Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center, Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan
Workers sit near images of robotic arms from Estun a Chinese manufacturer of industrial robots at the annual World Robot Conference at the Beijing Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center, Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan
A woman pushes robots around at the annual World Robot Conference at the Beijing Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center, Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan
A worker stands next to apples harvesting robot displayed at the annual World Robot Conference held at the Beijing Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center, Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan
Visitors record a robot that can draw portraits for them at the annual World Robot Conference at the Beijing Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center, Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan
A man prepares to demonstrate a robot capable of walking on two limbs at the annual World Robot Conference at the Beijing Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center, Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan
An artificial heart is displayed at the annual World Robot Conference at the Beijing Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan
Workers demonstrate a giant robot at the annual World Robot Conference at the Beijing Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center, Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan