China's humanoid robot in fine-tuning stage: industry conference

Chinese industry experts attending a major conference in Shanghai on Friday described China's technology for humanoid robots in the fine-tuning stage before their large presence in the services sectors.

The second China Humanoid Robot Ecology Conference opened on Friday at the Shanghai Automobile Exhibition Center, bringing together industry leaders and scholars from home and abroad to explore the latest trends in this rapidly evolving sector.

The two-day event showcases leading Chinese companies' cutting-edge technologies and innovative products.

"We humans are fully intelligent beings. We hope that humanoid robots will start with a single form of intelligence. The goal is to master one task perfectly and then move on to the next, gradually developing from there. We must respect the fundamental laws of scientific and technological development," said Pro. Chu Junhao, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

"The ultimate goal for humanoid robots is certainly to become service robots. The technology is still being fine-tuned in factories or other scenarios before it can enter the service sector," said Leng Xiaokun, founder of Shenzhen-based robotics startup Leju.

Chinese industry professionals have outlined a three-phase roadmap for humanoid robot commercialization. The first phase involves applications in research and commercial service scenarios, such as showroom tours. The second phase, currently being tested, focuses on industrial applications, including factory tasks such as automobile assembly lines. The final phase will introduce humanoid robots into everyday environments, such as households, for general-purpose services.

According to the Chinese Institute of Electronics, China's humanoid robot market is projected to reach 870 billion yuan (about 120 billion U.S. dollars) by 2030.

International scholars from countries such as South Korea and Russia also shared insights on technological achievements and industrial practices at the conference.

China's humanoid robot in fine-tuning stage: industry conference

Thailand will release detained Cambodian soldiers once peace is restored, a Thai official said on Saturday, after the two countries agreed to a ceasefire following days of heavy clashes.

The ceasefire was agreed following intense discussions at General Border Committee (GBC) meetings between Cambodia and Thailand in Thailand’s Chanthaburi province.

Under the agreement, the truce took effect at noon local time and will be monitored by both sides for 72 hours. The Thai government said it reached the agreement after considering the impact of the crisis on the country's economy and international standing.

"Once peace has been restored, civilians can return to their homes safely. Thailand will then release 18 detained Cambodian soldiers," said Thai Defense Minister Gen. Nattaphon Narkphanit at a press conference after the meeting.

Thailand, in turn, expressed hope that Cambodian authorities will allow Thai citizens remaining in Cambodia to return safely.

The coming hours will be a key test of mutual trust. The two countries have agreed to keep communication channels open and work together to combat disinformation, which has complicated negotiations. Thailand also expects Cambodia to assist in clearing landmines in disputed areas.

Thailand said it is watching closely to see whether the ceasefire will be fully implemented, while remaining prepared to defend itself if hostilities resume.

"The ceasefire must be sincerely conducted and maintained. We are going to wait. That is why we have the 72-hour monitoring period in place. If things are not settled within the 72 hours, we will fall back to our protocol of using our right to defend our country," said Thai Air Chief Marshal Prapas Sonjaidee.

Prior to the ceasefire, the situation along the border was tense. During the General Border Committee talks, airstrikes and clashes occurred almost daily, with frontline control shifting frequently, taking a heavy toll on civilians.

Thailand to release detained Cambodian soldiers once peace is restored: official