A video of a dancing robot has recently gone viral online in China, showing the potential of humanoid robots that can perform more complex and human-like motions.
The robot is powered by an embodied AI model developed by a high-tech company in Hangzhou, the city on China's east coast that has gained prominence as a technological hub since the emergence of DeepSeek.
In the viral video, the robot demonstrates its ability to perform martial arts and dance, executing each movement with grace and meticulous control. This advanced choreography is made possible by its "brain" - the embodied large model.
"Embodied refers to a specific body controlled by a large model. In general, we can perform thousands, even tens of thousands, of dances. If we [our robots] can dance, we can certainly perform other tasks in daily life and production as well," explained Zhang Jiehan, product project director at Westlake Robotics Technology, the company behind the embodied large model.
Under the guidance of the embodied large model, robots' capabilities are expanding rapidly. In addition to their dance performances, these robots can listen attentively, communicate fluently, think independently, navigate complex environments autonomously, and complete a wide range of tasks with precision.
"Our focus is on 'one model, full sensory, multiple forms'. Our large model is capable of adapting to various forms and executing specific tasks. Just like humans, it can utilize vision, language, and even interact with the environment, engaging with the physical world," Zhang added.
As embodied large models continue to evolve, robots are poised to demonstrate a diverse set of capabilities across various sectors.
This year, the company has launched three production lines to manufacture various types of robots, including quadruped, wheeled, biped, and humanoid robots.
These robots are designed to address the needs of industries such as manufacturing, resource exploration, education, and entertainment, further broadening the potential applications of robotic technology.
Robots powered by embodied AI technology to have wide applications
Russia on Friday reported seizing eight cities and towns over the past week, while Ukraine claimed on the same day that its forces had stabilized the situation in the direction of Kupyansk, according to two separate statements released by the two sides.
The Russian Ministry of Defense said in its latest report that over the past week, its forces had controlled eight cities and towns, including Seversk, over the past week in the special military operation zone.
It also said that in response to Ukraine's attacks on the civilian facilities in Russia, the Russian armed forces had launched one large-scale attack and five coordinated attacks from Dec 6 to Dec 12.
The targets included Ukrainian military-industrial enterprises and their associated fuel and energy facilities, transportation infrastructure, and airports and ports used for Ukrainian military operations, as well as temporary deployment points of the Ukrainian armed forces and foreign mercenaries.
The National Guard of Ukraine reported advances in the direction of Kupyansk, controlling two settlements and multiple districts in the northern part of the city and cutting off Russia's supply lines to the strategic hub.
It said the situation in the direction of Kupyansk had been stabilized.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said on Friday that its forces had attacked a Russian oil refinery in the Yaroslavl region, aiming to cut off the Russian military's fuel supply chain.
It also said that on the same day, the Ukrainian forces had launched multiple attacks in the direction of Donetsk, destroying a Russian ammunition depot and hitting a concentration site of Russian personnel.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday on X that he had visited the city of Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region in eastern Ukraine.
During the visit, he met with the Ukrainian troops to mark the Land Forces Day and presented state awards to them.
Kupyansk, a key rail and road logistics hub, has seen intense battles since the autumn of 2024. In November this year, the Russian forces claimed that they had captured the city, according to local media reports.
Russia reports seizing settlements as Ukraine claims gains in direction of Kupyansk
